Bathroom Sink Faucets Buying Guide

When selecting a bathroom faucet, it is important to make sure that the installation type you choose is compatible with your sink. Most faucets are designed to fit pre-drilled holes, but some may require special installation and plumbing. Whether mounted to the wall, vanity top, or directly onto the sink, it is important to know the anatomy of a bathroom faucet and the benefits that come with each option.

	4" CENTERSET
	Centerset faucets are designed for standard three-hole installation and have handles that are 4 inches apart. These faucets typically feature two handles mounted to a 6-inch plate, or escutcheon, and are a great fit for most bathroom sinks.

	SINGLE HOLE
	Single hole faucets are installed directly onto the countertop and require only one drilled hole. Single or double handle styles are available, and often come with decorative plates to cover unneeded pre-drilled holes.

	VESSEL SINK
	Vessel sink faucets are a style of single hole faucet. Though they are the same in installation and appearance, they are anywhere from 4-6” taller than the typical single hole faucet which makes them ideal for vessel sinks.

	WIDESPREAD
	Widespread faucets are designed for three-hole installation and feature three separate pieces: two handles and a spout. The standard distance between the handles is at least 8 inches, making them slightly larger than other types of bathroom faucets.

	BRIDGE
	Bridge faucets offer a classic look that features an above-counter “bridge” that connects the hot and cold water supplies. These are ideal for undermount sinks and make cleaning the countertop around the faucet easy. If your vanity top is pre-drilled for three-hole faucets, faucet hole covers are available, and sometimes included to cover the unneeded center hole.

	WALL MOUNT
	Wall-mount faucets are mounted to the wall above the sink. If you want to preserve countertop space and streamline the cleaning process for those hard-to-reach areas, this style may be the right fit for you. To be sure the sink and faucet are compatible, it is important to take into account the height and distance the water spout projects. Installing a wall-mount faucet may require relocating your existing plumbing, so consider contacting a professional to perform the job.

Water Line Info

Sink faucets typically come one of three ways: with flexible braided hoses, with copper supply tubes, or with threaded shanks. Each variety is tried and true, however there are differences between them that are important to know.

	Flexible Braided Hoses
	Flexible braided hoses are most commonly used in plumbing today because of their ease of manipulation. Their adaptability make them perfect for tight or cluttered spaces, as they can be routed and connected to the shutoff valves as needed without the risk of cracking or breaking. This type of water line is made of a rubber tube wrapped in meshed and braided stainless steel.

	Copper Supply Tubes
	Copper is an extremely durable, rust-resistant metal that has been used in plumbing applications for decades. Copper supply tubes are pre-attached into the base of the faucet. Although not as flexible as the braided hose alternative, copper can be slightly manipulated to attach directly to the water source. Bending should be carefully done to avoid kinking or cracking the metal. In some applications, it may be necessary to use braided hoses to attach the copper supply tubes to the shutoff valves if they cannot be directly attached.

	Threaded Shanks
	Some faucets will not come with water lines provided, and will possess a pair of threaded shanks from the hot and cold stems. If this is the case, then you are provided the opportunity to decide which type of water line you would like to use in your setting. Water lines can be sourced from any local hardware or plumbing supply store, and both copper and flexible braided options should be available.

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Bathroom Sink Faucets Buying Guide