A faucet may seem like something that requires little attention. However, purchasing a faucet based only on its aesthetic appeal might negatively impact other factors, such as water conservation, usability, and maintenance.
This is where you learn that choosing any bathroom fixture, even something as minor as a faucet, requires some consideration. A sink’s most commonly used component is its faucet. Frequent use can cause a faucet to malfunction, resulting in continuous water dripping. This is one of the primary reasons you should opt for a highly durable and aesthetically pleasant bathroom faucet.
In this ultimate buying guide, you’ll learn a few considerations to keep in mind while deciding which type of bathroom sink faucet will work best for your needs.
Types of Faucets
1. Centerset Faucets
Faucets with 4-inch centers are designed for sinks with three holes and feature handles that are spaced that far apart. They have one central unit that serves as both the spout and the handles. On a 6-inch plate, some centerset faucets feature two handles.
2. Single-handle Faucets
Based on an article from alpinedoorhardware.com, like centerset faucets, single-handle faucets are one of the most typical bathroom fixtures. They can be built with a modest dimension or a large deck plate to cover unused sink countertop holes. Some variants split the spout and handle, necessitating two holes.
3. Vessel Faucets
These taller faucets are designed to accompany vessel sinks, which are elevated compared to other sink styles. Faucets for vessel sinks often feature a single, multi-functional handle.
4. Wall Mount Faucets
As the name implies, these are mounted on the wall behind or beside the sink. If you choose this faucet, make sure the spout is long enough to offer adequate clearance to the sink.
5. Widespread Faucets
These are used in three-hole spreads ranging from six to sixteen inches, which is the distance between the hot and cold handles. It has separate controls for hot and cold water that are not connected to the spout.
Bathroom Sink Faucet Material
- Brass – It is a safe choice for bathroom fixtures due to the durability of brass faucet handles. Additionally, they are unlikely to leak or corrode. Therefore, it is beneficial to pay more for forged brass bathroom faucets.
- Stainless Steel – Besides being the only lead-free alternative to plastics, stainless steel has exceptional corrosion resistance. A premium stainless steel faucet is as durable and long-lasting as the finest solid brass ones.
- Plastic – Avoid using faucets made of plastic. Expect a plastic faucet to have a shorter life span than other options. This is especially true in areas with hard water, where internal components corrode considerably faster.
- Metal Alloy – These zinc alloy faucets, which are frequently brass-plated or chrome, are a step up from plastic faucets but should only be considered by those with the tightest budgets. With its quality, prepare to replace these faucets sooner than expected.
Factors To Consider When Buying a Bathroom Sink Faucet
Bathroom Sink Holes
Various faucets have distinct hole designs. Pick the pattern that will complement your sinks.
Style And Finish
Faucets may be functional sanitary fixtures, but you can still use them to express your preference for a modern or traditional style. If your bathroom has a contemporary aesthetic, faucets with smooth, sleek curves or geometric designs with chrome or satin nickel finishes are ideal.
Water Efficiency
In many regions of the world, humanity’s greatest obstacle is a lack of water. Did you know that a faucet that drips ten times per minute wastes 526 gallons of water annually? We should preserve water as much as possible before it is too late. Determine how much water the faucet you intend to purchase will use in one minute.
Integrated Water Filtration System
If you often wake up in the middle of the night feeling thirsty and have to go to the kitchen to drink, it may be time to put a water filtration system in your bathroom faucet for convenience.
Ease of Use
Before purchasing a faucet, you should consider who will use it. If you have kids or elderly relatives, pick a bathroom sink faucet with a single handle. This style allows the user to adjust both temperature and flow with a single lever that is easy to grasp and spin.
Price
The good news is that bathroom faucets are available in every price range. Some faucets are much more affordable than others, while others are expensive. Various factors might affect the price of a faucet, but you must choose one that fits your budget without sacrificing quality.
Key Takeaway
Whether your bathroom is a meticulously designed sanctuary dedicated to pampering or an ordinary closet with a single function, it will always require a faucet. Given the variety of styles and alternatives on the market today, selecting the appropriate one for your bathroom might take a lot of work. Therefore, consider this guide as a reference as you explore the vast array of choices when you shop.
