Frequently Asked Questions

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Installation & Maintenance

Copper showers

Copper taps

What should I do if my copper tap or shower starts leaking when the valve is closed?

If the tap begins to leak when the valve is shut off, it may be time to replace the internal seal using one of the spares provided.

Turn off the water supply to the kitchen or bathroom before beginning.

Using an adjustable wrench, carefully unscrew the large hex nut surrounding the valve handle axis.

While doing this, hold the valve body firmly to avoid putting stress on or damaging the tap.

Once the cartridge is removed, replace the worn rubber seal with a new one.

Reinsert the cartridge slowly and tighten gently—do not over-tighten. Keep holding the valve body firmly during this step.

The valve handle should be in the “on” position when you screw the cartridge back in.

Tip: To extend the life of the rubber seal, always close the valve gently—just until the water stops flowing. Avoid using excessive force.

Do I need a professional to install my copper tap?

Our products are designed for straightforward installation. However, if you're unsure whether to turn the wrench left or right, we strongly recommend hiring a professional—especially for products like copper taps, showers, or anything that needs to be securely mounted to a wall and remain leak-free. 

Do I need a professional to install my switch or copper chandelier?

Yes, we strongly recommend that a licensed electrician installs any electrical products, including switches and copper chandeliers. This ensures safe, code-compliant installation and protects both your home and the product from damage caused by incorrect wiring or handling.

How do I clean and care for my copper tap?

Copper is a living, natural material that forms a beautiful patina over time, adding rich character to your space. If you prefer to maintain the original polished finish, your copper tap can be cleaned easily using a mix of lemon and salt. For a deeper shine, we also recommend using a dedicated copper cleaner such as Starwax for copper and brass. Whether you choose to let your tap age naturally or keep it gleaming, caring for it is simple and flexible.

Is water from a copper tap safe for drinking and skin contact?

Yes, water from a copper tap is generally safe for both drinking and skin contact. Copper is known for its natural antibacterial properties, which can help reduce harmful microbes on contact surfaces. When used in plumbing, pure copper does not pose a health risk and is commonly used in residential and commercial water systems.

Do copper showers tarnish over time?

Yes, copper showers made from pure, unlacquered copper will naturally tarnish over time. They develop a rich patina, changing from a bright, shiny finish to shades of brown and eventually green. This aging process is completely natural and adds character to the tap.

To maintain the original shine, clean the shower regularly with a soft sponge using a lemon and salt solution, then rinse and dry thoroughly. You can also use copper-safe products like Starwax. Avoid abrasive cleaners, as they can scratch the surface and accelerate oxidation.

Are Switchrange’s copper showers compatible with US/Canadian plumbing systems?

Yes—but you’ll need BSP-to-NPT adapters.

Thread standards: Switchrange taps are built with BSP (British Standard Pipe) threads, while most U.S. and Canadian lines use NPT (National Pipe Thread).

Adapter sizes:

Showers: ¾″ NPT female × ¾″ BSP male

Where to buy adapters: Amazon, ThreadToolSupply, eBay, McMaster-Carr, or any well-stocked local plumbing-supply or hardware store.

Fit the proper adapter to the supply line before installation and your Switchrange copper shower will work seamlessly with North-American plumbing.

Are the dimensions of copper showers customizable?

Yes, most dimensions are customizable—excluding fixed elements like curve radius or the pedestal base. If you have specific requirements, feel free to send us a sketch at contact@switchrange.com. We'll provide a detailed technical drawing for your approval.

Does Switchrange charge for customization?

No, there’s no extra charge if the final piece maintains its original shape and number of components. If your customization results in a fundamentally new object, we’ll provide a quote after the design is approved.

Can I use your showers outdoors?

Yes, our brass and copper showers are suitable for outdoor spaces. Make sure to drain them during winter to avoid freeze damage.

Is water from a copper tap safe for drinking and skin contact?

Yes, water from a copper tap is generally safe for both drinking and skin contact. Copper is known for its natural antibacterial properties, which can help reduce harmful microbes on contact surfaces. When used in plumbing, pure copper does not pose a health risk and is commonly used in residential and commercial water systems.

Do copper taps tarnish over time?

Yes, copper taps made from pure, unlacquered copper will naturally tarnish over time. They develop a rich patina, changing from a bright, shiny finish to shades of brown and eventually green. This aging process is completely natural and adds character to the tap.

To maintain the original shine, clean the tap regularly with a soft sponge using a lemon and salt solution, then rinse and dry thoroughly. You can also use copper-safe products like Starwax. Avoid abrasive cleaners, as they can scratch the surface and accelerate oxidation.

Are Switchrange’s copper taps compatible with US/Canadian plumbing systems?

Yes—but you’ll need BSP-to-NPT adapters.

Thread standards: Switchrange taps are built with BSP (British Standard Pipe) threads, while most U.S. and Canadian lines use NPT (National Pipe Thread).

Adapter sizes:

Loop, Condor taps: ¾″ NPT female × ¾″ BSP male

Biped & Pedestal taps: ½″ BSP female × ½″ NPT male

Twin Z taps: ½″ BSP female × ½″ NPT male

Where to buy adapters: Amazon, ThreadToolSupply, eBay, McMaster-Carr, or any well-stocked local plumbing-supply or hardware store.

Fit the proper adapter to the supply line before installation and your Switchrange copper tap will work seamlessly with North-American plumbing.

Are the dimensions of copper taps customizable?

Yes, most dimensions are customizable—excluding fixed elements like curve radius or the pedestal base. If you have specific requirements, feel free to send us a sketch at contact@switchrange.com. We'll provide a detailed technical drawing for your approval.

Does Switchrange charge for customization?

No, there’s no extra charge if the final piece maintains its original shape and number of components. If your customization results in a fundamentally new object, we’ll provide a quote after the design is approved.

Can I use your taps outdoors?

Yes, our brass and copper taps are suitable for outdoor spaces. Make sure to drain them during winter to avoid freeze damage.

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