What a timed tap actually does
A timed (or metered) push tap delivers water for a fixed period after the button is pressed, then shuts off on its own — no handle left running, no washroom flooding from a jammed tap. Both Bluegum timed taps carry a WELS 5 Star rating, meaning they're among the more water-efficient tapware options available, which matters in high-traffic commercial washrooms where dozens of uses a day add up.
Pillar tap vs wall push tap: the layout difference
The Timed Pillar Tap (BLUEGUM-PT, $119) mounts vertically through the basin or benchtop like a conventional pillar tap, with the push button on top — a straightforward swap for an existing single pillar tap hole. The Timed Wall Push Tap (BLUEGUM-WT, $149) instead mounts horizontally off the wall above the basin, which suits installs where the benchtop has no tap hole, or where a wall-mounted spout is preferred for cleaning and bench space.
Choosing between them
If you're replacing an existing pillar tap and the benchtop already has a tap hole, the pillar version is the simpler retrofit. If you're fitting out a new washroom with a wall-hung basin or want the benchtop completely clear, the wall-mounted unit avoids drilling the basin at all. Both are chrome-finished and push-button operated, so the choice is really about what's already there rather than a performance trade-off.
Where these suit
Public washrooms, schools, gyms and commercial kitchens all benefit from timed taps — they remove the risk of a tap being left running and reduce water use versus a standard lever tap in high-traffic settings. For drinking-water specific fixtures rather than basin taps, see our bubbler tap comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the water run before a timed tap shuts off?
Timed taps are set to a fixed flow duration per press (commonly a few seconds), long enough for a hand wash but short enough to prevent a tap being left running — check the product spec sheet for the exact setting on these models.
Can I install the pillar tap where I currently have a wall tap, or vice versa?
No — each is built for its specific mounting point (through-basin for the pillar tap, wall-mounted for the push tap), so match the version to your existing plumbing layout rather than trying to adapt one to the other's mounting.
What does WELS 5 Star mean for these taps?
WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme) star-rates plumbing fixtures on water use — 5 Star is the top rating commonly available for tapware, meaning lower water consumption per use than a standard lever tap.
Are these taps suitable for hot water?
They control flow but don't temper it — if connected to hot water, pair with a tempering valve to keep delivery temperature safe.