Finding Your Two-Tap Basin Annoying?

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As many of my European customers will testify, one of the oddest things they notice about living in the UK is the two-tap setup in sinks and basins. And, to be fair, most of my British customers agree.

The problem with this arrangement is the lack of temperature control. You’re left fiddling with two taps, balancing hot and cold through separate spouts — like spinning plates in a circus act.

If you want a thorough wash, you either fill the basin and wait for the water to settle to a bearable temperature (before splashing it everywhere), or you do the hot–cold juggle under the taps and risk scorched knuckles. Ideally, you’d just pull a lever and get the perfect mix through a single spout.

It’s simple to solve

You’ve got two main options, depending on your budget:

Cap one hole and fit a mixer tap in the other
This is the simplest and most affordable approach — quick, tidy, and no need to replace the sink itself. Just a chrome cap leaving a tidy and polished finish.
Go for a central tap by replacing the entire sink
A slightly bigger job, but it gives you that clean, modern look with a perfectly positioned mixer tap.

Either way, the result is the same: one spout, better control, and no more juggling hot and cold water.

And doesn’t cost too much

A basic mixer tap and professional installation starts at around £250–£300 + VAT
A full basin and installation can start at £450-£500 + VAT
Over time, you’ll likely save money on water and energy bills thanks to better temperature control

Quick and painless to install

Replacing old two-tap setups doesn’t mean major plumbing work. In fact, a straightforward installation can usually be completed in just a couple of hours. Mess is minimal, and there’ll be no leaks or staining.

Installing complete basin replacements is also pretty straightforward. It obviously requires more time – usually an extra hour or so, but much of that is because of the heavy lifting involved.

Like the idea of simpler temperature control? Book an installation today.

Samuele The Italian Plumber

Other blog posts by Samuele can be read at theitalianplumber.co.uk/blog.

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October 24, 2025