It’s very easy to be won over by some of the beautiful tapware in Australia, but good looks only go so far. Reliable tapware is essential to any home and something you want to get right the first time.

But how do you know if a particular tap is reliable and ready to see you through years of use? In this article, we step you through our top five most important features to look for when choosing taps. From water efficiency to finishes and innovation, these criteria will help you make a fabulous choice with no regrets.

Especially if you’re new to renovating, it’s hard to know what distinguishes an average tap from a quality one. But with the helpful tips below, you’ll know exactly what to look for and what to steer clear of.

1. Water efficiency

Inefficient taps are big culprits of water wastage. With water resources in decline globally, it’s important to take a wide berth around taps that aren’t water-wise.

Greedy taps are also more expensive to run, so there’s not just an environmental reason for selecting water-efficient taps, but an economic one.

The Water Efficiency Labelling & Standards Scheme (WELS) is Australia’s way of helping consumers distinguish between the water efficiency of certain appliances and taps. In our book, it’s the first thing you should check when shopping for reliable tapware. The higher the star rating, which ranges from 0 – 6, the more water efficient the tap is, and responsible brands will display this information clearly.

2. Long warranties

One of the best signs of reliability is a long warranty, so do your due diligence and check this before you commit to buying your taps. Keep in mind that warranties often differ for the various parts of a tap, such as finishes and cartridges.

Reputable brands offer warranties of at least 5 years. But some brands, like Greens Tapware, offer a 5-year replacement on parts, 20 years on cartridges and a lifetime warranty on brass cartridges.

3. Performance quality

As every plumber would attest, not all taps are created equal. There are some big differences between average taps and quality ones, such as leaks, corrosion and poor operation to name a few.

Look for brands and products that meet the highest quality and design benchmarks and have ISO 9001 certification. Such companies meet international quality standards and have processes in place to deliver impeccable products. Trust us, this is a box you definitely want to tick!

4. Buying coloured taps? Look for a PVD finish

A trending tapware feature in reno circles, Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) is a type of coating that protects the layer of colour on a tap.

With the power to resist rust, tarnishing, fading and scratches, it’s an essential component of reliable coloured tapware.

As brushed copper and brushed brass finishes continue to lead the popularity stakes, savvy renovators are increasingly turning to PVD finishes for reliability.

5. Technological innovation

Reliable tapware almost always sits at the forefront of technological innovation. It’s much more likely to meet the demands of a busy lifestyle and serve as a reliable fixture years into the future.

For example, RainBoost® Technology caters to households with varying water pressure. This gives households peace of mind that they’ll have a full-coverage shower regardless of poor water pressure. Likewise, Greenstyle Safeflow Pressure Equalizing Valve (PEV) technology means the end of worrying about uneven hot and cold water again, regardless of the supply to your house.

Luxury innovations, like the patented BubbleJET® system, are another important marker of reliability in tapware because they combine premium function, ergonomics and the latest technology in one product. This means a relaxing, more luxe shower experience – and one you know you’ll get the next day.

Making HOME is working with Greens Tapware to bring you this article. Expertly designed in New Zealand for the modern lifestyle, Greens Tapware proudly sits at the forefront of technological tapware innovation and trends through constant research and innovation.

This article first appeared on Making HOME.