Choosing the correct faucet to complement your kitchen cabinets is an essential part of creating an ideal kitchen, as faucets are durable and elegant plumbing installations expected to last for years.

Basics of Faucet Design

Every faucet is comprised of the following components:

• Mounting nuts that help secure the faucet onto the sink
• Water-supply tubes
• Shut-off valves for turning-off the water flow
• Aerators to control the splashing of water, helping to create a uniform stream of water
• Central or the control valve
• Tail-piece that is usually beneath the central part of the faucet (containing the spout)

Basics of Faucet Categorization

Faucets are retailed in varieties for both kitchens and bathrooms. While modern faucets offer various styles and designs, the working mechanisms and installation basics of faucets have undergone little change over the last few decades

• Conventional Faucets — The standard faucet is often called the ‘compression’ type of faucet. This faucet has compression valves and is sold with the typical, chrome finish. Chrome finishing is the most common form of faucet finishing since it is durable and easy-to-clean. Compression faucets usually have rubber washers that are commonly available and are easy-to-replace.
• Other Faucet Options — Faucets with slightly different mechanisms include those containing ceramic discs, cartridges or ball-type valves. Most homeowners cannot differentiate this aspect of internal working among different faucets. However, this internal arrangement does influence the eventual price.

Classifying Faucets

1. Center-set faucets
2. Widespread faucets
3. Mini-widespread faucets
4. Faucets with single-control

The first three faucet types have a very similar configuration, i.e. they are equipped with different handles for hot & cold water supply and have a central water spout. The difference between these faucets is minimal, aside from their installation method and some external differences.

Center-set faucets appear like a compact, single unit since they are connected upon the sink’s platform.

Widespread faucets owe their name to the appearance of the faucet arrangement wherein each of the water controls looks like an independent entity, i.e. the common, water-supply chambers and the valves are located beneath the sink, helping to stretch the handle inserts.

Mini-widespread faucets are similar to conventional widespread faucets, but their arrangement is slightly more compact (usually about 4 inches apart compared to 8).

Faucets with a single control mechanism are most common in the kitchen or vanity areas. Their name comes from the presence of a central, control-like device. This is usually present in the form of a knob or some lever-like arrangement.

These faucets contain the ball-type valves and most of the faucets are sold with the classical, curved spouts.

Faucets & Existing Plumbing

Another consideration when choosing a faucet should be selecting a design which is compatible with the existing plumbing fixtures. This is where most people make the common mistake of choosing fancy faucets that are difficult to install since the existing sink holes and plumbing designs cannot accommodate them.

An experienced kitchen contractor can save you the unwanted expenses that such a situation usually induces by helping you understand the limitations of your existing sink and its ability to accommodate a faucet.

Bathroom Faucet Tips:

Tip 1 — Most sinks have a three-hole arrangement, consisting of two holes that are four inches apart with a central hole. These sinks cannot accommodate the widespread faucets. For this, up to 8 inches are needed between the distances of the two terminal holes.

Do not try to force a widespread faucet if your sink is meant for smaller installations. You can choose the mini-widespread faucet arrangement which creates a similar effect with its spread out handles. Forcing the issue can later create problems like exerted plumbing lines that can cause chronic, under-sink leakages.

Tip 2 — If you want a simple, efficient and smart-looking faucet set-up, single handle faucets are your choice. They are easy to clean and the control mechanisms are easier-to-access when executing basic repairs.