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You might think a tap is just a tap, but add the right accessories and suddenly your sink becomes smarter, neater, and far more efficient. Faucet accessories—everything from aerators and cartridges to sensor taps—can reduce drips, cut your water bill, and even modernize a tired kitchen or bathroom. Think of them as tiny upgrades that punch well above their weight, like putting turbochargers on a family car: subtle, but game-changing.
Before you buy, it helps to know what's on the market. Each accessory has a clear job: improve flow, stop leaking, or add functionality. Knowing the difference saves you time and the awkward moment when you get home with the wrong part. Below are the essentials you’ll come across when shopping in the UK.
Aerators screw onto the end of a spout and mix air with water to maintain pressure while using less water—like a tiny traffic controller keeping the flow steady. They’re measured in gallons per minute (GPM); common low-flow options are 1.5 GPM or lower, which can cut water use significantly without making handwashing feel like a drizzle.
Touchless taps use infrared sensors to switch water on and off, making them brilliant for hygiene and water-saving. Models such as the Hyco Vega Automatic Infrared Square Tap, sold by Expert Electrical, combine a modern square profile with sensor tech to reduce run-on water. These taps are ideal for busy households or guest bathrooms where you want cleanliness without fuss.
These are the unsung heroes that stop drips. Cartridges control the mix of hot and cold and often fail before the tap does; replacing a worn cartridge can extend the life of a mixer tap by years. Washers and O-rings sit inside the assembly and are cheap fixes for common leaks—like changing a worn shoe sole rather than buying new trainers.
Flexible hoses attach taps to the water supply and come in different lengths; make sure you check inches when measuring. A typical replacement flexible hose might be 12 to 24 inches, but measure the run under your sink before buying. Look for braided stainless steel for long life and kink resistance.
For kitchen sinks, a pull-out or pull-down sprayer turns rinsing and filling pans from a chore into a breeze. They slot into the spout assembly and require a compatible kitchen tap or a replacement spout kit, so double-check the connection type—many UK taps use standard 1/2 inch fittings at the supply side.
These cover holes and give a neat finish around taps. If you’re replacing a two-hole old-school tap with a modern single-handle mixer, a trim plate (also called a deck plate) can hide mismatched holes and save you from refitting the entire sink—like a magic carpet for awkward gaps.
Shopping for faucet accessories in the UK is easy—there are big national chains, specialist plumbing suppliers, and online marketplaces. Each has strengths: big stores carry competitive prices and fast pickup, while specialist retailers stock unique models and technical advice. Here are the most useful places to look.
Expert Electrical is a great source for sensor taps and modern electronic fixtures. If you’re hunting for advanced pieces like the Hyco Vega Automatic Infrared Square Tap, this is a go-to option. They often stock sensor modules, batteries or mains adapters, and accessories tailored for infrared faucets, which is handy if you're upgrading an older installation.
Screwfix is a favourite for tradespeople and DIYers alike, with a wide selection of cartridges, aerators, flexible hoses, and whole tap units. They often have competitive prices and multiple pickup points across the UK, making it easy when you need a part the same day. Their product pages include fittings size information so you can match parts without guesswork.
B&Q is useful if you want a mix of style and affordability. From contemporary mixer taps to replacement washers and aerators, they cover the basics and decorative finishes. Their store network is large, so if you prefer to see finishes in person before buying, B&Q is convenient.
Wickes focuses on practical, mid-range options that balance quality and price. They often carry kitchen sprayers, mixer cartridges, and installation kits. For homeowners tackling a full bathroom revamp, Wickes supplies a decent range that fits most budgets.
Toolstation is another solid option for professional-grade parts and accessories. They stock durable hoses, high-quality cartridges, and some sensor tap components. Their quick local branches make it a smart choice when a simple part turns into an emergency fix.
If you want specialist plumbing suppliers, Plumbase and VictoriaPlumb offer wide catalogs of high-end taps, spare parts, and technical fittings. These retailers are particularly useful when you’re after specific brand-compatible cartridges or rare finishes that general DIY stores don’t carry.
Amazon UK and other online marketplaces can be hit-or-miss but are worth checking for hard-to-find accessories or competitive pricing. Read product Q&As and reviews to confirm compatibility and quality; it’s easy to end up with the wrong thread size or a cheap aerator that clogs quickly.
Choosing the right faucet accessory is more than aesthetics: you need compatibility, durability, and the right performance. Start by measuring, then match the function to your everyday needs. Ask yourself: do you need to save water? Are hands-free taps important? Do you frequently wash large pans? Your answers will point you to aerators, sensor taps, or pull-out sprayers.
Always measure the gap and fittings in inches so you get the correct size. For example, many replacement hoses connect to standard 1/2 inch supply threads. Also measure clearance under the sink for hose length—24 inches might not be enough for an awkwardly placed isolation valve.
Flow is typically given in gallons per minute (GPM). For a bathroom basin, 1.0 to 1.5 GPM is comfortable and water-efficient. For a kitchen where you rinse pans, 1.8 to 2.2 GPM gives better pressure. Pick the flow rate based on how you actually use the tap, not just what looks powerful.
Sensor taps can be battery-powered or mains-powered. Batteries offer easier installation but require periodic replacement; mains-powered units need an electrician for safe wiring. Some models accept both, giving you flexibility during installation.
Installing faucet accessories can be satisfying, but a few missteps turn a simple job into a plumbing headache. Here are practical tips to keep you calm and dry while you work.
Wrap male threads with plumber’s tape before connecting—this helps seal the joint and prevent leaks. A couple of wraps usually does the trick; too much tape can cause fitting misalignment or difficulty in threading, so keep it neat.
Snug is good; over-tight is bad. Over-tightening can crack plastic parts or warp washers, causing leaks that are harder to fix than a loose connection. If it’s hand-tight plus a quarter turn with a wrench, you’re probably fine—no need to crank it until the moon rises.
Once you’ve connected everything, run the tap and test for leaks before stuffing tools back under the sink. Check both hot and cold, and observe for drips at joints. If the tap has a sensor, test on and off cycles too. This saves you from unwrapping everything later for a fix.
Small changes can make a big dent in your water usage. Aerators, low-flow cartridges, and sensor taps are effective ways to cut water without sacrificing performance. Pair them with simple habits like turning off the tap while brushing and you’ll see real savings.
Swapping a standard aerator for a 1.5 GPM or 1.0 GPM model is like switching from a large garden hose to a focused stream—less waste, same perceived pressure. Low-flow cartridges in shower mixers can do the same for showers, saving gallons every day.
Infrared taps eliminate the common problem of leaving water running—especially in busy households with kids. They’re like an automatic brake on wasteful habits: water runs only when it needs to, and stops when hands move away.
Faucet finishes often make the room. Matte black is modern and forgiving of fingerprints, chrome stays classic and bright, while brushed nickel hides water marks and pairs well with warm tones. Square-profile taps like the Hyco Vega bring a contemporary, architectural look, while rounded taps give a softer, traditional feel. Match your accessories—spouts, escutcheons, and handles—to the finish of other fixtures for a cohesive look.
Prices vary widely depending on brand and function. A basic aerator or washer might cost only a few pounds, while a high-quality sensor tap can run several hundred pounds. Mid-range mixer cartridges and braided hoses often sit in the low double digits. If you’re on a tight budget, prioritize parts that stop leaks and reduce water usage first; they pay back quickly in saved water and fewer repairs.
Little upkeep goes a long way. Clean aerators every few months to prevent mineral build-up, check rubber washers annually, and replace batteries in sensor taps before they fail unexpectedly. Treat ceramic cartridges gently; if they stick, soak them in a vinegar solution to dissolve lime scale rather than forcing things and risking damage.
Many upgrades—like aerators and hoses—are great DIY jobs that save time and money. But if you’re doing mains electrical work for a sensor tap, or replacing a cartridge on a high-end mixer with limited access, it’s worth hiring a plumber or electrician. Think of it as investing in peace of mind: a small fee now can prevent a major repair later.
If you own a designer tap or an older brand, specialist suppliers such as VictoriaPlumb and Plumbase are the best bets. They stock brand-specific cartridges and unique finishes that mainstream retailers don’t carry. When in doubt, take the old part to the shop or use clear photos online to match spare parts precisely.
Faucet accessories are a small part of your home but play a big role in comfort, efficiency, and style. Whether you’re buying the Hyco Vega Automatic Infrared Square Tap from Expert Electrical or swapping an aerator from a local DIY store, focus on compatibility, function, and quality. A well-chosen accessory can save water, reduce noise, and give your sink a fresh lease of life—like changing the tires on an old car to make the whole drive smoother. Measure carefully, prioritize water-saving options, and don’t be afraid to ask for specialist help when the job demands it. Your sink—and your wallet—will thank you.
| Faucet Accessories | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Alm Manufacturing Wt001 Water Butt Tap 3 4in | £ 2,64 | |
| Arctic Hayes 557000 Plumbers Washer Kit 144 Piece | £ 11,10 | |
| Arctic Hayes Twkit Tap Washer Kit | £ 14,47 | |
| Arctic Hayes Frwkit Plumber's Essential Washer Kit | £ 19,48 | |
| Durable Vario Document Display Carousel Desk Portrait A4 | £ 75,91 |
