Nero Tapware WBM37 Opal Wall Basin/Bath Mixer Set With Spout (Rectangle Backplate) - Various Colours

Start with where the tapware will be used and how it needs to function, rather than choosing by colour alone.

Consider:

• Basin, bath, shower, kitchen or laundry application
• Mixer or separate hot and cold taps
• Bench-mounted or wall-mounted installation
• Basin or sink size and height
• Spout reach and outlet height
• Existing plumbing and tap-hole configuration
• Water pressure
• WELS and WaterMark requirements
• Finish and colour
• Ease of cleaning and maintenance

For a renovation, concealed or wall-mounted tapware should be selected before plumbing rough-in and tiling, as the in-wall components and finished wall depth can affect installation.

A mixer tap uses one control to mix hot and cold water and adjust both temperature and flow. Mixers are popular in contemporary bathrooms, kitchens and laundries because they are simple to operate and require fewer visible components.

A three-piece or separate tap set usually has individual hot and cold handles with a separate outlet or spout. These can suit
traditional, Hampton, heritage and classic bathroom designs, as well as customers who prefer separate temperature controls.

Neither is automatically better. The correct choice depends on your preferred style, existing plumbing and tap-hole configuration.

If you are replacing existing tapware, changing from a three-piece set to a mixer may require plumbing and benchtop, basin or wall alterations.

Bench-mounted tapware is installed through a basin, vanity top, kitchen sink or benchtop. It is generally straightforward to access and is widely used in both new bathrooms and renovations.

Wall-mounted tapware is installed through the finished wall and creates a clean, minimalist appearance while freeing up space around the basin or bath.

However, wall-mounted tapware requires more planning because the concealed plumbing and mixer body need to be positioned correctly before the wall is tiled or finished.

When choosing wall-mounted tapware, also consider:

• Basin position
• Spout projection
• Finished wall thickness
• Basin height
• Water splash
• Future access to the concealed components

For renovations where the walls are already finished, bench-mounted tapware can sometimes provide a simpler replacement solution.

The correct mixer depends on the basin type and where the mixer is installed.

For an inset or integrated basin with a tap platform, a standard-height basin mixer is usually suitable.

For an above-counter basin, you may need:

• A tall basin mixer mounted on the vanity top; or
• Wall-mounted basin tapware.

The outlet should extend sufficiently over the basin so that water lands comfortably inside the bowl rather than too close to the back edge.

Also check that there is enough clearance between the outlet and basin for comfortable hand washing without creating excessive splash.

Do not choose a tall mixer simply because it looks better in a photo—the basin height, mixer height, outlet projection and water direction need to work together.

Sometimes.

A relatively straightforward replacement is more likely when the new tapware uses the same:

• Tap-hole configuration
• Plumbing connection
• Mounting method
• Hole spacing
• In-wall connection or mixer body
• Available installation space

Wall-mounted mixers and mixer/diverter systems require particular care because the concealed body behind the wall may be brand- and model-specific.

Do not assume that a new trim kit or mixer faceplate will fit an existing concealed mixer body simply because the visible parts look similar. Nero, for example, specifies compatibility between particular trim kits and particular in-wall bodies.

For replacement projects, photos and product information from the existing tapware can help your plumber determine what can be reused.

The rough-in or in-wall body is the concealed plumbing component installed inside the wall behind certain wall mixers, wall basin mixers and mixer-diverter systems.

The decorative handle, plate and outlet that you see after the bathroom is completed are only the visible components.

Because the in-wall body must be installed at the correct:

• Depth
• Height
• Position
• Orientation

it should normally be selected and provided to the plumber before plastering, waterproofing or tiling is completed.

Different ranges and brands may use different concealed bodies, so purchasing the visible trim later without first confirming compatibility can create expensive rectification work.

For new bathrooms, we strongly recommend finalising your concealed tapware early in the renovation.

They serve different purposes.

WELS — Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards — tells you how efficiently a regulated product uses water. For taps, the label shows a star rating and flow rate in litres per minute.

WaterMark certification relates to plumbing product compliance, confirming that regulated plumbing products meet applicable requirements and are suitable for installation.

Australian government guidance confirms that regulated tap equipment must have the required WaterMark certification before it can be registered under WELS.

Not every plumbing outlet is regulated by WELS in the same way. For example, the WELS scheme includes taps used over fixed basins, sinks and laundry tubs but excludes tap equipment used exclusively over a bath or spa.

Always check the individual product specification rather than comparing star ratings alone.

Lead-free requirements for applicable plumbing products are now particularly important when selecting tapware.

In Victoria, from 1 May 2026, applicable copper-alloy plumbing products installed in contact with drinking water must meet the new lead-free requirements. The weighted average lead content must not exceed 0.25%, and applicable products must carry the required Lead-Free WaterMark certification.

If you are renovating or building now, check the individual product specifications and Lead-Free WaterMark requirements rather than assuming that every older tap model is suitable for a new installation.

Your plumber can also confirm whether the lead-free requirement applies to the particular product and installation.

Quality tapware may be manufactured from materials such as solid brass or stainless steel, depending on the design and application.

However, the base material is only one part of tapware quality.

Also consider:

• Cartridge quality
• Internal valves
• Manufacturing tolerances
• Finish and coating method
• WaterMark certification
• WELS registration where applicable
• Spare-parts availability
• Manufacturer support and warranty

We use both solid brass and 304/316 stainless steel across its tapware ranges, while different finishes use different coating systems.

Rather than choosing solely based on weight or material, consider the complete product specification and manufacturer
support.

There is no single best colour for every bathroom.

Chrome is timeless, widely available and relatively easy to coordinate.

Brushed nickel has a softer warm-silver appearance and tends to show fingerprints and water marks less prominently than highly polished finishes.

Matte black creates strong contrast and works particularly well with contemporary monochrome interiors.

Gunmetal provides a darker metallic finish without the solid appearance of matte black.

Brushed gold, brushed brass and bronze finishes introduce warmer tones and work particularly well with timber, warm stone and neutral tiles.

Popular Australian tapware brands now offer increasingly broad coordinated finish ranges. We offers brushed brass, brushed copper, brushed gunmetal, antique brass, brushed nickel, matte black, chrome and other finishes across its tapware products.

The best finish should suit both your bathroom palette and your willingness to maintain it.

No.

The appearance and durability of coloured tapware depend on the:

• Base material
• Surface preparation
• Coating technology
• Manufacturer
• Cleaning products used
• Water quality
• Installation environment

Common finishing technologies include PVD, electroplating and specialised lacquer or coating systems. Many of our coloured tapware uses PVD and other proprietary coating methods depending on the finish.

Regardless of the coating technology, coloured tapware should not be treated as maintenance-free.

Avoid abrasive cleaners, bleach and aggressive chemicals, and follow the manufacturer's care instructions.

Yes, but it usually looks more intentional when there is a clear design strategy.

One approach is to use one consistent finish across:

• Basin tapware
• Shower
• Bath tapware
• Towel rails
• Toilet roll holders
• Shower-screen hardware

This creates a cohesive appearance and also makes future product selection easier.

Mixing two finishes can also work well—for example, brushed nickel with black or brushed brass with selected black details—but repeating each finish in more than one location generally produces a more deliberate result.

When matching products from different brands, remember that names such as Brushed Gold, Brushed Brass, Gunmetal or Brushed Nickel do not guarantee an identical colour.

If an exact match matters, viewing samples or products in person is recommended.

Yes.

Mixers and specialised tapware are designed to operate within specified water-pressure ranges.

If pressure is too low, the tap may provide disappointing flow or certain mixer functions may not perform properly. Excessively high pressure can also create problems and may require pressure control.

This is particularly relevant in homes with:

• Older plumbing
• Gravity-fed hot-water systems
• Pressure-limiting valves
• Unusual hot-water systems

We advise that its mixers and hand showers require a minimum pressure of 150kPa to operate efficiently and may not be suitable for some gravity-fed hot-water systems.

Always check the individual manufacturer's minimum and maximum pressure requirements.

For everyday cleaning, use:

• Warm water
• Mild soap
• A soft microfibre cloth

Then rinse and dry the tapware to reduce water marks and mineral deposits.

Avoid:

• Abrasive cleaning pads
• Scouring powders
• Bleach
• Harsh chemicals
• Strong acidic or alkaline cleaners

For brushed finishes, follow the direction of the brushed grain when wiping.

Different finishes can have different care requirements, so always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your particular tapware.

You can visit the Melbourne Bathroom Shop showroom in Blackburn, Victoria to compare tapware styles, sizes and finishes in person.

Our tapware range includes options for:

• Basins
• Baths
• Showers
• Kitchens
• Laundries
• Wall-mounted applications
• Traditional three-piece sets
• Contemporary mixers

Melbourne Bathroom Shop currently offers tapware across contemporary and classic styles and a wide selection of finishes.

Our showroom is located at:

214–218 Whitehorse Road, Blackburn VIC 3130.

If you are replacing existing tapware, bringing photos, measurements and information about the existing plumbing or concealed mixer body can help our team narrow down suitable options.

For new renovations, bringing your vanity, basin, bath, tile and colour selections can also make it easier to coordinate the complete bathroom.