Bathroom Faucets and What You Should Know

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Bathroom Faucets and What You Should Know

Tuesday, May 27th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

When the time comes to replace a bathroom faucet there are many choices available to you. If you are starting fresh with both a new sink and a bathroom faucet then the sky is the limit. If you are just updating your faucet then you will need to work with the sink you already have, and that will limit the choices somewhat.

When you are working with an existing sink, the faucet drillings will predetermine some of your choices, but the style, finish and mechanics are open to change.

With all the options available today, it is a good idea to shop around and make comparisons before deciding. There are many styles and finishes to choose from and you are sure to find a bathroom faucet that just strikes the right note and makes the style statement you are looking for.

Bathroom Faucets and How They Work

Over time faucets have improved dramatically. Today there are faucets which will operate for long periods of time, maintenance free.

1. Compression Faucets-have been the old standby for many years, and are still in use and available today. These are usually among the less expensive faucets and have both a hot and cold handle to control temperature and water pressure. To close off water pressure, you simply tighten the handle.

Inside this type of faucet assembly is a washer on the end of a screw. When you tighten the faucet handle this puts pressure on the washer covering and opening, and the flow of water is stopped. Washer replacement is frequently needed to stop leaking or drips.

2. Ball Faucets-are a frequent choice for kitchens, but are also common in the bath. This type of faucet has one handle to control both water flow and the temperature. Although this is a popular faucet, and the first to be called washerless, they can be difficult to deal with and often leak.

3. Cartridge Faucets-are offered in both single handle models and also in models that have two handles for more control of temperature and water flow. In this type of faucet water flow is controlled by a moveable stem cartridge, and need less pressure. Cartridge faucets require little maintenance.

4. Disc Faucets-are the newest type, seldom require repair and are a higher quality and usually more expensive faucet. They are available in single lever models that control both temperature and the flow of water.

Bathroom Faucet Drillings

1. Single Hole Faucet-is a single assembly that is mounted over a single hole drilling. This is a single unit which contains a lever for water control and the spout.

2. Widespread Faucets-feature the handles and the spout as single items which each mount separately.

3. Centerset Faucets-are commonly found in bathrooms. This type of faucet assembly has handles and spout integrated on a base as one unit.

4. Wall-Mounted Bathroom Faucets-are often a choice used with vessel sinks. These faucets require a lot of work to install, and are only a choice if you are going to have the walls open either during new construction, or in the process of an extensive bathroom remodel.

Consider your style preference. If you are doing a full remodel, all your faucets and fixtures should match. If you are doing a small update, then you will want your choice to be in keeping with the rest of the bath fixtures.

Selecting a Faucet Finish

Faucet finish will depend somewhat on your style preference, but not totally. Many finishes work well with many different styles of faucet and decor.

Very shiny finishes such as polished chrome or French gold are beautiful, but will be most labor intensive to maintain their shiny appearance.

Satin and brushed finishes are preferred by many due to the fact they are easier to maintain, and water spotting and finger marks are not as likely to show.

Venetian bronze, black iron, weathered copper and oil rubbed bronze are becoming very popular, and lend themselves especially well to vintage styles. Some of the finishes that are increasing more popular are considered living finishes, and will change with use and time. Recognize that these will look different in time so that you are not disappointed with the way they look in the future.

Shopping Tips:

What type of installation do you need? Widespread, centerset, or single lever?
Consider maintenance, and the differences in compression, ball, cartridge, or disc faucets before you decide.
Choose a finish to suit both your lifestyle and your preference.
What style do you prefer? Traditional, Vintage, Contemporary?
How much will your budget allow?

By carefully shopping and doing comparisons you should find a bathroom faucet that will fill your needs and please your eye for many years to come.

Follow this link to find more expert advice and tips about the selection of a bathroom faucet and also expert advice about, and a diverse selection of, vessel sinks.

Normandy Chrome Bathroom Faucet