Are you remodelling your home? The bathroom is one of the first rooms that most people remodel because it is smaller and more manageable. While we all dream of a new kitchen, the bathroom is a more affordable option to start with.
There is so much to decide on, including tub, shower, toilet and sink, which can be overwhelming. Once you get that all decided, there still is and important feature you need to install right away. This is your faucets.
Not sure what to get? Here are eight types of bathroom faucets and their characteristics:
Type #1: Centre Set Faucets
This is the most common type of faucet you can get and probably the one you are replacing. That doesn’t mean it’s a bad purchase, though, because it is tried and true and very popular.
It has a single base unit with one or two handles to turn on cold and hot water. It will also have a shorter spout. This works for smaller bathrooms with limited space and fits well with a smaller sink.
Type #2: Wide Spread Faucets
The widespread faucet is a bigger version of the centre set but has three holes, and the spout and both taps are separate units. They also have bigger spacing, so it doesn’t look cramped. It is fancier and can be mounted on the sink, counter, or wall. There are also mini spreads that mount to the sink surface and are independent pieces in a tighter configuration.
Type #3: Single Handle Faucets
Single-handle facets are pretty self-explanatory. The entire mechanism of temperature and water pressure are controlled with one handle. They are usually mounted directly above the drain but can also be positioned right or left. It works for smaller spaces and is very easy to install.
Type #4: Bridge Faucets
For a sleek design, you could go with a bridge faucet. It works with a two-hole sink, and the spout is oriented above the sink’s surface on a rigid tube connected by the handles. Hot and cold taps come up from the sink, allowing more surface underneath. It is easier to keep clean and looks very modern. Often, these types of bathroom faucets include a pull-away spray tap.
Type #5: Wall Mounted Faucets
How about freeing up your basin by having the faucets mounted in the wall? Wall-mounted faucets are great for floating sinks and are a modern style you might love. You can change the basin if you need to but make sure the faucet reaches the edge of the sink, or you could have a mess while washing up. With your mirror mounted behind, the faucets come right out of it for a sleek effect.
Type #6: Sprinkle Faucets
You can go with a sprinkle faucet for an even more modern look. The spout is not your traditional cylindrical type but rather a rectangle design with the water flowing out in that orientation. It allows for wider water coverage and just looks cool. You can have them sink mounted or wall-mounted with built-in or separate handles for water temperature and pressure. A waterfall faucet takes this design to a more extreme level with a very wide, flat spout that pours out like a waterfall.
Type #7: Vessel Faucets
This type of faucet is designed for a vessel sink. The sink sits on top of the countertop and can be shaped round, oval, square or rectangle. Because it sits higher up, the faucet is made taller and extends further out to drain properly into the basin. The faucet is mounted on the countertop because there are usually no holes in a vessel sink, and the taps are behind or on both sides of the faucet.
Type #8: Bath Tub Faucets
Although we focused on the sink faucets so far, your tub also uses a faucet. It comes in a few different styles:
Wall Mount Faucets
A wall mount is the typical tub faucet and comes out of the wall with the spout over the drain. Several orientations include stand-alone, spout only with or without a diverter and a bathtub and shower combination.
Deck Mounted Faucets
If your tub is drop-in or deck mounted, your faucet will also be mounted on the deck. For tubs with no shower attached, the faucet and water levers can be placed closer to where you sit, making it easier to access.
Roman Faucets
The roman faucet mounts are the same as a deck-mounted one, but the design differs. It is high-arched and sometimes comes with a hand attachment, so you combine the bath and shower experience.
Freestanding Faucets
If you have a clawfoot tub going into your bathroom, you will need a freestanding faucet. This comes up from the floor and is all exposed pipes, reaching up and over the tub to fill it. The water handles will be near the top for easy access.
With so many options for bathroom faucets, it can be overwhelming. Take the time to visit your local home improvement store and find the right look for your space. Then take on the install yourself or call a qualified plumber to make your vision come to life.