How to Choose CLAGE Faucets – What to Pay Attention To
How to choose CLAGE taps – what to pay attention to
Selecting a tap may seem like a trivial task at first glance – you go to the store, choose something you like, and that's it. Practice tells a different story. Over the years of working with plumbing, I have seen dozens of cases where a customer bought a tap based on appearance, and after installation, it turned out to have a bad connection spacing, too low flow, an unsuitable outlet angle, or simply did not match the water pressure in the house. CLAGE is a brand that customers choose consciously – it is a German company with a long tradition, specializing in water heating and sanitation, and its taps have specific technical properties that are good to know before purchasing. This article will help you navigate all the important parameters so that you choose a tap that will function without compromises in a given space.
Why CLAGE and what distinguishes this brand from standard production
CLAGE is a German manufacturer based in Hamburg, originally known for flow water heaters – and this is directly related to many of its taps. CLAGE taps are designed to work with flow water heaters, which affects their hydraulic parameters. Unlike cheaper products from South Asia, CLAGE emphasizes the quality of brass bodies, precise sealing surface processing, durable cartridges, and compliance with European standards for potable water use.
This does not mean that everyone who buys CLAGE must have a flow water heater. Taps of this brand are full-fledged products for regular bathroom and kitchen use. However, if you have or plan to have a flow water heater, choosing a CLAGE tap is a logical step – because the manufacturer designs these systems as a whole and hydraulically optimizes them together. More on this topic can be found in the article CLAGE taps vs. other brands – what they differ in and is it worth paying more.
Types of CLAGE taps according to place of use
The first and most important decision is where you will install the tap. Each location has different requirements for the outlet angle, outlet height, connection spacing, performance, and control ergonomics.
Bathroom taps
For a sink in the bathroom, the tap must have an appropriate outlet height (usually 100–150 mm from the connection axis) and enough horizontal reach so that water falls into the center of the sink, not the edge. Standard CLAGE bathroom taps are single-lever with ceramic cartridge – this ensures smooth temperature and flow regulation. Always check whether the tap is intended for a single or three-hole sink when selecting. Most modern sinks have one hole with a diameter of 35 mm, but older or ceramic sinks may have three holes with a spacing of 150–180 mm.
Shower taps
Shower taps differ in that they are designed to be mounted directly on the wall, not in the sink. Their function is dual – they regulate temperature and flow and also switch between upper and lower outlets (shower head / bathtub outlet). For a shower in a shower enclosure, taps without a switch are used. An important parameter here is the connection spacing – CLAGE usually follows the European standard of 150 mm between cold and hot inlets, but always check this for a specific model. More on measuring connection spacing can be found in the article Connection spacing and tap dimensions – how to measure and choose the right size.
Bathtub taps
Bathtub taps are larger, have swiveling outlet spouts (arms), and must handle a higher flow – filling a bathtub is much more demanding in terms of water volume than regular handwashing. When choosing a CLAGE bathtub tap, check whether it is delivered with a bathtub outlet or not, or whether the shower hose and head are part of the package or need to be purchased separately.
Kitchen taps
A kitchen tap must have sufficient outlet reach (min. 180–220 mm from the axis of rotation) to comfortably reach over the sink. They are usually installed in a hole in the sink or in the kitchen line. CLAGE kitchen taps are characterized by a higher flow rate compared to bathroom models and sometimes have a 360° swivel arm, which is an advantage for double-basin sinks.
Single-lever vs. double-lever taps – what is more practical
This is a question that customers often address. Single-lever taps control both temperature and flow with one lever – moving left/right changes the temperature, moving up/down changes the flow. Double-lever taps have two separate handles – one for cold, one for hot water, and mixing is achieved by combining the opening of both.
In practice, a single-lever solution is more convenient for most households – you quickly set the desired temperature and flow, and the faucet remembers the last position. However, if you have a CLAGE flow heater, it is important to know that some flow heaters react to rapid changes in flow and temperature differently than a standard water heater. In this case, the manufacturer recommends faucets with specific hydraulic properties – a cartridge with a stable temperature regulation curve.
Two-lever faucets are more suitable for older homes where the original style is preserved, or for commercial premises where it is advantageous to separate the control of hot and cold water. A more detailed look at this decision is offered in the article Single-lever vs. two-lever faucet – which type is more suitable for your space.
Water pressure and flow – key parameters when choosing
This is where one of the most common problems when choosing a faucet is hidden. A customer buys a faucet, installs it, and the water flow is weak. Or, on the contrary – the flow is too strong and water is spraying all over the bathroom. The cause is usually that the faucet is not optimized for the water pressure in that particular building.
Water pressure in a standard apartment ranges between 2 and 5 bars. In single-family homes connected to the municipal water supply, the pressure can be as high as 6–7 bars, which is at the limit of tolerance for some faucets. On the other hand, in older buildings with high-positioned storage tanks, the pressure can be as low as 0.5–1.5 bars. CLAGE faucets are designed for standard conditions in the range of 1–6 bars, with an optimal range of 3–4 bars.
The flow rate of the faucet is given in liters per minute (l/min) at a reference pressure of 3 bars. For a CLAGE bathroom faucet, a typical flow rate is 8–12 l/min, for a kitchen faucet 10–18 l/min, and for a shower faucet 12–18 l/min. If you have a CLAGE flow heater, these values are directly related to the heater's performance – weaker flow → lower heater performance → lower water temperature. This is a topic that is discussed in more detail in the article Water flow and pressure – which CLAGE faucet parameters do you need.
Checks before purchase
Before choosing a faucet, find out the following:
- What is the static water pressure in your connection? (You can buy a simple manometer for 1/2" for a few euros and connect it to a drain valve.)
- Do you have a pressure regulator at home? If yes, what is it set to?
- Is the supply pipe 1/2" or 3/4"? For a bathroom faucet, 1/2" is standard, but for a bathtub, a 3/4" connection may be more advantageous.
- What flow heater or water heater do you have at home? What flow rate is required for optimal performance?
Spacing and dimensions – the measure that determines compatibility
The spacing of the connection is the distance between the axes of the hot and cold water inlets. For wall-mounted faucets (sink, basins), the spacing is determined by the openings in the sink – the standard value is 150–180 mm, with many modern sinks having a spacing of exactly 150 mm. For wall mounting (shower, bathtub), the spacing is determined by the position of the pipes in the wall – the European standard is 150 mm (center to center), but in older buildings you may also encounter 130, 160, or even 180 mm.
Before choosing a faucet, always measure the existing spacing. If you are installing a new faucet in place of an old one, measure from the axis of the existing cold inlet to the hot one. If you are doing new plumbing, set the spacing to 150 mm – this is today's standard and ensures compatibility with the vast majority of faucets, including the entire CLAGE range.
Another important dimension is the height of the outlet – from the axis of the connection to the center of the aerator. For a sink faucet, this distance must be sufficient to comfortably place your hands under the outlet. The recommended value is 100–150 mm for standard sinks, and for deep sinks (height of 200 mm or more), choose a faucet with a longer body or a higher outlet arm.
Surface finish – what lasts and what doesn’t
CLAGE offers taps in several surface finishes. The most common is chrome – a shiny silver finish achieved by electroplating on brass. Chrome is durable, easy to clean, and suitable for most bathrooms. The second option is brushed stainless steel finish – a matte, subtly textured surface that shows fewer fingerprints and water droplets. It is popular in more modern designs. Some models are also available in a matte black finish (PVD coating), a premium option for contemporary bathroom designs.
When choosing a surface, keep one thing in mind: matte and PVD finishes are more sensitive to aggressive cleaning agents. Acids and abrasives damage them. If you have hard water (which is common in many regions of Slovakia), limescale is more visible on shiny chrome, but it is easier to remove. On matte surfaces, limescale is less visible, but once it appears, it is harder to clean. Therefore, choosing a surface is not only about aesthetics – it is also about maintenance. More about cleaning and surface protection can be found in the article Cleaning and maintenance of CLAGE taps – how to extend their lifespan and remove limescale.
Water saving – why it’s worth paying attention to the aerator and flow limiter
Modern CLAGE taps are equipped with an aerator (air mixer), which draws air into the water stream. The result is a softer, fuller stream that behaves like a strong stream, but with significantly lower flow. A standard aerator reduces the flow to 6–8 l/min without you subjectively noticing a difference compared to a tap without an aerator that has a flow of 12 l/min.
In addition to the aerator, some CLAGE models offer a flow limiter or temperature limiter (thermostatic safety device). The temperature limiter is a mechanical stop that prevents setting too high a temperature, thus protecting children from burns – a very practical feature for bathrooms with small children. The flow limiter limits the maximum flow (e.g., to 6 l/min) and directly saves water and energy for heating.
If you are interested in specific numbers and calculations, there is a dedicated article Eco-friendly and water-saving CLAGE taps – how to reduce water consumption in the bathroom.
Compatibility with CLAGE flow heater
This is a chapter in itself, because the combination of tap + flow heater is something that is addressed quite often in practice and where mistakes can easily occur. Flow heaters work on the principle that they activate when water flows through them (from a certain minimum flow – usually 2–3 l/min). At low flows, the heater will not activate at all. At excessively high flows, the water will not have time to heat up to the desired temperature.
This means that a tap installed before a CLAGE flow heater must have a flow range compatible with the specific heater model. For example, if your heater has a power of 18 kW and heats water by 25 °C at a flow of 10 l/min, and your tap has a maximum flow of only 6 l/min, the water temperature will be uncomfortably high. Conversely, a tap with a flow of 15 l/min may cause the output temperature to be too low.
Therefore, CLAGE always specifies recommended tap models or at least the flow range for which the heater is optimized. Please follow this recommendation – it is a proven practice from customer experience, where incorrect combinations have led to complaints not only about the tap, but also about the heater itself.
Installation – what to prepare before purchase
A CLAGE tap is delivered with an installation kit (compression nut, sealing ring, possibly flexible supply hoses), but the supply hoses are not always included in the packaging. Before purchase, check what kind of connection you have – whether the water lines are at the height of the sink or in the wall. For a sink tap, you will need:
- Two flexible supply hoses (cold and hot) – standard length 30–40 cm, 1/2" thread on both ends
- Angle valves (corner valves) if you don’t have them – a pair for hot and cold water
- A compression nut wrench (a special bent wrench for limited space under the sink)
- Teflon tape or pipe dope
The complete step-by-step procedure can be found in the article Installation of CLAGE water tap – step-by-step guide. Installation is not complicated, but it requires basic skill and patience. If you are unsure, don’t hesitate to call a plumber – a bad installation can cause a water leak, which may not become apparent until later and can cause significant damage.
Warranty, spare parts and serviceability
CLAGE provides a standard two-year warranty on its taps according to European legislation, with some models offering an extended warranty of up to 5 years upon product registration. This is a good sign of quality – the manufacturer stands by its product.
However, more important than the length of the warranty is the availability of spare parts. If your tap starts dripping after 3 years, you want to replace the ceramic cartridge for 10–15 euros, not buy a new tap for 80–150 euros. CLAGE ceramic cartridges are standardized and readily available – most models use cartridges with a diameter of 35 mm or 25 mm, which you can find in any larger plumbing store. Seals and aerators are even more common and cheaper parts.
For older types of taps (more than 10 years old), the situation can be worse – in some cases, it is simpler to replace the entire tap. However, for current CLAGE models available at atria.sk, the availability of spare parts is good. More about faults, their causes and repairs can be found in the articles Common CLAGE tap faults – dripping, weak flow and their solutions and Common questions about CLAGE taps – warranty, spare parts, replacing seals.
What customers most often choose incorrectly – examples from practice
I would like to summarize several specific situations that repeatedly occur in practice:
- A tap with too short a reach for a deep sink: A customer buys a kitchen tap with a 170 mm reach for a sink with a depth of 500 mm. The water hits the front edge of the sink and splashes onto the kitchen countertop. Solution: always measure the distance from the center of the mounting hole to the center of the sink. Required reach = this distance + 30–50 mm.
- Shower tap with a 130 mm spread instead of 150 mm: An old apartment had a tap installed with a 130 mm spread. The customer bought a new CLAGE model with a 150 mm spread. The existing plumbing is too close together and the tap does not fit. Solution: reposition the plumbing (ideally during renovation) or choose a model with an adjustable spread.
- Too low flow for a flow heater: A customer had a 21 kW flow heater and bought a tap with a maximum flow of 5 l/min due to water saving. The heater heated the water to 58 °C at such a flow and power – dangerously hot. Solution: always check what flow the heater requires for a given output temperature.
- Bathtub tap without an attached bathtub spout: A customer bought a bathtub tap, but the packaging contained only the body of the tap without the spout. The customer thought the packaging was incomplete – in fact, it was a version without a spout, where the customer selects the spout separately according to length. Solution: always read what is and is not included in the packaging.
- Gold or black finish in a household with hard water: A customer bought a PVD black tap and after a few months has white limescale that ordinary cleaners cannot remove. Acidic limescale cleaners damage the PVD coating. Solution: regular drying with a cloth and special mild cleaners for PVD surfaces – or choosing shiny chrome in areas with hard water.
Overview of important parameters when choosing – table
| Parameter | Typical value | What to pay attention to |
|---|---|---|
| Connection spread | 150 mm (EU standard) | Measure existing plumbing before purchase |
| Water pressure | 2–5 bar (typical apartment) | Check min./max. values for the given model |
| Flow rate | 8–18 l/min depending on type | Must match the requirements of the heater |
| Spout height | 100–150 mm (basin) | Adjust to the depth of the basin / sink |
| Cartridge diameter | 25 mm or 35 mm | Availability of replacement cartridges |
| Surface finish | chrome, brushed, black PVD | Matte and PVD finishes = special maintenance |
| Mounting hole diameter | 35 mm (standard) | Older sanitary fixtures may have a different diameter |
| Supply threads | 1/2" BSP (G 1/2) | EU standard, practically always compatible |
Most frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I connect a CLAGE tap to a standard storage water heater, or is it only intended for flow heaters?
CLAGE taps are fully compatible with any source of hot water – storage water heaters, flow heaters, and heat pumps. Some models are specifically designed to work with CLAGE flow heaters and have an optimized flow profile, but most of their range is universal. When choosing, follow primarily the flow parameters and dimensions, not the type of heating source you have.
What should I do if my house or apartment does not have the standard 150 mm spread?
Older apartment blocks sometimes have plumbing with a spread of 130 mm or 160 mm. In this case, you have two options: the first is to find a tap with an adjustable or larger eccentricity of the supply valves (so-called eccentrics allow you to compensate for deviations typically ±15 mm), the second is to reposition the plumbing during the next renovation. Eccentrics are common accessories and solve most deviations without construction work.
How can I find out whether my old tap is repairable or whether it is worth replacing?
If the tap drips from the aerator or the spout when closed, the cause is usually a worn ceramic cartridge. Replacing the cartridge costs 8–20 euros and can be done by a skilled DIYer. If the tap leaks from the body, from the joints or from the elbow of the spout arm, it may be a cracked component or damaged seal – in this case, the repair is more complicated and with older taps, it is often better to replace the whole tap. For CLAGE taps less than 8–10 years old, spare parts are usually available and the repair is economically justified.
Is it possible to install a CLAGE tap by yourself, or do I need a plumber?
Replacing a tap with an identical type (same connection, same spread) is a task that any skilled DIYer with a wrench and sealing tape can handle. No construction work is required, the water is turned off at the corner valves under the sink or at the main shut-off, and the installation takes 30–60 minutes. A more complicated situation arises with shower and bathtub taps that require work in the wall – in such cases, it is advisable to call a professional if in doubt, because an error can lead to water leakage into the building structure.
What does "ecological flow" mean and what flow should a tap have to be water-saving?
According to the European standard EN 15091 and the ecological class labeling, a flow of less than 6 l/min is considered water-saving for basin taps. Many CLAGE taps with an aerator achieve a flow of 4–6 l/min without a subjective feeling of weak flow. For showers and bathtubs, the flow is higher (8–12 l/min), but here a flow-reducing nozzle helps. Reducing the flow from 12 to 6 l/min during 5-minute hand washing twice a day means a saving of about 3,650 liters of water per year for one tap.
What is the lifespan of a CLAGE faucet and how to extend it?
With normal use and proper maintenance, the lifespan of a CLAGE faucet is 15–20 years. Key factors include water quality (hard water shortens the lifespan of cartridges and aerators), pressure (excessively high pressure above 6 bar strains seals), and regular maintenance (regular cleaning of the aerator from limescale, and wiping the surface dry). If you have hard water, it is worth installing limescale filters or water softeners on the supply lines – they will extend the lifespan of the entire plumbing installation, not just the faucets.
Conclusion – how to put it all together
Selecting a CLAGE faucet is not rocket science, but neither is it a random purchase based on price and appearance. If you answer six basic questions before buying – where the faucet will be installed, what is the spacing and diameter of the mounting hole, what is the water pressure, what is your heat source and what flow rate is required, what surface matches your maintenance discipline, and what type of control you prefer – you will avoid most of the problems that appear in practice.
CLAGE is a brand that belongs to the upper mid-range market segment. Its faucets cost more than no-name products, but they justify the price with long lifespan, availability of spare parts, and precise processing. If you have decided to go the quality route, you have made the right choice. If you are wondering whether it is worth paying extra, I recommend reading the comparison article CLAGE Faucets vs. Other Brands – What are the differences and is it worth paying extra, where you will find specific arguments even for skeptics.
The entire range of CLAGE faucets can be found at atria.sk in the CLAGE category, where the products are divided according to type of use and filtered by key parameters.
Do you have a question about this topic?
Having trouble deciding or dealing with a specific situation in your home? Write to us – we are happy to help.