How to shop for a bath sink faucet
Time to buy a new bath sink faucet? We’ll help you get a handle on all your options.
Your bathroom sink faucet really gets a workout. You turn it on and off every time you wash your hands, brush your teeth, apply and remove makeup, shave, or hand-wash delicate clothing. So you want that faucet to work reliably for many years—and look good doing it. To find the model with the right blend of form and function for your bath, keep these factors in mind.
Installation type
First and foremost, a bath faucet has to fit the sink it’s paired with. There are four main faucet installation types.
Single-hole faucets typically have a single handle and are designed to fit sinks that have a single hole. However, some single-hole faucets come with escutcheon plates that cover the extra holes on three-hole sinks.
Centerset faucets fit smaller sinks drilled with three holes spread 4 inches apart. The spout and two handles appear to be connected above the countertop.
Widespread faucets keep the spout and two handles separated above the countertop and mount in sinks with three holes spread at least 8 inches apart. They can also be mounted on the countertop behind a sink that has no holes. A variation called the mini widespread fits holes spread 4" apart.
Wall-mount faucets are attached to holes in the wall instead of the sink or countertop. Wall-mount models are designed to work with vessel sinks, wall-mount sinks, and undercounter sinks without holes. The spout must project far enough from the wall so that water hits the center of the sink basin.
Number of handles
Mounting issues aside, whether you opt for a single-handle or two-handle bath sink faucet is largely a matter of personal preference. Some people like the sleek look of single-handle models and find them easy to turn on and off -- you only need one hand to do it. Others think it’s easier to control the water temperature with two-handle faucet, and they appreciate the variety of spout and handle designs available in that category.
Handle shape
For the most part, handle shape is also a matter of style preference, but lever handles are generally considered easier to turn than cross handles and other shapes. This is especially true for children and people with limited hand strength or dexterity.
Spout height
If you’re pairing your faucet with an above-counter vessel sink, the spout needs to be tall enough to reach up and over the side of the sink basin while leaving room for hands underneath. This calls for a high-arc spout. Even if you have a conventional undercounter sink, you may wish to have a high-arc spout that makes it easier to fill containers and rinse items in the sink.
Valve type
Every faucet contains at least one valve to control the flow of water, but different faucets use different types of valve technology. The type you choose affects the faucet’s price, reliability, and repairability.
Compression valve faucets are the simplest, most common, and least expensive type. They usually have two handles and contain rubber washers that seal the valve when compressed. When the washers wear out, leaks can occur.
Ball valve faucets typically have a single lever handle. They are washerless, relying on a plastic or metal sphere that rotates to open or close the valve. Though they have no conventional round washers to wear out, they contain seats and springs that can complicate finding leaks and making repairs.
Cartridge faucets make use of a cylindrical cartridge to control the flow of water. They have few moving parts and are considered very reliable.
Ceramic disc faucets contain discs that move against each other to open or close the path for water. They’re considered the most reliable faucet type, but are often the most expensive.
Water usage
In a busy household, a bath sink faucet can use a lot of water, especially if it’s an older model. According to the EPA, WaterSense-labeled faucets reduce a faucet's water flow by 30 percent or more without affecting performance. That saves hundreds of gallons per year water and saves you money on your water bill. As you shop for a bath sink faucet, consider models bearing the WaterSense label.
Finish
A faucet’s finish may not affect function, but it means everything to style. You want a faucet that complements the other surfaces in your bath—walls, flooring, countertops, fixtures, and hardware. These finish options are among the most popular.
Polished chrome: A timeless faucet finish with a shiny, silvery look that works in baths of any style, vintage or modern.
Brushed chrome: A matte finish, not a shiny one, so the sheen isn’t harsh and the surface is easier to keep clean -- fingerprints and water spots don’t stand out.
Polished nickel: Similar to polished chrome, but with a softer, warmer tone. Works especially well with vintage faucet designs.
Brushed nickel: One of the most popular finishes in recent years, it offers a warm gray tone that complements natural stone countertops and backsplashes.
Oil-rubbed bronze: This dark, coppery, brown-to-black finish conveys old-world craftsmanship and a been-there-forever look.
Stainless steel: Similar in appearance to brushed chrome and brushed nickel but considered more contemporary and durable.
Polished brass: A sentimental favorite that evokes old-fashioned glamour and grandeur. The golden look trends in an out of favor but never fades away. Special coatings on today’s polished brass faucets keep the finish from tarnishing.
Price
Basic chrome two-handle bath faucets start at about $50. More finish options become available around $100, including some brushed-nickel and oil-rubbed bronze faucets. A large number of faucets fall in the $100–$200 range, with more designer-style looks available in the $200–$400 range. At this price level, the manufacturer may offer a faucet as part of a themed bath collection. You can buy coordinating accessories such as soap dispensers, tissue holders, and towel bars. For a complete selection of bath faucets, shop Lowes.com.
Installing that faucet yourself? Get step-by-step instructions here Or, if you’d rather have someone else do the job, learn more about Lowe’s installation services.