b'Walk into any plumbing store, and youll find a diverse varietyof taps: bathroom taps, kitchen taps, classic curves, contemporary angles, mixers, single levers, cheap ones, expensive ones. So many,in fact, that it can be difficult to know where to begin.However, choosing a tap boils down to style, practicalityChris says finding a good quality tap comes down toVisit www.lgcarder.co.nz and budget. The key is to find your place in the matrix,themanufacturer.Thebetterthequalityoftherawto get started.says Chris Stanford of LG Carder.materialstheyuse,thebetterthetapstheyproduce.Find a Master Plumber close to you at Whatdoesyourbathroomorkitchenlooklike,andManytapsaremadefrombrassandthenplatedinwww.masterplumbers. chrometogivethemthepopularsilverfinish.Goodorg.nz.will a traditional shape or a modern, minimalist tap suit best? Will the tap be a feature of the bench or is it in thequality taps have a very limited amount of lead in the background? Do you want to be able to nudge up thebrass, which is better for your health. They also havetemperature of the water with your elbow? Do you wanta generous coating of chrome and use technology that a pull-out spray for rinsing the lettuce? Answering theseensures it adheres well to the brass.questions will help you find the perfect tap. Some of the problems you will face with a cheap tap However, theres another essential aspect to considerincludechromepeelingoff,andwaterdrippingand before you head out to the plumbing shop. Is yourleaking. Its worth investing in qualityask your stockist water high or low pressure? If you dont know, checkto recommend some of the better brands, says Chris. your hot water cylinder or system, or ask your plumber.You should note, though, that the performance of your If you have low water pressure, your choices will betap will be affected by the quality of workmanship when limited,butfortunatelyfirmssuchasMethvenandits installed. Your plumber will have a huge impact on Greensmakeaselectionoftapsthatdelivergreathow well your tap works, so choose wisely.performance under low pressure.When choosing taps, ask about:Also important are the inner workings of a tap, whichWater pressure requiredare often ceramic, offering durability, low maintenanceManufacturing materialsand improved performance. Ceramic discs replace washers,Ergonomicseliminating dripping, while ceramic cartridges allow you Internal movement componentsto turn the tap off in as little as a quarter turn. Additional features| 97'