How to Choose Vittoria Faucets – What to Focus on Before Buying

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How to choose Vittoria taps – what to focus on before buying

Purchasing a tap may seem simple at first glance. You enter a store or click on an e-shop, choose something you like, and that's it. In practice, it doesn't work that way – and when it does, the customer later returns with a problem that the tap doesn't flow properly, doesn't close properly, the water pressure is weak, or the seal rusts after a year. Vittoria is a long-standing brand with a relatively wide range of bathroom and kitchen taps, but that doesn't mean that every model fits every situation. This article is intended for those who want to choose correctly – and not later struggle with returning the product or expensive rework.

We will look at everything essential: from technical parameters through tap types, material finishes, compatibility with water pressure, to practical tips from installations we've seen dozens of times – and where the same mistakes repeatedly occur.

Why the type of tap matters – not just the design

The first thing most customers think of when choosing a tap is the appearance. Chrome, matte black, gold, gunmetal – these are common surface finishes today. Design is important, but it should be the last step in the selection process, not the first. Before you decide on a specific model from the range of Vittoria taps, you need to know a few technical things about your plumbing system and the installation location.

The basic division of taps according to control is single-lever and double-lever. A single-lever tap controls both temperature and flow with one lever – lifting regulates the flow, turning regulates the temperature. A double-lever tap has two separate valves – one for hot water, the other for cold water. Each type has its own logic of use and suitable environment. This topic is discussed in detail in the article Single-lever vs. double-lever Vittoria tap – which is suitable for your bathroom.

Tap location – sink, bathtub, shower, kitchen

Vittoria offers taps for various uses, and each has specific requirements. Before choosing, clearly answer the question: where will you install the tap?

Sink taps

The most common type. They are mounted in a hole in the sink or on the sink countertop, or on the wall. A standard sink hole has a diameter of 35 mm and the tap is secured with a nut from below. A key parameter is the height of the spout – it should be appropriate to the depth of the sink so that water does not splash directly onto the edge. For shallow sinks (e.g. 10–12 cm depth), a spout height of 100–130 mm is sufficient. For deep sinks or freestanding basins, taps with a spout height of 150 mm or more are used. Details on dimensions can be found in the article Vittoria taps: dimensions, connection and spout height – what you need to know before installation.

Shower taps

A shower tap is most often mounted on the wall. The inlet threads are standard 1/2" or 3/4". The distance between the inlet holes is important – the standard spacing is 150 mm (center to center). If you are renovating and have existing inlets in the wall, you must measure the spacing before ordering. With shower taps, it is distinguished whether they have a thermostatic or standard mechanism – thermostatic taps automatically maintain the set temperature even with pressure fluctuations. More about the differences between shower and bathtub taps can be found in the article Vittoria shower tap vs. bathtub – what is the difference and which to choose.

Bathtub taps

A bathtub tap must handle a higher water flow than a sink tap. The standard flow of a bathtub tap is 15–25 liters per minute at a pressure of 3 bar. Installation can be wall-mounted (on the wall next to the tub), in a hole in the tub (if the tub has a preparation), or freestanding (when the tap stands on the floor next to the tub – an increasingly popular solution). Each variant has different dimensions and different lengths of inlet piping.

Kitchen taps

A kitchen tap must have sufficient spout height to allow even a large pot to pass under it – usually at least 200 mm. Pull-out sprays or swivel spouts are common. Higher requirements for resistance to cleaning chemicals are placed on kitchen taps.

Material of the faucet body – brass, zinc, stainless steel

The material of the faucet body significantly affects its lifespan. On the market, we mainly encounter three materials:

Brass body (DZR brass) – the best choice. Brass resists corrosion, is resistant to chlorination disinfection, and has a long lifespan. High-quality Vittoria faucets are made of brass. The disadvantage is the higher price.
Zinc alloys (zamak) – a cheaper alternative used in the economic segment. Zamak is more brittle, less resistant to corrosion, and can degrade over long-term contact with water. In the bathroom, you will notice this after a few years in the form of cracks or breakage during disassembly.
Stainless steel – used in hygienically demanding environments (hospitals, professional kitchens). It is not necessary for a regular home bathroom, but it offers excellent resistance.

When selecting a faucet from the Vittoria faucet range, always ask or look in the technical documentation: what material is the faucet body made of. If it is not stated, it is a warning sign.

Surface finish – chrome, matte, black, gold

Surface finish is not only aesthetic but also functional. It protects the brass body from corrosion and mechanical damage. The most common types are:

Polished chrome – a classic, the most widespread, easy to clean, durable, and hides limescale well at the beginning. With hard water, it quickly develops stains.
Matte chrome (brushed/satin) – less visible fingerprints, modern look, slightly more difficult to clean in the surface grooves.
Matte black – very fashionable in recent years. Note: not every black finish is equally durable. PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) surface is significantly more durable than a regular black lacquer layer, which can crack or peel over time, especially in contact with hard water and aggressive cleaners.
Gold/brass surface finish – a more luxurious segment, sensitive to abrasive cleaning agents.

Practical tip from customer experience: in bathrooms with hard water (over 20 °dH), we recommend polished chrome or satin – limescale is easier to physically wipe off. Matte black sounds attractive, but with hard water, you will need much more thorough and regular maintenance. More about care can be found in the article Cleaning and maintenance of Vittoria faucets – how to extend lifespan and preserve the shine.

Cartridge – the heart of every faucet

The cartridge is the mechanism that regulates the flow and temperature of water. It is literally the heart of the faucet – and its quality determines whether the faucet will still work smoothly after five years or start dripping and malfunctioning.

The standard size of a cartridge for a typical sink faucet is 35 mm in diameter. Smaller faucets may have 25 mm cartridges. For faucets with a shower set, 40 mm or 46 mm cartridges are common. Always check what cartridge is in the faucet – and whether it is standardized, i.e., available as a spare part.

This is a practical point: if the manufacturer does not specify the type of cartridge or spare parts are unavailable, you are buying a faucet without the assurance of long-term serviceability. With Vittoria faucets, spare parts including the cartridge are available – but it is good to verify this for the specific model. When and how to replace the cartridge is described in the article Replacing seals and cartridges in Vittoria faucets – when and how to do it.

Ceramic vs. rubber cartridge

Higher quality faucets have a ceramic cartridge – two ceramic discs that slide against each other without friction. Ceramic is almost indestructible (under normal use, it lasts 500,000 cycles or more), does not require lubrication, and does not corrode. Cheaper faucets have rubber seals, which wear out faster and start dripping sooner. Vittoria uses ceramic cartridges in the mid and higher segments – when choosing, verify this in the product specifications.

Water pressure – what you need to know before buying

Normal water pressure in an apartment building in Slovakia ranges from 2 to 5 bar. In detached houses connected directly to the public water supply, pressure can be higher – 5 to 7 bar. In older buildings and on higher floors, pressure may drop below 2 bar.

Why is this important when choosing a faucet? Every faucet has a minimum and maximum operating pressure. If the pressure in the pipes is lower than required by the faucet, it will work poorly – weak flow, problems with the thermostat (if it is thermostatic). If the pressure is too high, it can damage the seals or cause noise (water hammer sounds when opening/closing).

Vittoria faucets are generally designed for pressure from 1 to 6 bar, some models up to 10 bar. For most apartment installations, this is not a problem. Problems arise with combinations – for example, a thermostatic shower faucet requires a minimum pressure of 0.5 bar for both hot and cold water at the same time, and the pressure difference between hot and cold water should not exceed 1:5. If you have a storage water heater (boiler), the pressure of hot water can be significantly lower – and this must be taken into account. More details in the article Water pressure and Vittoria faucets – what minimum pressure do you need for proper function.

Connection and water supply spacing – not measuring = problem

Most customers do not realize that the water supply spacing in the wall or floor is fixed and the faucet must match it. If the water supply in the wall has a spacing of 170 mm, and you buy a faucet with a 150 mm spacing (which is the European standard), you will need adapters or to change the supply lines. This is an unnecessary problem that can easily be avoided by measuring before ordering.

How to measure the spacing:

Measure the distance between the centers of both outlets (center-to-center), not between the edges of the pipes.
The standard spacing for shower and bathtub faucets is 150 mm.
Some older installations (before 1990) may have a spacing of 120 mm or other non-standard values.
For sink faucets mounted through a hole in the sink, the supply spacing is not a primary issue – the important thing is the hole diameter (standard 35 mm).

The thread type of the inlet hoses is usually G1/2″ (external thread) on the tap side and the same or G3/8″ on the shut-off valve side. Before ordering, check the existing hose connections.

Water saving – eco-technologies in Vittoria taps

Modern taps include built-in water-saving features. These include primarily:

Aerator (cartridge) – injects air into the water stream, reducing water consumption by up to 30–50 % without the feeling of a weaker flow. Standard flow without an aerator is 12–15 l/min, with an aerator it is 5–8 l/min. Replacing and cleaning the aerator is a simple task that prolongs the life of the tap and saves water.
Eco-stop (cold-start) – the lever stops at cold water in the middle position. To get hot water, you have to consciously move the lever further. Prevents unnecessary heating of water during short tasks (washing hands).
Thermostatic control – maintains the set temperature automatically, without the need for readjustment with each use. Particularly useful in shower boxes with daily intensive use.

In practice: for a family with children, the combination of eco-stop and a low-flow aerator is interesting. For seniors or people with limited mobility, a thermostatic tap is safer (minimizes the risk of scalding).

Certificates and standards – what to look for on the tap or in the documentation

Water taps sold in the EU must meet certain standards. When choosing, verify that the product has relevant certificates:

CE certification – basic European conformity. It should always be present.
WRAS (UK) / KTW (Germany) – certificates of material hygiene safety for drinking water systems. Important for taps intended for drinking water, especially if installed in the kitchen.
EN 817 and EN 200 – European standards for mechanical mixing taps. Define minimum technical requirements for functionality, tightness, and durability.
DVGW (Germany) – technical certification for water fittings in German-speaking countries, an indicator of quality also for the Slovak market.

The presence of these certificates usually indicates that the manufacturer has invested in product testing. The absence of any certification is common with cheap no-name products – but with Vittoria, it is an established brand where certificates are part of the standard.

Warranty conditions and availability of spare parts

The lifespan of a quality brass tap with a ceramic cartridge is realistically 10–15 years with normal use. During this time, it may be necessary to replace the cartridge, seals, aerator, or handle. Therefore, it is important to:

Check the length of the warranty (standard 2 years by law, with Vittoria it may be longer for specific components).
Find out whether spare parts are available in Slovakia or only available on order from abroad with long delivery times.
Verify whether the tap servicing can be done by a regular plumber or requires special tools.

Specific information about warranty conditions, spare parts, and compatibility is discussed in the article Common questions about Vittoria taps – warranty conditions, spare parts, and compatibility.

Installation – what the customer can do themselves and when to call a plumber

Replacing a basin tap is a relatively simple task that a skilled DIY enthusiast can handle. You need a wrench for the connection nuts (34 mm or 32 mm), sealing Teflon tape, and patience. A detailed step-by-step guide can be found in the article Installation of a Vittoria basin tap step by step – a mistake-free procedure.

On the other hand, installing a shower or bath tap into the wall, if the position of the inlets needs to be changed, or if it is a new build, is a job for a plumber. Poor installation can lead to leaks inside the wall – and these are often discovered too late, when the damage is already significant.

Practical rule of thumb from practice: if you are only replacing an existing tap with the same or a similar one, you can do it yourself. If you are changing the type of tap, the inlet position, or it is a first-time installation – call a plumber.

Price versus quality – where is the reasonable limit

In the category of water taps, there is a wide price range – from less than 20 euros per unit up to several hundred euros. Vittoria is in the mid-range segment, which is a reasonable choice for most households in terms of the price/quality/spare parts availability ratio.

A rough rule of thumb for taps is:

Under 30 € – likely a zinc body, cheap cartridge, limited lifespan. Suitable for temporary solutions or very lightly used areas (e.g., utility room).
30–80 € – brass or combined body, standard quality ceramic cartridge, a good choice for the bathroom and kitchen. Most Vittoria products fall into this range.
80–200 € – premium brass body, certified cartridge, thermostatic models, design series. For owners who want something beyond standard.
Over 200 € – luxury segment, top design, special surface treatments (PVD), high durability and prestige.

Do not buy the cheapest tap just because you plan to renovate the bathroom in 5 years. In practice, 5 years often stretches to 10 – and in the meantime, you will be bothered by a dripping tap. An additional investment of 30–40 € into a better model clearly pays off over a 10-year horizon.

Practical scenarios – how customers made their choices in similar situations

Scenario 1: Bathroom renovation in a panel apartment

A customer in a panel building, 3rd floor, city water supply, pressure about 3 bar. Replacing the entire bathroom – new bath, new sink. Chose a single-lever basin tap Vittoria with an outlet height of 140 mm (sink depth 14 cm), a shower tap with a handheld shower, and a bath tap with shower equipment. All in polished chrome, ceramic cartridge. Inlet spacing 150 mm – matched the existing plumbing. Installation was completed by a plumber in 1 day.

Scenario 2: Family house with a private well

The customer has a private well, and the pressure in the system is provided by a 4 bar pump. The water is relatively soft (12 °dH). It was important to verify that the taps are certified for water from a private source. The customer chose a thermostatic shower tap – the thermostat better compensates for occasional pressure fluctuations from the pump. A kitchen tap with a pull-out spray for convenience when washing vegetables.

Scenario 3: Rental apartments

The investor is equipping 4 identical bathrooms in the apartments. The priority is ease of maintenance, durability and availability of spare parts, not exclusive design. Vittoria mid-range – polished chrome, simple single-lever taps, standard 35 mm cartridge available at any plumber. An economically sound decision.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a "recessed" and a "wall-mounted" tap?

A recessed tap is mounted through a hole in the sink or countertop and the water supply is routed from under the sink via hoses. A wall-mounted tap is directly screwed into the wall, where the water supply is already installed inside the wall. The type of mounting depends on your bathroom – you cannot buy a wall-mounted model if you do not have the supply lines in the wall, and vice versa.

Can I replace only the cartridge in a Vittoria tap, or do I have to buy the whole tap?

The cartridge is a standard replaceable part. Cartridges are available for Vittoria taps – it is important to know the diameter (usually 35 mm) and type (ceramic, single-control, dual-control). The replacement procedure is available in the article Replacing seals and cartridges in Vittoria taps – when and how to do it. Replacing the cartridge usually resolves dripping or stiff operation of the tap.

What to do if a Vittoria tap starts dripping immediately after installation?

Dripping after installation is most often caused by improperly sealed connections (insufficient Teflon tape wrapping) or a damaged seal during installation. First, check the supply lines and connections – tighten and reseal. If it drips from the outlet, the cartridge is likely not properly seated or tightened. Causes and repairs of dripping are described in detail in the article Dripping Vittoria tap – causes and fixing leaks.

Is a Vittoria tap suitable for low water pressure (under 1 bar)?

Most standard Vittoria taps operate from a minimum pressure of 0.5–1 bar. At very low pressure (under 0.5 bar), problems may occur with the functionality of thermostats and some flow restrictors. Thermostatic taps generally require balanced pressure on both inlets (hot/cold) and a minimum of 0.3–0.5 bar. More information in the article Water pressure and Vittoria taps – what minimum pressure you need for proper function.

Can I combine Vittoria taps from different series in one bathroom?

Technically yes – each tap functions independently. For aesthetic reasons, it is recommended to combine taps from the same series or at least the same surface finish, otherwise the bathroom may look inconsistent. Vittoria has several design lines that unify the sink, bath and shower taps into a consistent whole.

How long does it take to deliver Vittoria taps and is express delivery possible?

Products in stock are usually shipped the same or next working day if ordered before noon. Standard delivery time to Slovakia is 1–3 working days. For products on order, the delivery time may be longer – this information is always listed for each product in the online store atria.sk/vittoria.

Conclusion – Choosing a Vittoria tap in ten steps

A summary of what we have covered – a quick checklist before ordering:

Determine the installation location – sink, shower, bath, kitchen.
Measure the inlet spacing – if it is a wall inlet (150 mm standard, but verify!)
Check the water pressure – ideally with a pressure gauge or from the building manager.
Choose the type of control – single-lever, double-lever, thermostatic.
Check the outlet height – compare with the depth of the sink/bath.
Verify the body material – brass is the basis for a long-term solution.
Check the type and size of the cartridge – and the availability of spare parts.
Choose the surface finish – according to aesthetics and water hardness.
Check the certificates – CE and ideally also hygiene certificates for drinking water.
Compare warranty conditions – and the availability of service support.

If you follow this list, the chance of making a wrong choice is minimal. Vittoria covers most of the common household needs – from simple sink taps through shower sets to design bath stands. An overview of the available range can be found directly in the category Vittoria taps at atria.sk.

Do you have a question about this topic?

Can't decide or are you dealing with a specific situation in your home? Write to us – we are happy to help.