Contemporary Bathroom Faucets – A Buyer’s Guide
A simple way to improve the look of your sink is by getting a new bathroom faucet. Contemporary bathroom faucets range from cheap plastic units to expensive brass models, and you have a wide range of colors, finishes and handle styles to choose from. Designer Erinn Valencich provides buying tips in this video:
Faucet Types and Construction
Before replacing your bathroom faucet, you will need to determine the type of your current faucet as not all types will work with every sink basin. Standard faucet types include the following:
- Single-hole or vessel faucets require a one-hole drill installation basin and have a combined single mixing handle and spout for one-handed control. Some brands will have a six-inch cover plate for a predrilled four-inch-drill installation.
- Center-set or mini-widespread faucets combine the valves and spout on a single base unit and are made for four-inch predrilled with three-hole installation basins. This type of faucet may have two handles or a single-handle mixing lever mounted onto a six-inch plate.
- Widespread faucet sets have separate hot- and cold-water handles and spout. and are available from 6- to 16-inch drillings for three-hole predrilled installation basins.
- Wall-mounted faucets are designed for freestanding and above-the-counter basins that require a long spout for extended reach. These faucets require a separate wall-mount valve and drain for installation, and the spout must be long enough for adequate basin clearance.
Faucets, regardless of type, have an inner valve controlling water flow through the spot. The durability and reliability of the faucet is determined by the valve quality. Faucets with brass-based metal, solid brass or corrosion-resistant workings are the best choices. Compression-valve faucets have a washer and operate by a stem that rises and falls to open and close the flow of water and are the most common type of faucet. Washerless faucets include the following:
- Ball faucets regulate incoming water via a rotating plastic or metal ball. While a plastic ball will wear out, a metal ball will last a lifetime.
- Ceramic-disc faucets regulate water flow through the action of two ceramic discs that move against each other in a sheering action. As the discs are virtually flat, they create a watertight seal. This type of faucet is practically maintenance-free.
- Cartridge faucets control water flow by means of rubber O-rings inside a cylindrical cartridge and are very reliable, especially those with brass cartridges.
Faucet Handles
Handles come in three basic designs: lever, cross and motion-activated. Lever handles are easy for older adults and children to operate. Motion-activated faucets have colored, interchangeable temperature-control handles. You activate the water flow by adjusting the temperature and placing your hands under the spout. Handles are available in various finishes and styles.
Faucet Color and Finish
Common colors and finishes for contemporary bathroom faucets include enamel-coated colors, antique, brushed or polished brass, bronze, ceramic, gold, pewter, platinum, brushed and pearl nickel, and brushed, matter or polished chrome. To draw more attention to their distinct styling, some faucet sets come with a combination of finishes such as brass and chrome. Ideally you want the color or finish to blend in with your other bathroom fixtures and accessories.
Manufacturers
Contemporary bathroom faucets are manufactured by Kohler, Moen, American Standard, Delta, Grohe, Price Pfister and Hansgrohe. You can purchase bathroom faucets at Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Overstock, Restoration Hardware, Signature Hardware, Amazon, Faucets.com, Efaucets.com and many other retailers. As with any other product, be sure to compare products and prices online so you can locate sales and discounts.
