Faucet Materials Explained: Solid Brass, Zinc Alloy, and Why It Matters

Not all taps are made equally. The difference between a tap that lasts five years and one that lasts twenty-five often comes down to one thing: the material it’s made from. Understanding what your tap is made of — and why it matters — is the foundation of a good purchasing decision.

The Main Materials Used in Tap Manufacturing

Solid Brass

Solid brass is the gold standard in tap manufacturing. It is an alloy of copper and zinc, valued for its unique combination of properties:

• Corrosion resistance — Brass doesn’t rust. Its natural oxide layer protects the underlying metal from moisture damage, making it ideal for wet environments.
• Machinability — Brass machines precisely, allowing complex internal geometries for smooth water flow and reliable valve operation.
• Longevity — A solid brass tap, maintained reasonably, will outlast most of the other elements in a bathroom or kitchen renovation.
• Recyclability — Brass is highly recyclable at end of life, giving it a lower long-term environmental footprint than plastics or composite materials.

All Cortenvale taps are made from solid brass throughout — not just the outer shell, but the internal body and valve housing.

Zinc Alloy (Zamak)

Zinc alloy, often sold under the trade name Zamak, is a lower-cost alternative to brass used widely in budget tap manufacturing. It looks similar to brass when finished but behaves very differently over time:

• More susceptible to corrosion, particularly in high-humidity or hard water environments
• Brittle compared to brass — prone to cracking under stress or temperature cycling
• Typically carries a shorter manufacturer warranty and has a shorter functional lifespan

Zinc alloy taps are generally identifiable by their lower price point. If a tap doesn’t specify solid brass in its description, it is likely zinc alloy.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is an excellent tap material — highly corrosion-resistant, durable, and hygienic. It is more expensive to machine than brass, so it tends to appear in higher-end products or as an aesthetic choice (stainless steel finish) over a brass body.

True stainless steel body taps are common in commercial and healthcare settings. In residential applications, stainless steel finish over a brass body is more common — which combines the durability of brass with the aesthetic of stainless.

Plastic and ABS

Plastic components appear in most taps to some degree — in cartridge housings, internal fittings, or supply connectors. A tap described as plastic or ABS as its primary body material should be avoided for permanent installation; these materials degrade in hot water environments and do not offer the durability of metal construction.

What Is a Ceramic Disc Cartridge?

The cartridge is the heart of the tap — the mechanism that controls flow and temperature. There are two main types:

• Rubber washer cartridge — The older technology. Works well initially but the rubber degrades over time, leading to dripping. Requires periodic replacement.
• Ceramic disc cartridge — Two hardened ceramic discs rotate against each other to open and close the flow. Ceramic is extremely hard and wear-resistant — a quality ceramic disc cartridge typically lasts the lifetime of the tap with no maintenance required.

All Cortenvale taps use ceramic disc cartridges. This is why they are drip-free and why the single-lever action feels smooth and precise.

What Does WRAS Approval Mean?

WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) approval is the UK standard for water fittings used with the public water supply. A WRAS-approved product has been independently tested and confirmed:

• Safe for use with drinking water — no leaching of harmful materials
• Compatible with UK water system pressures and temperatures
• Meeting the requirements of the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999

All Cortenvale taps carry WRAS approval. This is a legally meaningful certification, not a marketing term.

Summary: What to Look for When Buying a Tap

Browse Cortenvale’s full range of solid brass, WRAS-approved taps at cortenvale.com.