What Is A Bathroom Basin Faucet

When it comes to bathroom fixtures, you have a lot of options if you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one. You will have so many options, especially when it comes to bathroom basin faucets, that you may become overwhelmed by a large number of options available.

Bathroom basin faucets are one of the most heavily used fixtures in our homes. From washing your face in the morning to brushing your teeth at night, it can be easy to overlook this simple device that controls the flow of water, adjusts the temperature, and keeps us clean.

Upgrading your old bathroom basin faucets is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to boost your home’s look and value. A good-quality bathroom basin faucet can improve not only bathroom ambiance, but functionality as well.

Table of Contents

1. Things to keep in mind before you choose a bathroom basin faucet
2. Types of bathroom basin faucets
3. The materials often used to make bathroom basin faucets
4. How to clean bathroom basin faucets
5. Conclusion

1. Things to keep in mind before you choose a bathroom basin faucet

There are a lot of fine bathroom basin faucet products to choose from. So how exactly do you decide which basin faucet is a good one for you to purchase? Here are some of the things you need to look for in a basin faucet that will help determine if it’s the right basin faucet for your needs.

Cost

When you are shopping for anything you need to set a budget range and when shopping for basin faucets it certainly isn’t any different. There are many hundreds of different bathroom basin faucet products to choose from so you have to have several different ways to narrow down your choices. Those that are out of your budget range are the first ones that should be taken off your search list.

Fit

The basin faucet you buy has to fit the application you want to use it for also. That means you have to take all of the following into consideration too. The fit is just as important as price when it comes to eliminating bathroom basin faucet choices from your search. Make sure you know these things about the bathroom basin faucet you desire before starting your search for one.

Size

Your basin faucet certainly must be able to fit in the space that it is going. Some people shoot for a minimalist design on a bathroom basin faucet too. That way it takes up as little counter space as possible. You also have to consider the fit of the underside of the faucet too and the space needed to install it.

Number of holes required

Most bathroom basin faucets will come in either one of two preferred design models as to how they will attach to the basin. This means they will either be single-hole or three-hole basin faucet products. Single-hole applications usually are done for single-handle faucets and three-hole applications are usually used for dual handle faucets. Some basin faucets will fit either hole configuration too.

Plumbing hookup

You have to consider how your basin faucet’s plumbing will hook up to the bottom of it too. This is because you want to know if you are buying a basin faucet that is compatible with the type of incoming supply lines that you want to hook up to. Most lines do have some adaptability options but you don’t want to go through the trouble of doing this if you don’t have to.

Finish

This is a big one as for as determining the looks that your new faucet adds to the finished look of your bathroom project. You will find that some bathroom basin faucets come in a wide variety of finishes so you can find a finish that will go with just about any look that you want. On the flip side, you will also find that some basin faucet products are sadly lacking in finish choices. The majority of bathroom basin faucets are found in such finishes as chrome, stainless, nickel, and light or dark bronzes.

Style

The shape and style of a basin faucet are also important as to which faucet you choose to purchase. Some styles will simply clash with the look you are trying to achieve in your bathroom. You have styles available these days that range from fixtures that look traditional, rustic, and contemporary to ones that are more artistic, creative, and outside the box of what you would normally expect from a bathroom basin faucet .

Operation

There are also different types of operation in a bathroom basin faucet that you might want to look for when deciding which one you want to purchase. Here are the most common ones:

• Single handle

These are the most popular type of bathroom basin faucets by far these days. They operate both the hot and cold water with a single handle.

• Dual handle

This is the most traditional style of handle found on bathroom basin faucets. They have separate handles that control the hot and cold water.

• Hands-free

Of course, there is always someone who dares to be different and if that is you then you might want to consider this more expensive alternative. These activate by simply touching a spot on the basin faucet handle. They will have a temperature adjustment on them too.

Warranty

The warranty should be a consideration of any product you buy and bathroom basin faucets are no exception. Why you might ask. Because bathroom basin faucets are not something you want to have to constantly replace. Some of them can be very complicated to change out if ever there is a problem so you want to make sure you are buying a quality basin faucet product that the manufacturer has built to last. The length of the warranty a bathroom basin faucet has is also a very good indication of how well that manufacturer thinks their faucet is constructed too.

2. Types of bathroom basin faucets

The right bathroom basin faucet will compliment your decor and be part of your daily routine, from your morning facial to brushing your teeth at bedtime.

Center-set

For basins with three holes and a 4-inch spread, you’ll likely need a new center-set faucet. These units combine a spout and two handles on a single metal base. However, if you prefer a single-handle option, it’s possible to cover the extra two holes with a deck plate.

Center-set basin faucets are often more affordable than other styles. They work well for smaller basins and vanities. One drawback may be cleaning: some people complain that grime can build up in the joins of a center-set basin faucet—where it attaches to the counter and where the handles and spout attach to the base. Over time, this scummy build-up can degrade the look and feel of the fixture.

Single-handle

A single-handle basin faucet is exactly what its name suggests. It is a basin faucet that uses just one handle to control temperature and water pressure simultaneously. The handle will be positioned to the right, left, or directly above the spout itself. This can come with a much smaller mounting space as it doesn’t require too much drilling to secure. It can fit in a spot that is about two or three inches wide.

Widespread

Similar to center-set faucets, widespread faucets are compatible with basins that have three holes. The spacing, or spread, between these holes is more extensive and ranges from six to 16 inches. Widespread basin faucets come in three separate pieces: a spout and two handles.

These basin faucets provide a more effortless cleaning experience than center-set models, thanks to the flat counter space between the handles and faucet, which you can wipe clean daily. This style also tends to look more luxurious and contemporary than center-set designs, if you have the room and budget at your disposal. Widespread models tend to be slightly more expensive than comparable center-set or single-handle faucets.

Wall-mounted

If your basin is a freestanding pedestal or an above-the-counter vessel, a wall-mounted basin faucet is an elegant option. You’ll need a separate wall-mounted valve and drain for installation. You’ll also want to check that the spout is long enough so that water is channeled correctly and contained—without splashing onto the counter and floors.

These faucets come with either one or two side handles for adjusting water temperature.

Vessel

A vessel basin faucet has an extra-long neck to accommodate a vessel-style basin. These basins sit on top of the counter, in contrast to under-mount options, which you install below the basin. You can find vessel basin faucets ranging from affordable to high-end. They typically have a single handle to control water flow and temperature.

Spread-fit

On spread fit basin faucets, the spout and the handles are separate pieces. So, each piece is installed in a different hole on the sink, countertop, or wall. Usually, the holes for these basin faucets are placed up to 10 inches away from each other.

Sprinkle

Instead of a circular nozzle, the sprinkle basin faucets have a rectangular nozzle. In addition, their complete structure is full of straight edges. This feature makes them look quite elegant. They’re the best choice for lovers of modern style.

Bridge

Bridge basin faucets adapt to basins with 2 holes. These faucets owe their name to their peculiar shape. In this case, the spout body is located above the basin surface, on a rigid tube that connects both handles.

Deck mount

A deck mount faucet is a basin faucet that mounts directly to the bathroom countertop. This type of faucet varies from other bathroom basin faucets that mount to the wall or to the basin itself.

3. The materials often used to make bathroom basin faucets

Brass

Brass is a very popular material for how it combines copper and zinc into an alloy. It offers a shiny yellow tone remnant of Beauty and the Beast appliances.

Note: Copper is an antimicrobial agent and a wonderful option for healthy water.

Aluminum may be added to the brass to make it stronger and capable of resisting corrosion. Tin materials can also be added to prevent dezincification, a process where brass loses its zinc properties as it is exposed to water.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel materials can add a classy look to your basin faucet when used right. It is a tougher material than brass and features nickel and chromium to create a shiny silver-like tone. This can be hard in texture and will not dent or wear out easily. The main issue with stainless steel is that it does show watermarks, so if you’re a stickler for shine, you’ll want your favorite cleaning product on hand.

Zinc

Zinc has long been used as a replacement for brass due to its affordability. It typically has a dull grey color, but it can be plated over with a chrome design to make it more attractive! Zinc is well resistant to corrosion and lightweight.

Plastic

Plastic is often used in many basin faucets for how it is cheap and easy to install. Polyethylene is a great option for how it uses cross-linked fibers to create a sturdy body that does not wear out. It is not as likely to chip away and get into your water supply either.

Chrome

It’s one of the most popular bathroom basin faucet choices, so it’s relatively inexpensive, and you’ll find a lot of options to choose from. It also fits in with a wide variety of looks.

Chrome spout finishes pair well with a lot of bathroom colors, so if you go with chrome, your basin faucet is unlikely to clash with the rest of the bathroom. Another benefit is that it’s easy to clean. Just keep in mind that chrome is a bit less durable than some of your other options, so while you’ll spend less money upfront, you may need to replace chrome bathroom basin fixtures sooner than you’d have to replace other spout types.

Brushed Nickel finish

Nickel spout finishes have a lot in common with chrome spout finishes, right down to the color. Nickel has the same silvery hue as chrome, although brushed nickel is a bit darker and more dynamic than chrome. There are a few other differences, too. The first is that nickel has more of a shine than chrome.

If you want the classic look that you can get from a chrome basin faucet with a little extra sparkle, then nickel is the choice for you. Nickel is also more durable, so it will last a lot longer than chrome.

Note: Nickel is more expensive. You could pay several hundred dollars more for a nickel finish than you would for a spout with a chrome finish.

Copper finish

This warm-toned finish provides a rich, indulgent feel to a bathroom basin. Since copper isn’t a common choice, bathrooms that do have copper finishes stand out from bathrooms that use other finishes for their basin faucets.

On the other hand, copper is more expensive, less durable, and harder to clean than some other bathroom basin faucet choices, which is why many people opt for a polished brass basin faucet instead. However, for some, copper is the only finish that can provide just the right look for their new basin. If that’s the case for you, then go ahead and consider copper finishes for your bathroom basin faucets

Oil-rubbed Bronze finish

This is one of the less common types of bathroom basin faucets. It has a warm color, as opposed to the cooler tone of a chrome-finished basin faucet. A lot of people choose oil-rubbed bronze if they’re going for a vintage look.

4. How to clean bathroom basin faucets

Cleaning your bathroom basin faucet can ensure that no microbial growth exists. If anyone uses your bathroom, the dirty basin faucet can leave a negative impression. Just spending about ten minutes cleaning it with the solutions described above, you can make it look as good as new.

Again, how to clean bathroom basin faucet depends on their type and finish as well. If you are confused about what finish your bathroom basin faucet is, you can ask your local store or contact the manufacturer directly; in fact, some manufacturers may even provide you with directions to clean it. Just keep in mind that cleaning a bathroom basin faucet in the wrong way can ruin its finish instead of cleaning it.

Note: For all finishes, it is recommended not to use anything abrasive. You can confirm that with the manufacturer or find out about it on the packaging if you are still holding on to it.

Metal

Cleaning metallic finishes is relatively easy as you do not necessarily have to open them to deep clean. Here is how you can clean bathroom basin faucet handles with finishes such as brushed nickel, chrome, brass, and copper.

Dish soap

1. First, use dish soap with warm water to clean the basin faucet and its handles.
2. Simply apply some dish soap on the bathroom basin faucet and then use a clean piece of cloth damped with warm water.
3. Rub it gently everywhere on the basin faucet and around the handles.
4. Now, use a dry cloth to clean off the soap.

White vinegar

1. When it comes to fighting dirt, white vinegar is your best friend. It is an age-old cleaning agent that is known for cleaning almost any type of stain.
2. Gently mix a 50:50 ratio or half a cup each of white vinegar, and water.
3. Take a clean piece of cloth and dip it into the mixture.
4. Apply it first to a small area of the handle to check it does not damage the basin faucet.
5. If your grime problem is very nasty, you should wrap the cloth around the bathroom basin faucet handle for 10-15 minutes.
6. Remove it and clean it with a wet cloth. You might have to rub it a bit.
7. Finish the job with a dry cloth, and your basin faucet and its handle will be squeaky clean.

Baking soda and toothbrush

Another way of getting rid of grime is to use baking soda with a toothbrush. Baking soda is another great ingredient found in many cleaning agents.

1. Just rub some baking soda on an old toothbrush and damp it a bit.
2. Clean the handle and basin faucet with the brush thoroughly.

Plastic

If your bathroom basin faucet has a plastic handle, which is common with most old basin faucets, you can easily deep clean it. These handles get even dirtier than those that have a metallic finish, so cleaning them may require a little more effort.

Materials needed:

• A screwdriver
• Hot water
• An old toothbrush
• A washcloth

The steps:

Removing and soaking the cover and handle

First, you need to pry the cap off the handle. Yes, these basin faucet handles usually have a cap that you can remove easily with something sharp or a screwdriver.

Once removed, use the screwdriver to unscrew the handle, and then lift the handle from the stem of the basin faucet . Drop the cover and the handle in hot water.

Cleaning the stem and handle

Use the toothbrush to clean the stem. If it is not too dirty, hot water should be enough; otherwise, you can use the good old baking soda or white vinegar. Rub it gently everywhere.

Remove the handle and cap from the hot water and rub it with the toothbrush. Make sure to rub the edges and the inside. Wash it with warm water and set it aside to dry. Use the washcloth to clean up the stem and basin faucet you just cleaned with the toothbrush.

Screwing things back

Once the handle has dried completely, screw it back on the stem tightly. Put the cap back on and give the entire faucet one last rub with a dry cloth. Your faucet and its handle will be shiny and new.

5. Conclusion

Choosing the right type of basin faucet for your bathroom certainly takes a lot of planning. Before making a decision, visit various shopping websites and hardware stores to find different alternatives. Then, choose the one you like the most and best fits your budget.