FAQ's.

General

• What type of warranty do you offer?

  Depending on the item that you are purchasing we have a variety of different warranties. Most door hardware that we can supply has between a 10 year and 25- year warranty.

  This does depend on the maintenance that is done & installation of the product. Most of the tapware ranges that we offer have between a 10-20- year warranty.

• What brands of bathroom accessories do you carry?

  Elite Door and Tap Hardware is proud of our affiliations with Paco Jaanson Barben Architectural ECT Global Nero Bathware Fienza Abey Ceramic Exchange Castano Ostar Ram Tapware Linkware Bathroom Products Australia & Best Building Materials.

• What is your return policy for damaged goods?

  Elite Door and Tap Hardware will replace any goods that arrive at their destination faulty or damaged providing a claim is made within 24 hours of the parcel being signed for confirmation of claim can be done either by phone call or email. With particular respect to items that arrived broken or damaged damage must be advised within 24 hours. Under no circumstances will refunds be given for notification after this period.

  PLEASE ENSURE ONCE YOU RECEIVE YOUR ORDER THAT YOU IMMEDIATELY CHECK FOR ANY DAMAGE AND INFORM US IMMEDIATELY. Elite Door and Tap Hardware will not offer replacement for damagedbroken items after the 24hr period after receipt of goods has lapsed. To return any item for any reason the customer must arrange for return postage by Australia Post.

• If you are out of stock of an item can you notify me when it is back in stock?

  Yes If we are out of stock of an item we will notify you & give you weekly updates until the goods arrive in our store for collection.

• Where can I view your products?

  Our showroom is located at 337 Swan St Richmond. For more details please visit our showroom or continuing looking at our Website.

• Am I able to purchase products online that arent featured on your site?

  We are more than happy to order in goods that are either not on display in our showroom or on our website. We will only be able to do such thing if we have a pre-existing relationship. If you are looking for a specific product not featured online simply contact the showroom on 03 9429 1211 or via email and we will be more than happy to assist you.

• Can I return products if I change my mind?

  If you order the wrong product by mistake we will be happy to exchange on the condition the goods are unused and in the original packaging with all the parts included. The cost incurred of returning the products would be the responsibility of the customer. Exchanges are only possible within 7 days of delivery or collection from our showroom.

  Products made to order modified or cut to size or specifically ordered in cannot be cancelled returned or refunded.

• What are your payment terms?

  Upon placement of an order we ask for a 25 deposit with the remaining balance due upon pick up of goods.

• Do you accept credit cards?

  Yes. We accept credit cards Visa & MasterCard. Other methods of acceptable payment are cash debit card or electronic payment.

• What should I choose first, my tapware or my accessory style and finish?

  There is no right or wrong way to do this. However a lot of people will start by looking at the tapware basins toilets & shower styles before choosing accessories to match.

• What bath accessory finishes are people choosing for their bath remodelling project?

  So far this year the two most popular choices have been Gun Metal & Brushed Nickel. If you are having doubts about the longevity of these finishes polished chrome is always a timeless & classic choice.

• I found a Barben Architectural bathroom accessory style I like, but I dont see it on your site. Can you order it for me?

  Absolutely. Our bathroom accessories page highlights a small select grouping of Barbens extensive bathroom accessory collection. When discussing your bathroom project with us just let us know the collection you like and we will get you a quote organised for you.

• What brands of bathroom accessories do you carry?

  Elite Door and Tap Hardware is proud of our affiliations with Paco Jaanson Barben Architectural ECT Global Nero Bathware Fienza Abey Ceramic Exchange Castano Ostar Ram Tapware Linkware Bathroom Products Australia & Best Building Materials.

• What type of warranty do you offer?

  Depending on the item that you are purchasing we have a variety of different warranties. Most door hardware that we can supply has between a 10 year and 25-year warranty. This does depend on the maintenance that is done & installation of the product. Most of the tapware ranges that we offer have between a 10-20-year warranty.

Tapware

• Are your products WELS rated and watermark certified

  Yes. ALL of our Products meet and exceed Australian standards and carry the Watermark imprint as well as any WELS rating certificate where applicable.

• Do I need a pop-up waste with or without an overflow?

  Not sure if you need a pop-up waste with or without an overflow?

  An overflow is a small hole in the side of a basin or bath used to drain excess water away before the basin or bath overflows. If your basin or bath has an overflow hole it will require a pop-up waste with overflow.

• Do I need to use a shower mixer that has a diverter with my 2-in-1 shower rail?

  No most 2-in-1 showers have an inbuilt diverter so you will only need to use a single mixer or a set of taps wall top assemblies to control the shower.

• How many tap holes do I need in a Basin?

  It depends on the Tapware you choose. You will need 1 tap hole for mixer style Tapware and 3 holes for a traditional 2 tap handles and 1 spout arrangement. Choose your Tapware first and then select your basin.

• What do I need to consider when choosing between Mixer type or traditional handle and spout Tapware options?

  While it is largely personal taste it is worth assessing some practical considerations such as if water pressure is an issue in your area ask your plumber if you require or prefer Tapware with water saving options available in all types of Tapware but some are more efficient than others and if someone who uses the taps will require a high level of ease of use for example children or the elderly.

• Can I modify water pressure of the tapware?

  As plumbing items in Australia are required to have the flow regulated for water conservation under the governments WELS scheme we are unable to modify water pressure for customers however plumbers or tradespersons may be able to assist with altering the designated water flow rates during installation; especially when you require a kitchen mixer to be installed in a laundry or a basin mixer to be used in a bathtub as these areas allow an increased water flow rate.

  Please consult with your trade professional if you need any additional assistance.

• Do I need to have my tapware or shower installed by a plumber?

  We strongly suggest that a licensed tradesman installs all plumbing items. If an item is installed by a non-licensed person your product warranty and possibly home & contents insurance may be void. If there are any damages caused during installation a licensed plumber is responsible to pay for those damages.

• What is the minimum and maximum water operating pressure that taps are suited to?

  The recommended operating pressure is between 100 500kpa 1 5 bar.

  All of our basin & shower mixers have a maximum operating pressure of 500kpa 5 bar.

  If your water pressure exceeds the maximum water pressure specified for your mixer a pressure limiting valve must be fitted. Failure to do so will void the warranty.

• What are the taps made of?

  Dezincification Resistant DR brass in compliance with ASNZS 3718

• Are your products WELS rated and Watermark certified?

  Yes. ALL of our Products meet and exceed Australian standards and carry the Watermark imprint as well as any WELS rating certificate where applicable.

Doorware

• How do I remove tea staining from my stainless steel?

  If you do find tea staining on your stainless steel it can only be on the surface so removal is surprisingly simple. Typically most tea staining will be easily removed by applying Inox or another brand of tea stain remover and firmly rubbing with a cloth. For more stubborn tea staining apply Inox and leave for 5 or 10 minutes then firmly rub with a cloth.

  Never use steel wool to remove tea staining. It will produce dramatically fast removal of tea staining but at the cost of forcing carbon fibers into stainless steel resulting in carbon rust later on.

  The product can be revived by following the above maintenance procedure and repeating regularly. This small amount of routine care can only preserve the elegance of stainless steel hardware.

• Will stainless steel stain?

  Yes. It is somewhat ironic that a steel called stainless does actually stain To aid the longevity and appearance of stainless steel products it must be cleaned regularly or use a metal polish such as Blue Magic which can be applied periodically.

  Atmospheric conditions salt deposits acids caustic agents cement or dust on construction sites all have the potential to cause discoloration to the surface known as tea staining. If this occurs do not be concerned as usually this is not the stainless steel itself but particles clinging to its surface.

• Does brass tarnish and how do I care for it?

  Yes. The high polished Brass products are often treated with a clear protective coating to provide durability. Brass like sterling silver will gradually tarnish and take on an antique appearance. Atmospheric conditions caustic agents such as paints or scratches from sharp objects may cause the protective coating to crack or peel causing spotting and discolorations.

  If you clean your handles with warm soapy water once a month to get any buildup off the finish of your hardware will last a lot longer then if you do nothing at all.

• Can I have the same key for my door and window locks?

  Yes. In most cases this is no problem. However sometimes this isnt possible where for example your window keys are different keyway to your door keys. If you are just buying one door and already have locks on other doors simply supply a sample key and we will advise if we can reconfigure our locks to suit your key at a small additional cost.

  Other options such as restricted or registered keys where keys cannot be duplicated are also available for our locks. Ask our hardware specialists about those requirements.

• What is the correct height to fit locks and hardware?

  Locks are usually positioned at a height of 1000mm or to align with other pre-existing lock heights in the house. Traditionally locks in older houses were between 850 900mm above floor level except in the 1930s when heights at approx. 1400mm were common.

• What about pivot doors that have no hinges?

  Pivot or floor spring are a popular idea especially with large doors where hinges could be problematic. Typically pivots or floor springs are used on doors 1200mm wide and handle a door of that size with ease. This is because the door is pivoting top and bottom rather than hanging. The closer is hydraulically controlled which gives a smooth action and the ability to let you set exactly how fast the door closes. Refer our separate FAQ sheet for more information on pivot doors.

• Do I need a professional installer?

  If youre handy around the house or have access to the equipment you need youre probably safe to install your own mortise locks. However theres no harm in calling in an expert if youre looking for absolute piece of mind.

  You may consider using a professional installer because

  Not all mortise locks are the same so you require specific measurements for optimum security.

  Some mortise locks suit interior doors better than others.

  Different kinds of mortise locks include single or double cylinder or dummy sets.

  A professional installer will use specialized tools like a mortise jig to cut into the door.

  Most installations come with some manner of guarantee.

• If screws are missing in the package, can you send them to me?

  We check every box of hardware that is ordered in for a customer. If you happen to lose them or your builder misplaces the screws we are more than happy to arrange new screws to be sent out to you.

• Is there a standard kit for front door entries that contain everything needed?

  Yes. We have a few different manufacturers that have created hardware kits for people just like you We have a kit for most applications in a variety of finishes pre-packaged to supply all common requirements in a discounted kit.

• How do I fit a door handle?

  Every door handle set we sell comes with installation instructions. If you are not a handy person we recommend you seek the advice of someone who is qualified.

• What is the most secure lock for my front door?

  Mortise locks offer better door security. If you are considering what is the most secure lock to install on your front entry then definitely consider using a mortise lock? Mortise locks offer a higher level of security than a tubular latch.

  The choice

  If youre looking to replace the locks and entry sets on the doors around your house youre really looking at a choice between mortise and tubular style lock systems. While tubular systems are popular and found in both residential and business applications you should know why mortise locks offer higher security for doors in both businesses and homes before making your choice.

  Going tubular?

  Tubular locks gained general popularity because they are quicker to fit and they do not require special tools or training to install and are therefore seen as a relatively secure simple entry system. However its exactly for these reasons that mortise locks offer a greater level of security.

Bathrooms

• Do you have an installation service?

  Unfortunately we do not have an installation service.

• What can I clean my shower tapware and accessories with?

  Simply rinse all hardware clean with water and dry the with a soft cotton cloth.

• How do I clean my matte black kitchen or bathroom products?

  Do not use any harsh chemicals or rough surface materials such as scourers or adhesive tape.

  Use a soft cloth with warm soapy water will keep the matte finish in new condition and will ensure your warranty is maintained.

• What type of interior door handle do I need for a bathroom door?

  Bathroom doors are usually fitted with a privacy set to stop people just walking in while youre in there. You can either have this located on the handle of have a separate lock to your handle.

• What should I consider when planning my bathroom?

  While a bathroom can be a beautiful place it must also be functional. You will require workspaces in your bathroom just like you do in the kitchen. How many people will be using the bathroom? You may need dual basins for bathrooms with lots of traffic. A combined a shower and bath area can save much needed space.

• What are the colour options?

  We have a wide variety of colours patterns hardware finishes and other options to choose from to make your bathroom unique. Check out our showroom & website more information.

• Do you offer bathroom accessories?

  Yes we have a wide range of accessories like; toilet roll holders towel rails heated and non-heated shower shelves robe hooks hand towel holders and robe hooks to name a few.

Kitchens

• Can I use your cabinet hardware on extra thick drawers/cabinets?

  Yes you can. At the time of purchase you will need to advise how thick your cupboard doors are so we can ensure we provide the right size screws.

• How do I clean my matte black kitchen or bathroom products?

  Do not use any harsh chemicals or rough surface materials such as scourers or adhesive tape. A soft cloth with warm soapy water will keep the matte finish in new condition and will ensure your warranty is maintained.

• How should I maintain my granite sink?

  Avoid placing pots pans or other hot objects in excess of 280 C on the surface of the sink CAUTION The bottom of a pot or pan just removed from the burner can reach temperatures of over 600C.

  Pots pans and other hot objects must be placed on appropriate potholders made of wood metal etc..

  Avoid causing excessive thermal shock due to the presence of very hot and very cold objects on the sink at the same time.

  Do not use the sink as a cutting surface rather use a cutting board made of timber or polyethylene.

  The use of stainless steel dish baskets or surface protectors which can be purchased together with the sink can reduce the risk of accidental damage.

  Do not use harsh abrasive substances or metal cleaning pads steel wool to clean the sink because they may scratch the surface making it susceptible to stains.

  Heavy or pointed objects that fall on the surface of the sink can damage it.

  Do not pour alcohol acids or any solvents in general into or

• What is an adjustable spray?

  Adjustable sprays are featured on some pull-out taps and are clearly marked. These taps have a button that when pressed distributes a gentle flow through the head of the tap suitable for cleaning vegetables etc.

• What is a pull-out tap?

  A pull-out tap contains an extractable hand-piece that allows you to have greater control over the direction of your water flow.

• Will any accessory fit my sink?

  Not all accessories will fit your sink generally you will need to purchase the accessories from the same manufacturer. You can measure what you already have and try and find something that will fit if you dont know the manufacturer of your current sink.

• The assembly instructions are missing from the package. Where can I find it?

  Assembly Instructions can be found on the manufacturers website or alternatively you can call or email us and we will send them through to you.

Laundries

• Are there water markings?

  This will vary depending on what contaminants are in the water.

  Pure water leaves no residue at all and as such leaves no marks. However water from many Councils nowadays has high levels of Chlorine Calcium etc and these chemicals leave residues when the water droplets evaporate.

  You will have noticed this when you have washed your car or any other surface and havent dried it properly.

  For all Stainless Steel products and in fact most other high gloss finishes a way to alleviate this is polishing with an appropriate polish.

  What this in fact does is discourage the droplets from pooling which means the residues are less more spread out and thus less visible.

• Which accessories are suited to my sink?

  Accessories suited to your particular sink model will be listed as Included or Matching on the product page for your specific sink.

• Will my stainless-steel sink scratch?

  Stainless steel sinks will scratch. Surface scratches will become less noticeable as your sink ages the first scratches will always be the most noticeable. Over time the sink will develop its own unique finish as light scratches blend in to the sinks grain. We recommend the use of a bowl protector where possible to help protect the bowl from dents and heavy scratching.

  Most minor scratches can be softened with a stainless-steel polishing cream rub with the grain taking care not to rub in one area.

• Do stainless steel sinks rust?

  No stainless steel sinks do not rust however they may appear to if they come into contact with contaminants. Rust marks in stainless steel sinks can usually be a result of one or more factors. These are some of the more common causes

  Steel wool pads Often used for cleaning these will leave steel deposits on the sink which will cause rust marks to appear.

  Ordinary steel containers utensils or kitchen ware Items like tin coated steel cans or pots can leave rust marks and stain the sink.

  Iron deposits Often found in water iron particles left on the sinks surface can then leave rust marks.

  Bleaches or chemicals Solutions of chlorine bleach chlorides or citric acid found in many ordinary household cleaners can stain and corrode a stainless-steel sink.