Mounting Type Faucet

Mounting Type

Not all faucet types work with every sink, so it's important to make sure the faucet you choose will fit your sink or basin. Standard faucet drillings are centerset, single-hole or widespread.

Centerset

These faucets are made for basins with three holes and have handles that are 4 inches apart. They combine a spout and handles on a single base unit. Some centerset faucets may have two handles mounted onto a 6-inch plate.

Single-Hole

They can have a single handle or two handles. If your sink has already been predrilled for extra holes, use an optional plate to cover them up.

Vessel

These taller faucets are meant to complement a vessel sink, which sits higher than other sink types. They typically come as a single handle.

Wall-Mounted

They're available for above-the-counter and freestanding basins that require a long spout for extended reach. They won't work with basins that have predrilled holes. Wall-mounted faucets require a separate wall-mounted valve and drain for installation. Make sure the spout is long enough for adequate basin clearance. Check that the sink is deep enough to prevent water splashing on your floor or countertops.

Widespread

This type of faucet works with three-hole basins. They have three separate pieces — two handles and a spout — and the spacing between the handles ranges from 6 to 16 inches.

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• Color and Finish

Coordinate your faucet color and finish with the rest of the fixtures and accessories in your bathroom. Choose spot-resistant finishes to simplify cleaning. Choices include:

• Black
• Brass (antique or polished)
• Bronze
• Chrome (matte, brushed or polished)
• Copper
• Gold
• Iron
• Nickel (brushed and pearl)
• Stainless Steel

Some faucet sets come with a combination of finishes, such as brass and chrome, that offer a unique look. A combination finish can also be a cost-effective way of making a change in your bathroom. For example, if you currently have brass fittings, you could update with a chrome and brass faucet. Just remember to stick to the same finish (example: polished versus antique).

Construction

Every type of faucet has an inner valve that controls the flow of water through the spout. The valve quality, with or without a washer, determines the reliability and durability of the faucet. The best choices are faucets with solid brass, brass-based metal or corrosion-resistant workings.

Faucets With a Washer

Compression-Valve Faucets: They're a common type of faucet that works by means of a stem that rises and falls to open and close the water's passageway.

Washerless Faucets

Ball Faucets: They have a rotating metal or plastic ball that regulates the amount of incoming water. With only one moving part, the likelihood of a malfunction is greatly reduced. A plastic ball will eventually wear out, but a metal ball is designed for longevity.

Cartridge Faucets: They use rubber O-rings inside a cylindrical cartridge to control the flow of water. These faucets are very reliable, especially if equipped with a brass cartridge.

Ceramic Disc Faucets: They're nearly maintenance-free. They have two ceramic discs that move against each other in a shearing action, blocking water or allowing it to pass through. The seal is watertight because the discs are nearly flat.