A new bathroom faucet can make a big difference in the look of your sink.
Find out what type of faucet you currently have installed in your bathroom. Faucets are available in a variety of prices and styles. They range from very inexpensive, mostly plastic models to high-quality brass units.
Bathroom Faucet Type
Not all faucet types work with every sink basin. Standard faucet drillings are widespread, center-set or single-hole:
Widespread faucet sets have a spout with separate hot- and cold-water handles. All pieces appear to be separate. Widespread faucets are available from 6-inch to 16-inch drillings for three-hole predrilled installation basins.
Center-set faucets (mini-widespread) are made for 4-inch predrilled with three-hole installation basins. They combine a spout and valves on a single base unit. Center-set faucets may have a single-handle mixing lever or two handles mounted onto a 6-inch plate.
Single-hole faucets have a spout and a single-mixing handle all in one for single-handed control. Single-lever faucets require one-hole drill installation basins. Some brands of single-lever faucets have an optional 6-inch cover plate for predrilled 4-inch-drill installations.
Wall-mounted faucets are available for above-the-counter and freestanding basins that require a long spout for extended reach. Wall-mounted faucets require a separate wall-mounted valve and drain for installation. Make sure the spout is long enough for adequate basin clearance.
Faucet Color and Finish
The color / finish should coordinate with the rest of the fixtures and accessories in your bathroom. The following is a list of available colors / finishes:
- Chrome (matte, brushed or polished)
- Brass (brushed or polished)
- Enamel-coated colors
- Ceramic
- Antique
- Pewter
- Nickel (brushed and pearl)
- Gold
- Platinum
- Bronze
Some faucet sets come with a combination of finishes to draw more attention to their distinct styling. For example, a faucet with a brass and chrome combination finish creates a fresh but sophisticated look in any bathroom.
Faucet Handle Styles
Handle styles are available in various finishes to complement your sink and faucet. Think about who'll be using your bathroom before you make a selection. Styles include:
- Lever Handles: The best universal design for children and older adults to grip and turn. Lever handles are available in many decorative styles.
- Cross Handles: Available in different finishes to coordinate with the room's décor.
- Motion-Activated: Some brands have interchangeable, colored, temperature-control handles. These faucets are easy to use: Adjust the temperature and place your hands under the spout to activate the water flow.
Faucet Construction
Every type of faucet has an inner valve that controls the flow of water through the spout. The valve quality, with or without a washer, determines the reliability and durability of the faucet. The best choices are faucets with solid brass, brass-based metal or corrosion-resistant workings.
Faucets With a Washer
- Compression-valve faucets are the most common types of faucets on the market. These faucets work by a stem that rises and falls to open and close the water's passageway.
Washerless Faucets
- Cartridge faucets use rubber O-rings inside a cylindrical cartridge to control the flow of water. These faucets are very reliable, especially if equipped with a brass cartridge.
- Ball faucets have a rotating metal / plastic ball that regulates the amount of incoming water. With only one moving part, the likelihood of a malfunction is greatly reduced. A plastic ball will eventually wear out, but a metal ball is designed to last a lifetime.
- Ceramic-disc faucets are nearly maintenance-free. Ceramic-disc faucets have two ceramic discs that move against each other in a shearing action, blocking water or allowing it to pass through. The seal is watertight because the discs are nearly flat.
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