Many people don’t realize that your bathroom faucet is an important investment in your home and your wallet. The right faucet will do its job over and over through repetitive use without causing you any headache, and it can even save you money at the same time. The wrong faucet, though, is going to create leaks, cause problems, and be a drain on your bank account, ultimately resulting in you buying a new one anyway.
Instead of just grabbing the first bathroom faucet that catches your eye, take some time to do a little bit of research to be sure you are getting your money’s worth and picking the one that will please you in the long run. Use this faucet guide to help you understand everything you need to know about your next home investment.
7 Things You Should Know About Your Next Bathroom Faucet
- You’re not stuck with one style. You may have seen hundreds of bathroom faucets in your experience with homes, hotels, restaurants, businesses, and more, but the majority of them were likely functional, traditional styles. However, faucets can be found in these, as well as contemporary and in-between styles.
Known as traditional, modern, and transitional, each faucet has its own look. When you know what type of look you are trying to find, you can search for a faucet in that style. Visit UniqueVanities.com to find the faucet that matches your bathroom decor.
- The features of your faucet need to complement your sink. Have you ever turned a faucet on and been hit with a blast of water? The likely reason for this is that the depth of the sink was too shallow for the arc of the faucet. Think about how low your faucet reaches into the sink and the depth of your sink when you are making your decision.
The arc height is also important for bathrooms where shelves or other items of furniture sit. If you have something sitting over your sink that might inhibit faucets of a certain height, take careful measurements.
- One faucet does not fit all. Faucets come in different sizes, but they also have different handles. If you’re installing a brand new sink from scratch, you may get to choose how many you want – two handles let you have better control of the temperature, but many new, stylish faucets have one handle. However, if you are installing on top of a pre-existing sink, you will have to go with the handle type that is already set up.
- You can’t fit a square peg into a circle hole. As was just mentioned, you have to match your new faucet to the old installation type unless you are starting from scratch. You can’t fit a single faucet handle into a double faucet hole, and vice versa.
There are four main types of faucets you can choose from, but you need to start with determining the kind that is already in place. You may have (or choose) a center-set faucet, which has a spout and two handles in one unit. These are very common. You might have a widespread faucet, which also has the spout and two handles but they are each separate pieces, giving you more flexibility in placement.
There is also the single-hole faucet, which is one unit with a single handle that controls the temperature. This is common in motion sensor faucets. Or, you may need a wall-mounted faucet, in which your sink is mounted to the wall.
- Size matters. Bathroom sinks and faucets have to be sized carefully because they are often surrounded by mirrors and cabinets. When you choose your faucet, make sure the reach and the angle are going to be functional and avoid backsplash.
- You can choose your sink based on the people using it. Similar to the heights of toilets that expand for use by little ones through the elderly, your sink can be adjusted for those who use it. If you use your sink often for washing anything from your clothes to your pets, you’ll want a deep sink with a swivel spout. If your little ones have easy access, you’ll want to use the best faucet to avoid scalding water and messes. There are even ADA compliant faucets that are designed specifically to be used easily.
If you are concerned about the environment, which we all should be, be sure to check that your faucet has a WaterSense label, which means that it is water-efficient. These faucets reduce the flow of your water without compromising on efficiency, helping the ecosystem and your wallet at the same time.
- Finish with a finish. Yes, the majority of sinks are chrome, but yours does not have to be. The finish of your faucet plays a huge role in the aesthetics of your bathroom. Chrome is popular because it’s easy to keep up with, but you can choose from other finishes, as well. Brushed-chrome has a chrome color but a matte finish. Brass and nickel look more retro. Bronze is considered luxurious, but black is contemporary and modern.
The style you like is only part of the selection. Consider your needs, as well. Do you want something that is going to hold up to long-term use? Would you prefer something that is easy to clean and does not show dirt or water spots easily? Think about the whole picture before you choose the finish on your faucet and then pick accordingly.
Educate Yourself on Your Faucet Choices
Until you started looking for a bathroom faucet, you probably did not even realize there were so many options. Once you educate yourself on the different aspects of your faucet, you can narrow down the choices to a manageable selection, then choose based on your needs and your tastes.
Your next bathroom faucet could be the last one you need if you choose carefully and use the tips you have learned to make a smart decision!
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