Before purchasing a new faucet, check the spacing on the sink. If there is a three-hole arrangement, determine the spacing by measuring from the center of the handle. Standard spacing is generally four or eight inches. If you prefer a single-hole faucet and the sink has three holes, don't worry.
Before installing a new kitchen faucet, be sure to go underneath your kitchen sink and check how many holes your existing sink uses. While a one-hole faucet can work in a 2-hole sink, the same won't be true for a 2 or 3-hole faucet in a one-hole sink.
Not all sinks and faucets are compatible.
Measure the Faucet Center
In other words, measure from the centerpoint of the far left hole to the centerpoint of the far right hole. Most faucet centers range between 4 and 16 inches, with widespread faucets typically measuring at 6 to 8 inches and centerset faucets measuring at 4 inches.
Faucets are not universal, as they come in a variety of sizes, styles, and designs to fit different sinks, countertops, and bathroom/kitchen configurations. Additionally, faucets use different mounting systems and connections, which may not be compatible with all sinks or countertops.
Take a tape measure to your sink and measure the top of the counter surface to the nearest item above where your faucet will be. Then, select a product that fits in the available space.
One-hole kitchen faucets with a single handle are user friendly and easy to clean around. Two-hole kitchen faucets may be a bridge-style design or a handle/faucet combination with room for a sprayer. Three-hole kitchen faucets are traditional faucets with hot and cold taps and a fourth hole for the sprayer.
Due to so many different styles, kitchen faucets are not universal. The base plate is often the differentiating factor with some the mounting holes are the standard 1 3/8” but there are also faucets on the market that have a 1 or 1 1/2” mounting hole.
'Think of your cabinet hardware and kitchen faucet like jewelry,' says Xander Shreenan of Dowsing & Reynolds. 'One should complement the other; creating a beautiful and decorative kitchen that has been tailored to perfection. ' However, bear in mind that anything too matchy-matchy can look contrived.
The standard faucet hole sizes for kitchens and bathrooms are 1 3/8″ (1.375 Inches or 34.925 mm) in diameter unless otherwise mentioned in the specification. However, faucet holes may vary in size depending on the particular make and model.
A 3-hole sink is very common. Here, the kitchen faucet usually has a plate that covers the three holes (called an escutcheon or deck plate). A 4-hole sink is the most common kitchen sink.
Supply lines are flexible tubes that connect your water supply to your plumbing or appliance fixture. They're available in different sizes. The size refers to the diameter of the fittings on either end of the tube, so check your fixtures to see what size you need.
So if you have a three-hole sink with the outside holes 4 inches apart, you should be able to install a single-handle bathroom faucet. However, a deck plate to cover all the holes is usually needed.
The sink's pre-drilled holes—both the number and the configuration—are an important factor when choosing a faucet. Always consider the number of holes on the sink and their configuration. If you're replacing the faucet and keeping the existing sink, the configurations must match.
Size of the Faucet
On the other hand, if the faucet is too big, then you may end up splashing yourself every time you wash your hands or rinse the dishes. Not to mention, the faucet will overpower the sink.
You can replace a faucet yourself without having to hire a plumber. It should take you less than an hour with a few basic tools, such as a basin wrench. The same techniques apply to both kitchen and bathroom faucets.
Does cabinet hardware have to match your faucet? No. But, traditionally kitchens and bathrooms will match hardware finishes to the faucet to tie the finishes in the room together. Matching cabinet hardware to your faucet creates a cohesive look.
A safe course no matter where you buy is to stick with name-brand products known for quality and reliability. Off-brand faucets often are poorly made, and it's difficult to get parts for them.
For example, if you currently have brushed nickel finishes in your bathroom, you could keep some of the brushed nickel elements and add in a bit of brass and/or black to create an interesting and budget-friendly mix.
3-hole sinks allow for two-handle faucets only without accessories. 2-hole sinks allow for a single-hole faucet, and an accessory, like a sprayer. 1-hole sink has no deck plate, and is designed for a single-handle faucet.
Faucet Connection Types
Most faucets in the United States will have a 1/2" MPT (male) or 1/2" FPT (female) threaded inlet. These connections use the NPT (National Pipe Thread) standard.
Please keep in mind that all new faucets since 1994 are restricted to conserve water per EPA code mandates. Older faucets had no restrictions. Beyond intentional flow restriction, new installations can sometimes have reduced flow if the lines are not flushed prior to installation of aerators or shower heads.
Kitchen faucet FAQs
When you add on all the possible bells and whistles for both form and function, many higher-end faucets can run $600 and above. On average, a high-quality faucet from a trusted brand costs between $150 and $300.
When shopping for a new faucet you want to get the most bang for your buck. You want something that is durable, attractive, and a great value for the money. The best brands according to plumbers are Moen, Delta, and Kohler.
Make certain you are choosing a faucet with adequate height to accommodate the items you'll be washing or filling. The higher the spout, the easier it is to fit tall pots under it for filling or cleaning. If you have a shelf above your sink or a wide window ledge, a tall faucet may not fit.