What you need to know about bathroom taps
There are a number of regulations regarding the fitting of bathroom taps, or anything else connected to the water supply. The Water Regulation Advisory Scheme, or WRAS, has a list of standards that should be complied with.
When looking at taps in a showroom inspect the packaging and see if they are up to standard. If this is not clear on the packaging ask if the taps conform to the Water Regulation Advisory Scheme standard. You need to know if the non-metal parts of the taps conform to the BS 6920 standard and that they are not made using any materials that are hazardous to health.
Check out what the taps are actually made of. Some taps look good, but they are made of a brass and zinc alloy which will not be very hard wearing. If you buy these taps they will soon look dull and need to be replaced in a couple of years. If you are thinking of buying chrome plated taps the chrome should be at least 40 microns in thickness as anything less will flake off with use.
If you buy bathroom taps which are up to the WRAS standards and have a certificate to say so, they are more likely to be good quality and to be hard wearing. The best of bathroom taps have at least a five year guarantee and if you are considering mixer taps you may even be able to get a lifetime guarantee if you search around among the different brands.