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6 Types of Bathroom Sink Faucets You Need to Know About

If you’re dealing with a leaking tap in your bathroom, it might be time to consider replacing the faucets altogether. With a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, it’s important to choose the right type of bathroom sink faucets. We’ll guide you through everything you need to know to find the perfect faucet that not only meets your home’s needs but also complements its aesthetics.

Center-Set

Possibly the most commonly used bathroom faucet types, center-set faucets typically have two handles and one spout. These are attached to the countertop with a hole for each, totalling three holes. Each tap controls the water flow pressure and the hot and cold water temperature coming from the faucet. 

Center-set faucets are especially good for small bathrooms, as they take up very little space and are fitted to your basin or countertop. 

Center-set faucets are also known as 4-inch faucets due to the 4-inch spacing between the holes. That said, some centre-set faucets don’t follow this 4-inch rule and it’s safest to measure the distance between your sink’s holes before committing to a particular center-set faucet!

person washing their hands with a stainless steel center-set faucet and white basin

Spread-Fit

You can think of spread-fit faucets as the sibling of centre-fit faucets. Installed in very much the same way, with the same three holes, the only difference is that the holes for spread-fit faucets are up to 10-inches apart!

This spacing means you can install spread-fit faucets in non-standard configurations – for example having the handles next to each other and the spout off to the side. This kind of customizability is a great feature for these types of bathroom faucets. 

Single-Handle

Just as the name would suggest, single-handle faucets control water temperature and pressure with only one handle. Also known as mixer taps or single-lever faucets, these taps are also popular in the kitchen.

Single-handle faucets typically only require one or two holes to be installed in your countertop. If your basin has more than one hole, many of these faucets also come with a mounting plate which can hide them.

Stainless steel single-handle faucet at white basin

Bridge

Does your bathroom basin only have two holes for your faucet? Never fear, bridge faucets are here! Bridge faucets are fit into the two holes at the handles and are connected via a “bridge” with the spout in the center of this. 

Whether you simply can’t be bothered drilling that additional one hole for another kind of faucet or you just like the aesthetic of a bridge faucet, this particular faucet is a great option for any sink.

Wall-Mounted

For those looking to give their bathroom a modern twist, wall-mounted faucets are the way to go. A wall-mount faucet is clean and more minimalistic, fitting right in with current bathroom trends. 

When considering a wall-mounted bathroom sink faucet, be sure to measure the distance between your wall and the sink. You’ll be looking a little silly having a faucet spout that doesn’t even reach the sink!

Wall-mounted faucets also make it super easy to change up your sink, as there’s no hardware attached to complicate things.

 

Stainless steel wall-mounted faucet at circular white basin on wooden benchtop

Sprinkle

Maybe you’re looking for something a little more quirky and interesting. Then the sprinkle faucet is just what you’re after.

The main feature of a sprinkle faucet is the shape of the spout. Forget about those traditional cylindrical spouts – the sprinkle faucet is rectangular!

This means when you turn the water on and it flows into the sink, it flows out in a rectangular shape too!

Which types of bathroom faucets are the best?

The best bathroom faucet will be different for every home. Some love the look of a wall-mounted faucet while others lean more towards the traditional center-set. 

Then there’s also the materials you’ll want to consider – stainless steel, brushed nickel, the list goes on.

When having your new taps installed, be sure to use a licensed plumber to ensure correct installation. Who knows, there might be major problems beyond your bathroom faucet that needs dealing with. 

A new set of taps is nice and all, but if your hot water system is heating water to near boiling or only lukewarm, no one will want to use them! This website can help you understand how a plumber can help you repair this.

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