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Introduce color and style to your bathroom with a new lavatory faucet. “Lavatory” is the
industry term for a bathroom or washroom sink. A lavatory faucet is a type of faucet designed
to deliver water into a lavatory. If you’re looking for a change in your bathroom…something
new…you'll be delighted with the faucets that are available today. Here’s how to educate
yourself so that the faucet you choose is perfect in every way:
Color Finish
Most faucets come in a variety of colors to match your bathroom decor. Interestingly,
while chrome is the most durable, it's also the most affordable. Alternative coatings
are substantially more expensive. Different manufacturers tend to supply different
finishes and colors. Some of the finishes that lavatory faucets are available in are
as follows:
Polished Chrome
Polished Brass
Colored epoxy (glacier white, almond, biscuit, and black)
Polished nickel
Satin nickel
Stainless Steel
Bronze
Gold
Porcelain (some porcelain is even being hand-painted now!)
Handle type (Show me examples!)
Select a handle type that will compliment your bathroom. Faucets traditionally come
with two handles. One is for hot water and one is for cold water. This gives you
independent control of both handles. When using a two-handle faucet, remember that
cross-handles and lever handles provide an easy grip. Lavatory faucets are now
available in single-handle versions. Single-handle, or "single control" faucets give
you the convenience of being able to control the water temperature and pressure with
one single control.
Spout types (Show me examples!)
The type of spout you are going to choose is simply personal preference. Most basic
lavatory faucets will have standard spouts. High-arc spouts are becoming more popular
on lavatory faucets. If you are planning to wash your hair in the bathroom sink, you
may want to consider a lavatory faucet with a high-arc spout. Manufacturers are
making their spouts longer and more decorative than ever before, so your lavatory
faucet can stand out in your bathroom.
Faucet Configuration (Show me examples!)
When purchasing a deck-mount faucet (a faucet that mounts on the lavatory sink or deck)
you must choose a faucet that will fit your lavatory sink. If you don’t match the
configuration of the lavatory faucet with the lavatory sink, chances are it won’t fit!
In fact, most plumbers will not drill an additional hole in a lavatory sink because
the sink will most likely crack. The three configurations of a lavatory faucet are
single-hole, centerset, and widespread.
Single-hole – requires one hole drilling in the sink
Centerset – the hole drillings for the hot and cold handle are 4” apart
Widespread – the hole drillings for the hot and cold handle are 8” –16” apart
Although deck-mount faucets are most common, more and more people are considering
wall-mount faucets. Instead of mounting on the sink itself, a wall-mount faucet mounts
on the wall above the sink.
Faucet Construction
The construction of the faucet is important because you may be able to save money on a
cheap faucet now, but you’ll be paying the difference in repair or replacement costs
later. Your options for the faucet’s construction material come down to solid brass
or plastic. Brass is by far the most recommended choice because of its toughness and
ability to handle extreme temperatures.
Internally, your faucet will control the flow of water using either rubber washers, a
plastic or ceramic cartridge, a plastic, brass, or stainless steel ball valve, or a
ceramic disk. Ceramic cartridges allow the handles to open and close at precisely the
same spot every time. Alternately, a ball valve uses washers, which wear out and
require you to continually adjust the handle position. A ceramic disk is highly
recommended.
Rough-in Valves - Be careful! Some manufacturers sell the lavatory faucet trim separate from the rough-in valve unit that actually makes the faucet function.
Handles and accents - Some manufacturers sell the handles and the handle accents separate from the faucet. This is done so that the customer can mix and match finishes creating the faucet of their dreams.
Drains - If you were thinking you would have to purchase the drain for your lavatory faucet separately, you’re wrong! Most lavatory faucets include the drain!
For Phone Sales please call 1-800-875-7999.
We specialize in decorative plumbing and lighting. Our top plumbing brands are Kohler, Blanco, Danze, Elkay, Franke, Kindred, and Moen. We have a warehouse full of these & other brands. Our top Lighting brands are PLC, Quoizel, & Thomas. For item availability, stock status or lead times, please email us or call 1-800-875-7999. Or else, place your order online, and we will alert you of any lead time.
We carry all products from the brands you see on our website plus we also carry more brands not listed online. For
sales assistance, please call one of our friendly Sales Representatives Toll-Free at 1-800-875-7999. We are open
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