What is a 3-Way Kitchen Mixer Tap & How Does it Work?
A 3-way kitchen mixer tap combines your main and filtered water in one sleek design. Here’s how it works, what to look for, and why it’s becoming a must-have in modern Australian kitchens.
If you want a neater kitchen layout without extra fittings, a 3-way kitchen mixer tap can help. This single plumbing fixture delivers hot, cold, and filtered water from one spout, combining function, efficiency, and design. You can enjoy filtered drinking water straight from the same tap you use to wash dishes, saving space and reducing clutter around your sink.
Shop Alma's Fleta 3-way mixer tap in brushed brass gold
How Does a 3-Way Mixer Tap Work?
Unlike standard kitchen mixers that only connect to two water pipes, a 3-way mixer has three inlets. One connects to the cold water supply, another to the hot water system, and a third to your under-sink filter. Inside the spout are two chambers that keep the filtered water separate from the mixed hot and cold water, so there’s no cross-contamination. You get pure filtered water when you want it, and standard tap water for washing or cooking – all from a single spout.
Most models have two levers: one for mixed water and another for filtered water. Some premium tap units use a single lever design, while others feature three handles for more precise temperature control. Whatever the layout, the goal is the same: deliver filtered and unfiltered water without installing a separate tap or drilling another hole in your benchtop.
Key Features of a 3-Way Mixer Tap
Every 3-way kitchen mixer tap has slightly different tap features, but they share the same functional design principles.
- Single spout convenience: One tap delivers hot, cold, and filtered water.
- Ceramic discs: Durable and smooth operation for consistent water pressure and precise flow control.
- Dual flow chambers: Prevent mixing between filtered and unfiltered water streams.
- Flexible hose connection: Makes installation easier and ensures proper flow of water through all inlets.
- Temperature control: The single lever or twin-handle system helps you set your ideal water temperature without scalding or waste.
This combination of design and practicality has made 3-way taps one of the most popular types of mixer taps for modern homes in Australia. They’re a true space-saving solution that blends performance with minimalist style.
Benefits of Installing a 3-Way Mixer Tap
A 3-way kitchen mixer tap offers more than just convenience. It also improves water efficiency and functionality in your kitchen. Here’s why homeowners and plumbers alike recommend it:
- Filtered water on demand: No need for a separate faucet or bulky benchtop filter system.
- Better taste and quality: Filtered water improves the taste of beverages and cooking.
- Streamlined installation: Fewer holes in the benchtop mean less labour and cleaner aesthetics during a renovation.
- Water-saving control: You can adjust flow rate and temperature faster, reducing waste while rinsing or cleaning.
- Design flexibility: Available in matte black, brushed nickel, and stainless steel finishes to suit any kitchen design.
In short, a 3-way mixer combines style and practicality. It’s ideal for homeowners who want a tidy kitchen sink area and an all-in-one water solution.
3-Way Mixer Tap Design Options
3-way kitchen mixer taps come in two main styles: gooseneck and square neck. Gooseneck designs feature a high curved spout that gives you extra clearance for filling pots or rinsing produce. They suit both traditional and modern kitchens, adding a sense of flow and height above the sink.
Square neck mixers, on the other hand, have clean, angular lines that bring a more contemporary feel. They’re ideal for minimalist or industrial-style homes where sharp detailing matters.
Shop Puretec's Tripla Elite Square Three-Way Mixer in Brushed Nickel
At Buildmat, you’ll find both shapes across a wide range of premium finishes designed to suit every kitchen style. Each finish is made for durability, water efficiency, and long-term use, with surface coatings that resist fingerprints and corrosion. If you prefer a timeless look, brushed nickel or brushed stainless steel are versatile choices that pair effortlessly with most benchtops and sinks. For something bold, matte black or brushed gunmetal add striking contrast against white or timber cabinetry. Warm metallics like brushed brass gold or antique brass introduce warmth and sophistication to any kitchen design.
For the best results, match your tap with stainless steel kitchen sinks and kitchen accessories to complete the look. Buildmat’s collection of kitchen mixer taps and filtered water taps offers designs to suit both modern and classic Australian homes
3-Way vs Standard Mixer Taps vs Traditional Taps
Traditional taps are the classic setup with two separate handles – one for hot and one for cold taps. They’re reliable and familiar, but not always the most practical. Finding the right water temperature can take a few tries, and they don’t quite match the cleaner lines or water efficiency you get from modern tapware designs.
Standard mixer taps make life easier by combining hot and cold water through a single spout. You get smoother temperature control and a more minimal look, which is why they’ve become the standard in modern homes. They come in a huge range of modern designs and finishes, so it’s easy to find one that matches your kitchen style.
A 3-way mixer tap takes it one step further. It adds a third water line for filtered water, so you can get drinking water straight from the same tap. It’s efficient, space-saving, and a neat solution if you want less clutter on your benchtop. Whether you choose a single lever or twin-handle design, it’s the kind of upgrade that feels good every time you turn it on.
In short, traditional taps keep things simple, standard mixers make everyday use easier, and 3-way mixer taps combine all that functionality into one smart, all-in-one design built for modern living.
Choosing the Right 3-Way Mixer Tap for Your Home
When comparing options, consider design, finish, and water efficiency. Look for a WELS-rated tap to guarantee water-saving performance and reliable flow rate. If your home uses high-pressure systems, confirm that the tap can handle your water pressure level. Choose a style that matches your overall kitchen aesthetic, from curved gooseneck profiles to sleek square edges.
Matte black 3-way mixer taps are top choices for modern kitchens
Modern kitchens in Australia often blend materials and finishes, so brushed nickel, matte black, and stainless steel taps remain the top picks. They’re timeless, durable, and pair perfectly with most benchtop surfaces. For homes with a minimalist or industrial look, a single lever 3-way mixer tap adds understated sophistication.
If you’re upgrading your kitchen during a renovation, a 3-way mixer tap can be an easy way to modernise your plumbing fixtures without major changes. It’s compatible with most sinks, including undermount and top-mount styles, so you can match your tap with your existing setup.
Best Places to Install a 3-Way Mixer Tap
While commonly used in kitchens, 3-way mixer taps also work well in butler’s pantries or compact kitchenettes. They fit seamlessly with standard sinks and are great for family homes that value filtered drinking water access. Always ensure the tap is compatible with your under-sink space and water filtration system.
If your water pressure fluctuates, have a plumber check the flow before installation. Consistent flow ensures proper operation and prevents wear on internal components like ceramic discs and washers. The better the water pressure balance, the longer your tap will last.
Shop now: Fleta Brushed Stainless Steel 3 Way Filter Water Tap (filter tap on left).
Shop Buildmat’s Premium Mixer Taps Today!
Revamp the look and functionality of your kitchen with Buildmat's stunning range of bespoke, high quality kitchen sink mixer taps, including a 3-way mixer tap. With ratings of WELS 4 and WELS 5 and a 25 year warranty, our kitchen faucets are designed to suit any home. Buildmat’s kitchen mixer range will not only make your kitchen look good, but also make cooking and washing up more streamlined (that'd be nice, right?) Add our kitchen mixers, which come in a range of timeless, classic and contemporary colours, to your wishlist today. Shop now!
Read More
- Pairing Your Mixer Tap & Sink: 6 Mistakes to Avoid
- What Is A Dual Spray Mixer Tap?
- How to Choose the Right Tap for Your Kitchen
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a 3-way tap and a standard kitchen mixer?
A standard mixer tap only connects to hot and cold water. A 3-way tap includes a third inlet for filtered water, letting you use one faucet for both regular and filtered water without adding another tap.
Can I install a 3-way mixer tap myself?
Some 3-way mixer taps are suitable for DIY installation if you’re familiar with basic plumbing. However, it’s best to use a licensed plumber to ensure correct connection of the water pipes and filter system for proper functionality and safety.
Do 3-way mixer taps reduce water pressure?
When installed correctly, they don’t. A plumber can check your water pressure before installation to make sure your system supports the additional filtered water line without reducing overall flow rate.
Are 3-way kitchen mixers compatible with any water filter?
Not always. Some taps use unique fittings, so confirm compatibility with your chosen under-sink filter before purchase. Buildmat’s team or your plumber can help you match the correct fittings.
Is filtered water from a 3-way tap safe to drink?
Yes. The filtered water line runs through a separate internal chamber, ensuring it stays pure and uncontaminated by your regular water supply. Replace the filter cartridge regularly to maintain quality.
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