Faucets are commonplace fixtures in most homes. You’ll find them in the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room and maybe even as a standalone sink in another room. If you’re thinking about renovating your home or just buying new furniture, faucets are just one of many things you need to know about. And when it comes to faucet types, there are a lot to choose from. There are so many factors that go into picking out the perfect faucet for your home and personal needs. Do you want something modern? How about something old-fashioned? Do you have a small budget or unlimited funds to splurge on high-end fixtures?
What is a Faucet?
A faucet is the connection between a water supply and the pipes that lead to a sink or tub. They come in a variety of styles and materials, and are designed to be both functional and stylish. Faucets are available in many different materials, such as brass, bronze, chrome, nickel, stainless steel, and ceramic. They may have one handle or two (or no handle at all). The type of faucet you get and the material it’s made of will influence the overall look of your sink and the style of your bathroom or kitchen. There are three basic types of faucets: sink, bathtub, and deck-mount. While these are the most common types, there are variations of these as well. Decide what kind of faucet you need before you shop.
How to Find the Right Faucet
To pick out a faucet that meets both your needs and your home’s decor, first decide what type of faucet you want. Next, pick a style, color, and finish that matches your overall design and style. Here are a few tips to help you pick out the perfect faucet for your needs. If you need a kitchen faucet, select one that has a high arch design to make filling pots and bowls easier. Depending on the type of sink you have, you may want a one-handled faucet or a two-handled model. For outdoor faucets, look for a model that resists rust and corrosion. For bathroom faucets, make sure they’re ADA-compliant and come with anti-scald mechanisms.
Why You Should Renovate Your Faucets
Faucets are a huge part of the overall design and style of your home. And while they’re functional and serve their purpose, they’re often overlooked when it comes to renovations. But there are many reasons why you should renovate your faucets. Start with your old-fashioned faucets. If you have faucets that are no longer being manufactured, or if you have a dated style, it’s time to replace them. Your faucets can make or break the design of your home’s decor. If you have ugly old faucets, or ones that don’t match the rest of your decor, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to make a bold design statement.
Types of Faucets
Ball-type or Pull-out Outlet Faucets: These faucets are usually used in kitchens and bathrooms. They have a retractable hose that you pull out to reach the sink or tub. - Deck-mount Faucets: These are often used outdoors and are mounted to a deck or a concrete slab.
Dual-handle Faucets: These faucets operate with one handle and have a second one that controls the water temperature.
Hands-free Faucets: These faucets have sensors that activate the water when you put your hands under the spout.
Lever Faucets: These are common in both bathrooms and kitchens. They have a long handle that you lift to turn on the water. They usually have two settings: hot and cold.
Paddle Faucets: These faucets have a single lever that controls both the water flow and temperature.
Tub/Shower Faucets: These faucets are either single-handle or two-handle faucets. They’re used in combination with a shower head.
Tips on Picking Out the Right Faucet
When you’re ready to purchase faucets, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
What’s your budget? When it comes to faucets, it’s important to know how much you’re willing to spend. You can find a faucet made from just about any material, in any finish and style. You can even find high-end faucets that are priced well into the thousands.
What’s your water pressure? You may want to consider a faucet that works with low water pressure in areas where water pressure is low.
What’s your flow rate? You need to make sure the faucet has enough flow rate so it doesn’t clog up. - What’s your ideal water temperature? It’s important to pick a faucet that offers the temperature you need.
What type of sink do you have? Make sure the faucet you choose will work with your sink’s type.
What type of materials do you prefer? Some materials, such as copper and stainless steel, come in many different finishes, colors and styles.
Conclusion
When it comes to renovating your home, faucets are often overlooked. When you neglect your faucets, they can start to look dated and worn. Replacing faucets is one of the quickest and most inexpensive ways to spruce up the look of your home. When shopping for faucets, remember that not all faucets are created equal. There are a wide variety of features, designs and materials to choose from. Make sure you know what you’re looking for before you dive in and start shopping. Once you do, you’ll be surprised at how many options you have.
