If you have windows or cabinets above your sink, measure upward from the center mounting hole to find the maximum overall height and ensure your new faucet can fit comfortably underneath. To find the ideal spout reach, measure from the center mounting hole forward to the center of your sink.
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.
Once you have the faucet out, count the holes and measure the distance apart. If there is only one hole in your sink you'll need a faucet designed with the handle as part of the faucet. If you have three holes but want a decorative set of water lines above the sink, select a “bridge faucet" that mixes the hot and cold.
Check beneath the sink, countertop, or bath rim. Look for a tag connected to the cold water supply line. The tag should contain the model number for your specific faucet. If you can't find it there, try the user manual.
The model number is on all packaging, some faucets, and some installation instructions provided with your faucet. Tub and shower faucets are not as easy to put tags on, but the series may be found on the wall plate beneath the handle giving a good start. On the packaging, look near the UPC code or the top of the box.
StemFinder is an easy-to-use app from Total Maintenance Solutions-South that allows professional plumbers and do-it-yourselfers alike to identify virtually any faucet stem with the tap of your smart phone. This FREE app contains a growing database of common faucet stems from every category commonly in use today.
Most of the time, the hole for your kitchen faucet will be 1 3/8 inches across. That's the standard size you'll typically see. But here's the catch - not all faucets play by the same rules. Some of them require a little more breathing room with a 1 1/2-inch hole instead.
Measure the countertop behind the sink, and the diameter of the pre-drilled holes and the distance between their centers. The hole dimensions are how to determine what size faucet will fit, before you buy the faucet.
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.
Faucet Connector Sizes
The inlets on a faucet are the components that connect to your water supply lines. Most faucets in the United States have a 1/2" MPT (male) or 1/2" FPT (female) threaded inlet. These connections use the NPT (National Pipe Thread) standard.
How do you measure a sink tap? Use a ruler to measure the tap's height to check if it will fit underneath a shelf or cabinet. Measure from the base of the tap, where it touches the sink, to its highest point. This could be on the spout if it's a U-shaped tap or on the top of the handle if it's an F-shaped tap.
Standard Faucet Hole Diameters
The usual faucet hole size is about 1 3/8 inches in diameter. This size fits many faucets for both kitchen and bathroom sinks. But, some faucets need a hole that's 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Always check your faucet's specs to make sure it fits your sink's hole size.
Use a ruler to measure across the thread diameter where the connector would attach. Include all the thread in your measurement. Now you've got your tap thread measurement, you can easily work out which tap connector is compatible for your tap.
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.
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.
For the most accurate measurement, remove the faucet and handles from the sink. To get the faucet center, measure from the center of the hole in the sink on the far left to the center of the hole on the far right. Faucet center measurements can be anywhere between 4 and 16 inches.
You can install a one-hole faucet in a three- or four-hole sink by adding a deck plate but not vice versa.
Common kitchen faucet sizes are 8-inch, 10-inch and 12-inch, but there are other sizes available. It is important to select the correct size for a perfect fit. Besides considering the space available for installation, it is important to consider reach and clearance.
Moen faucets typically utilize either flexible supplies with ⅜" compression fittings or ½" IPS connections.
Faucets that are too big can splash water out of a shallow sink. Check out the space around the sink.
Sometimes there is a tag on one of the supply lines, or also, a sticker that will come with a faucet that might be found inside the cabinet somewhere. It came with a plastic nut that loosens and the metal washer and screw down ring should be better.
Moen Incorporated will repair or replace the product free of charge, postage paid. Simply contact Moen at 1-800-BUY-MOEN for assistance.