Learn about the different types of faucets so you can choose what's best for your space.
Changing a bathroom or kitchen faucet is a fairly easy DIY that can have a huge impact on updating a space at a relatively low cost.
While it may seem complicated when you look underneath the sink and see supply lines, mounting holes and water shut-offs, once you understand the different types of faucets and how they operate it becomes a lot more simple – we promise!
Before removing the existing faucet in your bathroom or kitchen, look underneath your sink and take note of how many holes are in place for the water supply lines and faucet.
You’ll see anywhere from one mounting hole to up to four. An example of a four hole mount would be your kitchen sink that comes with three holes and a sprayer.
With that information, you’ll be able to select your new faucet based on the handle style.
This type of faucet uses only one mounting hole, so both the faucet and the supply lines will be fed through the same opening in the countertop.
If your existing surface has only one mounting hole, it’s easiest to purchase another single-handle faucet, but if you’ve got multiple mounting holes and like the single-handle style, you’re not out of luck!
Companies often include something called a deck plate with single-handle faucets, which is a thin strip of plastic or metal that’s installed between the countertop and the faucet to cover the additional unused holes for a more seamless look.
This type of faucet has both the handles and spout connected by a plate, making it very easy to install. This faucet style requires multiple mounting holes, and the distance between the mounting holes needs to be taken into account when purchasing the new faucet so they all line up.
To figure out that distance, hold a measuring tape between the center of the left handle and the center of the right handle.
Tip: That measurement is called a center set, so when you’re faucet shopping you’ll know you will need a 4-inch center set faucet, for example.
This type of faucet also requires multiple mounting holes, but looks a little different than the double handle center set style. This faucet usually has standalone hot and cold handles and a spout in the middle, though the three pieces aren’t connected. It’s a little more work because each piece needs to be installed separately, but you don’t need to measure the distance between the mounting holes when purchasing a replacement faucet.
Once you’ve got your faucet type figured out and are ready to purchase your new one, make sure to shop our faucet kit to make installation a breeze!
