Sink Faucet Tips

Shop 4 Classics offers faucets in a wide range of prices and styles. This can make it difficult to select the faucet that is right for you. The following tips are provided as a service from Shop 4 Classics. We hope you will find this information helpful. Shop 4 Classics urges you to consult with a professional if you have any doubts or questions about the installation of these products.

• »Which faucets will work with my sink?
• »What if my sink has more holes than required by my faucet?
• »Do I need to purchase a drain separately?
• »What should I look for when choosing a faucet for an original antique sink?
• »What should I look for when shopping for a pedestal or console sink faucet?
• »What should I look for when shopping for a bridge faucet?
• »What should I look for when shopping for an antique basin faucet?
• »What is meant by top mount or bottom mount?
• »Which finish is best for me?
• »How are the faucets constructed?
• »Which size kitchen faucet do I need?
• »Which style of handle is best?
• »Do I have a warranty?

Which faucets will work with my sink?

Knowing the number faucet holes and the spacing between the holes is key to determining the types of faucets that will work with your sink. The faucet options available for the four most common sink configurations are described below.

Sinks with a Single Faucet Hole Sinks that have one faucet hole require a single hole faucet. These faucets are also called single post and most commonly have a single lever to operate the tap.

Single Post Faucet

Antique Reproduction Basin Faucet

Sinks with Two Faucet Holes Early bathroom sinks featured separate hot and cold water taps and therefore required only two faucets holes. Basin faucets and, in some cases, bridge faucets are designed for sinks with two faucet holes. Antique reproduction basin faucets consist of independent hot and cold water spouts. Basin faucets allow for variable centers and therefore the distances between the sink’s faucet holes is not a concern. With bridge faucets the hot and cold taps connect to a center mixing spout. The faucet holes must be appropriately spaced to successfully install a bridge faucet. Bridge faucets are typically offered with 8" or 12" centers.

Sinks with Three Faucet Holes with 4" Centers Centerset and mini-spread faucets are designed for bathroom sinks with three holes drilled at 4" centers. Centers, or spreads, refers to the distance between the centers of the outermost faucet holes. Centerset faucets are a single piece with handles and spout mounted on a base. Mini-spread faucets resemble small widespread faucets. The handles and spout are three separate parts that are connected under counter by flex hoses.

Centerset Lavatory Faucet

Widespread Lavatory Faucet

Sinks with Three Faucet Holes with 6", 8", or 12" Centers Widespread faucets are the most common choice for sinks drilled with three faucet holes at 6" or greater centers. Widespread faucets' handles and spout mount as three separate parts. The parts are connected under counter by flex hoses. Widespread faucets are adjustable to fit varying centers, however, it is highly recommended to review a faucet's features to confirm that it will fit your sink's configuration before placing your order.

In addition to the number and spacing of faucet holes, the thickness of the sink or counter and the required length of the spout must be considered. This information is available in the list of the faucet’s features or by contacting customer service.

What if my sink has more holes than required by my faucet?

Chain Stay

Sink hole covers are typically used to cover unused holes in sinks and counter tops. Older sinks with separate taps often use a chain stay in the center hole. The chain stay anchors the rubber stopper for the drain.

Do I need to purchase a drain separately?

In most cases, drains are included with the faucet. However, we recommend reviewing the faucet’s features to confirm that a drain is included. A notable exception to this rule of thumb is antique reproduction basin faucets. Antique reproduction basin faucets often do not include a drain.

What should I look for when choosing a faucet for an original antique sink?

Shopping for faucets for antique sinks requires additional care due to the lack of standards for antique sinks. The faucet drillings for original antique sinks may be unusually located, sized, shaped. Therefore, special attention should be given to the required centers, length of spout, escutcheon size, and mounting specifications.

What should I look for when shopping for a pedestal or console sink faucet?

In addition to the above general guidelines for selecting a lavatory faucet, pedestal and console sinks require attention to the supply lines and P-trap. Console and pedestal sinks expose the supply lines and P-trap. Decorative trim kits matching the faucet’s finish are typically desired.

What should I look for when shopping for a bridge faucet?

Bridge faucets are available with rigid (non-adjustable) 4", 8", and 12" centers. Since bridge faucets require only two holes, decorative sink hole covers are often used when the sink has three or more faucet drillings.

Bridge Faucet

What should I look for when shopping for an antique basin faucet?

There are several additional considerations when shopping for antique reproduction basin faucets. First, antique basin faucets often have small bases and therefore the size of the sink’s faucet holes becomes a concern. The diameter of the base is listed in the faucet’s features. Basin faucets require only two faucet holes and also do not include a drain. A drain must be purchased separately. A sink hole cover or chain stay may also be required.

What is meant by top mount or bottom mount?

Bottom Mount Faucet

Bottom mount faucets have valves that are mounted under the lavatory surface. A widespread faucet is an example of a bottom mount faucet. Top mount faucets have the valve built into the unit and are mounted on the deck of the lavatory. A centerset faucet is an example of a top mount faucet.

Top Mount Faucet

Which finish is best for me?

Shop 4 Classics offers many varities of finishes. For tips on selecting the right finish for your faucet, see our finish tips.

How are the faucets constructed?

All of our faucets are solid brass, skillfully manufactured and 100% tested before it leaves the factory. Solid brass costs more but lasts the longest and requires the least care. Solid brass construction is especially important with hard water. Hard water will corrode lesser metals.

Which size lavatory faucet do I need?

Lavatory faucets are measured by the lavatory that they fit. The spread, or distance, between the holes in the lavatory determines the size of faucet needed. Spreads of 4", 6", 8", and 12" are common.

Which size kitchen faucet do I need?

Kitchen faucets, like lavatory faucets, are measured by the sink that they fit. See above for more information.

Which style of handle is best?

In the nineteenth century, faucet handles were generally made of metal. However, by the turn of the twentieth century, porcelain handles had come into vogue. Porcelain is easy to clean--which makes it a wonderful selection for lavatory handles for homes with children. Crosspoint and lever handles provide better leverage than round knobs and are therefore recommended for seniors, children, or others who may have trouble turning round knobs. Most of our handles are clearly marked for hot and cold water. However, single-handled knobs may be better for children because kids will typically reach for only one handle. Kids are less likely to open a single-handled faucets in the full hot position.

Do I have a warranty?

All items are warranted by the manufacturer to be free of defects if properly installed. For more information, see Warranties and Returns.