Choosing a Sink Faucet

Center set faucet with lever handles
Widespread faucet
Single lever faucet
Wall-mounted faucet

When replacing your faucet, find out what type of faucet you currently have installed. Not all faucet styles work with every sink basin. Standard faucet drillings are usually widespread, center set or single hole. You also have a choice in spout workings:

Aerated spouts are constructed to mix air and water, using a screen to limit the amount and flow of water to improve water pressure. Aerated spouts also help conserve water by providing a lower flow.

Non-aerated spouts are constructed without a screen to allow water to flow freely, creating a waterfall effect. Because of the waterfall effect, non-aerated spouts are more likely to splash if water hits the side of the sink basin.

Center set faucets are made for 4" pre-drilled with three-hole installation basins. A center set faucet set may have a single handle mixing lever or two handles mounted onto a 6" plate.

Widespread faucet sets have a spout with separate hot and cold water handles. All pieces appear to be separate. Widespread faucets are available from 4" drillings up to 16" drillings for three-hole pre-drilled installation basins.

Single lever faucets have a spout and a single mixing handle all in one for single-handed control. Single lever faucets require one-hole drill installation basins. Some brands of single lever faucets have an optional 6" cover plate for pre-drilled 4" drill installations.

Wall-mounted faucets are available for above-the-counter and freestanding basins that require a long spout for extended reach. Make sure the spout is long enough for adequate basin clearance.

Firstly bathroom taps are an important element in every bathroom. They should have silky smooth action and gleaming finishes. Choose styles or models that make you feel good and complement your décor. For example, a high tech contemporary tap design will look out of place in a formal traditional bathroom and vice versa. Another point to consider is that no one wants annoying drips, stifled water pressure, or corroding finishes. So if you want to consider replacing the existing hardware look for taps with smooth, precise handle action and finishes that are glistening and durable.

Showerheads

Adjustable settings showerhead

A new showerhead can improve the quality of your shower experience and the look of your shower. Many showerhead styles coordinate with sink and shower faucets when trying to achieve the "suite" look. Showerheads are available with a variety of functions including massage and waterfall settings. Look for new showerhead designs that feature a single-control fitting with pressure balancing to help prevent temperature problems from flushing toilets and simultaneous sink usage. You may also want to look for showerheads with a water-saving feature to reduce your water bill each month.