CHOOSING THE RIGHT FAUCETS FOR YOUR BATHROOM

In recent years, the selection of kitchen and bathroom faucets has acquired greater prominence. There was a time in the past when bathrooms like kitchens were not given their due in looks or appearance. But today, they are seen as calming places that are often the first go-to in the morning.

Now, if their aesthetic set-up is unimpressive, their very purpose gets defeated. On the other hand, if they are impressive, they make you feel welcomed.

One of the first things that are important for an aesthetic set-up is kitchen and bathroom faucets. Their first-impression matters. With the choice of styles, textures, colors, and so on available today, it gives you ample options to select the best of faucets with the best of modern kitchen and bathroom accessories as add-ons.

Thankfully, in the digital age, you need not bother to step out of your house to shop for them. Instead, you can shop for bathroom sanitary items online from wherever you are; and browse through a diverse variety of faucets for bathroom and kitchen online.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT FAUCETS

Modern kitchen and bathroom accessories including kitchen and bathroom faucets come with options galore, which make choosing the best among them a tricky process.

The variety of options includes:

SINGLE-HOLE FAUCETS

Combining spout and mixing handles, they offer a single lever in one unit of a single handle, lever, or knob that requires just one drilled sink hole; and are meant for controlling the water flow and temperature. As their name implies, they are installed into a single hole on the back of the sink or vanity.

There are some models for retrofits that come with a bottom-plate capable of covering existing three-hole openings; and two separate controls.

HIGHPOINTS

Possess a sleek and simple design.

Offers a more accurate volume and temperature control.

Is easier to install than any other faucet type. If you’re looking to use a single-hole faucet on a kitchen or bathroom basin with a three-hole installation layout, make sure to use an escutcheon or a deck plate, to conceal the other two holes.

Are mostly available with one handle and at times, two.

Is most suitable for smaller bathrooms.

Ideal for smaller sinks like powder-room baths, single-handle faucets is simplicity personified that reflects modern sensibilities; and is easy to use and switch holding the perfect bending point between the hot and cold, even for those who are handicapped.

CENTER-SET FAUCETS

An extremely popular faucet, they come with a versatile design allied with a nice fit that makes them suitable for bathrooms of any size. The faucet spout and handles are fixed on a base unit and mounted directly on the sink in a way to create a single unit

They usually are 4 inches in size with a single lever or two handles mounted on a 6-inch plate that are 4 inches apart; and washbasins with three holes. This makes them ideal for most bathroom sinks and easy for operation as well. Additionally, they can also be used for bathroom sinks with three holes, with either 4 inch or 6 inch faucet centers.

Most center-set faucets offer individual controls for hot and cold water. This helps in getting the right mixture and obtaining the right temperature every time.

WIDESPREAD MOUNTS

Regarded as the most reliable faucet type with the most options and style variety, they come with three separate pieces, that is, two handles and one spout. The handles individually installed are not attached to the spout-mounting base; and instead consists of three separate pieces installed in a 3-hole basin.

The standard distance between the handles is around 8 inches while the three pieces larger than other categories of bathroom faucets. This makes them ideal for larger basins with some faucets creating a distance of about 16 inches wide.

There are some widespread faucets that often use unique escutcheon that are sized to the individual handle and spout base instead of a one-piece escutcheon for all three faucet parts.

Widespread mounts faucets also come with smaller versions called mini-spreads, which are designed for standard holes that are drilled 4 inches apart.

HIGHPOINTS

Comes with hot and cold handles. They can be mounted on the sinks and countertop; or mounted independently on sinks.

Comes with faucet centers that range from 6 to 16 inches wide.

WALL MOUNTED FAUCETS

Considered as a fashion-forward alternative to the traditional sink-mounted faucets, they require wall mounted valve connections. What sets them apart from other faucet types is they help to clear-up the space on the surrounding spaces around the sink or vanity for free-standing vessel sinks or inset basin sinks.

HIGHPOINTS

Can match any décor style that’s selected for the bathroom.

Creates a unique bathroom environment.

Can come with one or two handles.

However, they require plumbing work through the walls behind the sink, which means expensive installation. The water-supply line needs to be directed to sink-height by the side of the wall; and the spout needs to be carefully measured so as to make sure that they fit the height and depth when compared to sink installation; and help prevent the water from ending-up on the floor.

VESSEL FAUCETS

They offer a taller sprout that helps to accommodate the higher lip of the above-the-countertop vessel sinks.

HIGHPOINTS

Comes in varied styles and finishes, thereby providing elegant focal point.

Adapts perfectly with any type of vessel sink.

Is durable and long-lasting.

Is easy to use and maintain.

Due to their extra height, they are mostly available as a single-hole faucet; and at times as a lever handle.

TOUCHLESS FAUCETS

They have no handle; and run on electronic sensors which can spot movements. This spotting aspect ensures the water is turned on and off when they sense a hand in front of them. In most cases, the water temperature is set at a steady temperature during installation time.

There are some touchless faucets that are electric-powered, and others that are battery-powered.

TOUCH-ACTIVATED FAUCETS

Quite similar to touchless faucets, they as well have no handles. Instead, they rely on a wave with a tap against the sensor to turn on or turn off.

The water temperature can be either preset or adjusted with a knob or handle as a manual control.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT FAUCET?

When selecting faucets for bathroom and kitchen online, you need to factor in the following aspects.

SINK SIZE

Know the size of your sink is your bathroom. Larger size faucets are suitable only if you have a large sized bathroom; and likewise smaller size faucets if you have a small sized bathroom.

A large faucet offers more functionality thereby allowing for independent hot and cold water taps. On the other hand, small faucets with their small size can be minimalistic in the way you want it. The only drawback is they are too small and offer limited functionality.

DESIGN

Curvy or sleek design, the faucet design must conform to the look and feel of your sink; and need to fit in with existing set-up. Additionally, consider your lifestyle and what kind of faucet best matches it. Presently, sensor faucets are in trend as they come with hands-free design.

FITTING

As the technical part of the faucet, your choice must fit in with the existing or new sink set-up. To play safe, check the dimensions of your sink before to ascertain the right fitting criteria.

INSTALLATION

Installation aspect is a tricky part as different faucets need different plumbing needs; and some homes will need rerouting water lines. To play safe, its better a certified plumber is hired who will be able to give an accurate estimate of the installation requirements.

QUALITY

Quality matters, no matter whatever item you purchase. Never compromise on quality for the lowly benefits of low price. The faucet price could be high but they help to save on costs in the long-term by eliminating frequent costly repairs now and then; and also last long.

Besides, quality faucets also fit in well with a variety of design themes.

PRICE

If you’re on a tight budget, price will matter a lot. New faucets come with a variety of different attachments and add-ons but they are pretty expensive. They inflate the initial cost of the faucet in the long-term.

It is better to focus on the material, finish, and quality of the faucet and also ensure its style matches the look of your bathroom.