In plumbing parlance, an indoor tap is called a faucet.
Being indoors, faucets also need to have a certain amount of aesthetic appeal. This
need has given rise to a whole industry that caters to functional and cosmetic needs.
Kitchens and bathrooms both need faucets, and while the basic features of kitchen
and bathroom faucets are similar, there are certain functional differences.
Kitchens and bathrooms need both hot and cold water. People have an option to have
either separate hot and cold water faucets, or as is now common, have a mixer for
hot and cold water. The mixer allows the user to control the temperature of water
that he or she will be using by blending hot and cold.
When looking purchase a new faucet, think about the faucets you currently
own. You may find that features like
a longer/shorter spout, an easier-to-operate handle, or a maintenance-free finish
can make your faucets more user friendly.
Faucets are generally a combination of a spout and a handle. There are
a wide range of combinations of spouts and handles from which to choose, accommodating differing needs.
Faucets can be classified by any number of features:
Faucet Installation
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The way a faucet is installed can differ, and thus various
designs of each installation type are offered by all manufacturers. Faucets may
be installed above the counter, or
mounted on the sink itself if there is a provision for it. If the sink
has no provision for faucets then a faucet may be fixed to the wall. |
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Centerset models are a common faucet design with three fittings in the same
unit. Centerset models are deemed to be space efficient, as the spouts and handles
are part of the same assembly. Generally a three-hole panel on the sink is needed
to fit a centerset model faucet.
If your sink has a single-hole drill for fitting a faucet, you can opt for either
a simple one-handle faucet, or a model with two handles that fits into a single drill
hole. Some models even offer you a matching plate that can be used to cover any
extra holes in the sink. The cover blends with the faucet design. |
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Wall mounted faucets are used for sinks that do not have hole drillings
for faucets. The one main advantage with wall mounted faucets is that it makes maintaining
sinks easy. There are no hard to reach corners around the faucets to clean in the
case of wall mounted faucets. These faucets may be fixed at desired heights.
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Wall-mounted faucets are generally used along with designer sinks that
do not have drillings for faucets. Wall-mounted faucets may be either a necessity
or an option. Several wall-mounted faucets in contemporary settings have spouts
and handles as separate fixtures. As wall-mounted faucets
vary in size and form you should check that once fixed in place, the water flow
from the spout of the faucet falls into the center of the sink.
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The
widespread faucet has two fixtures for separate
hot and cold controls, and one fixture for the spout. In order to install a widespread
faucet, you need a sink that has three holes, spaced well apart. Faucets of this
kind can also be mounted on a counter placed behind the sink, if the sink is not
adaptable for a fixture of this kind.
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Spout reach and height
The height of the spout and its reach are two
very important factors that determine ease of use. In kitchens that have a double
bowl sink, the faucet should be able to swivel and supply water to both bowls. Sprays should also be able to spray
water liberally in both the bowls. Typically a faucet is set at a height
of 3 to 5 inches above the sink.
Kitchen faucets need to be at a higher level to make space for large pots. High
arch faucets are available for this purpose and are available at heights varying
between 6 and 10 inches.
Faucet finishes
The finish of the faucet is another important factor to
consider before buying a faucet. The finish should be aesthetically pleasing and
should blend well with the rest of your bathroom and/or kitchen decor. Be sure to
choose a finish that is easy to maintain.
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A classic look can be achieved by using faucets that have
a polished
chrome finish. These faucets can be teamed with sinks in dark colors
to achieve a striking look. Those not fond of shiny surfaces can choose faucets with matte finishes. These are easier to maintain, as they camouflage spots caused by wet hands. A nickel matte finish is popular choice. |
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Find the nickel matte finish too gray for your
taste? Choose a
brushed gold color which is a perfect blend of ornate looks and elegance.
This finish is easy to maintain too. |
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Love color?
Sandbar, silver, tea green, thunder grey, wild rose, fawn beige, biscuit, or almond
are a few colors that can give you faucet a unique look.
Want an ornate and rich look? Indulge yourself with a
gold finish. But be prepared to pay for it in terms of diligent cleanliness
to maintain the look.
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Top manufacturers like Kohler, American Standard, Moen
and others take care that their products comply with the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) requirements. So if you are considering a faucet for a bathroom or a kitchen for someone
with special needs, you can find appropriate faucets easily.
How many handles should your faucet have?
For a minimalistic look, faucets with
single handles would be ideal.
Two handle faucets make the mixing
of hot and cold water a bit easier. If your sink has a single hole for faucet fixing
it does not mean that you have to settle for a single handle faucet.
Single-hole, double-handled faucets are made available for this very need. Lever
handles are generally easier to operate than knobs - homes with children are better
off with faucets with lever handles. Spout-type faucet spouts are generally seen
in three basic styles. The basic fixed spout may be either anchored in one
direction or have an option for change of direction. A small twist by the hand is
enough to change the direction of the spout. This is a feature which comes in handy
in the kitchen. The spout may have a sprayer attached to it. In the bathroom this
may be in the form of a hand shower and in the kitchen a sprayer with controlled
spray pressure. Also known as pullout sprays, these can be controlled with one hand
leaving the other hand free to hold the object being washed.
Price ranges for bathroom and kitchen faucets
A simple two-handle faucet can be purchased in the $30
- $100 price range. Manufacturers like Delta, Vintage, Banner and other manufacturers
have kitchen and bathroom models in this range. Top manufacturers like American Standard, Kohler, Moen and others
have most of their faucet models available for $100 and up.
Gracefully curved or swivel spouts and add a classy look, and
can be had in the $100 - $200 range. For $200- $300, you can find slick finished faucets with control levers from top manufacturers like
Kohler, American Standard, and others. This price range can also get you specialty
single faucets like entertainment faucets and beverage faucets.
For $300- $400 price range you an find two-handled models that look almost like
pieces of art. Those looking for faucets with sprays will find basic models in this
category. The $400 and up category has many aesthetically pleasing models.
Specialty faucets meant specifically for bathtubs, bidets and the like also fall
in this category. Pull out sprays, antique patterns, ornate designs, opulent finishes
– all these find a place in this category.
If you can afford to go beyond the limit of $650, you will find faucets that cross
over to the realm of indulgence. A 30-inch floor mounted bathtub faucet can cost
$1500 - $2000.
Most manufacturers offer a one-year warranty on faucets. Both low-end and high-end
models come with warranties.
Top Manufacturers