Bathroom faucets are beautiful fixtures that add more appeal to bathrooms, and choosing it is no easy task if you are sensitive to the styling needs. The faucet must be perfect in its looks as well as highly functional and last long. With so many varieties of styles and finishes, it is never easy to decide which could be best for you because you might always feel that perhaps there could be something better had you the time for it. However, it is only apprehension, and you can make a confident selection by gathering information and updating your knowledge about bathroom faucets so that you never have any doubt about it being the best bathroom fixture for you.
The simple looks of bathroom faucets belie its importance of being the most used plumbing fixture in the house. You must be careful in selection because although it is not difficult to change the fixture, getting the exact replacement can be doubtful because of the continuous development of style and design that result in quick obsolescence of any existing style. It might happen that when you go to the market for replacing a fixture about a year after its installation, you might not get the same style of the faucet, and this can be a big setback in maintaining the beauty of the bathroom.
This article discusses the relevant aspects that should help in selecting the best bathroom faucet.
How you intend to use the faucet and the scope of installation or mounting the faucet influences the selection.
Vessel faucets
If you want a faucet for the vessel sink, then it must be a Kraus vessel faucet. All vessel faucets are alike in design but differ in looks depending on the finish and the features. Vessel faucets are very tall, have a single lever, and installed in a single hole. Determining the spout height from the sink base is very important to ensure the convenience of working in the sink because if the spout is too low, it will cause difficulty in moving the hands under the faucet. If the height is too much, it will increase splashing and make the place around the sink wet and dirty. Another aspect to consider is the distance of the spout from the center of the sink. If it is too short it will make water spill from the edge of the sink.
Some vessel sinks might have wall-mounted faucets depending on the location of the sink and the amount of space on the wall behind.The plumbing provisions, too, will influence the decision.
Wall-mounted faucets
Wall-mounted faucets are most versatile and installed on the wall just behind the sink. While the space on the wall must be adequate for installing the faucet along with the accompanying plumbing system, the type of sink also influences the decision. For example, the type of installation needed for drop-in, self-rimming, or undermount sinks is similar but different for vessel sinks. However, you can adjust the faucet height according to the choice of sink. Wall-mounted faucets free up countertop space and give more tidy and modern appearance by fully displaying the quartz or granite countertop.
Single-hole faucets
All single hole faucets are deck mounted on the sink or rest on the countertop behind the sink. Most single hole faucets have knobs or handles for operating the fixture to control the flow of water. The handles operate in many ways. Lift and tilt type moves the handle up and down while the rotating handle ones rotate 360o on either side. These faucets are faster to install, control water volumes, and temperature more precisely by turning the handle right or left. Single hole faucets are ideal for small spaces as it occupies minimal space on the countertop or deck.
3-hole faucets
Kitchen faucets can have three or more holes, depending on the number of holes in the sink. A 3-hole faucet requires separate holes for mounting the two handles and a different hole for the spout. Sometimes there might be a fourth hole for an accessory like a side-spray or soap dispenser. The number of holes required for mounting is mentioned on the packaging of the faucet. Typically, the faucets have separate channels for hot and cold water. These faucets are available as 4” center set version, or a widespread version for larger and wider vanities.
Faucet handle and operation
The operational ease of faucets depends on the type of handles that give character to the fixtures. Different types of handle orientation of faucets are:
One-handle– Faucets that have one handle operate at optimal levels. Lifting/ lowering the handles alter the flow of water and change the volume and pressure.Turning the handle sideways facilitates the adjustment of water temperature. Some handles have rotational movements for performing the actions.
Two handles – These are like three-piece faucets with the central portion mounting the spout, and there are two separate handles on the two sides. The handles control the flow of water as well as the temperature -and one handle for hot water while another is for cold water. You must adjust the handles for the right mix of hot and cold water to achieve the desired temperature.
Touchless faucets – These are more advanced and modern faucets in technology and style. The faucets do not have any handles and instead use electronic sensors that detect motion or movement near the faucet to start or stop it. If you wave your hand under the tap, it triggers an electric signal that opens it, and water starts flowing that continues until the hand remains close to or under the spout. On removing the hand, the signal reverses, and after a moment, the faucet stops the flow of water. These are very good for disabled persons and commercial establishments as it prevents wastage of water.
Touch activated faucets – These faucets are like the touchless faucets, but the difference is that you must tap the electronic sensor to activate it for opening or closing the faucet.
In addition to the above, you must also consider the material of construction of faucets. It can contribute to its looks and lasting.
