The Right Faucet for the Right Sink

Bathroom remodeling can be as simple as replacing existing hardware or as involved as tearing everything down and starting over. With either choice the hardware choices you make will be the focal points for the room. Be sure to choose the right faucets for vessel sinks, self-rimming or undermount sinks for the best results.

Vessel Bowls

A vessel bowl sits on top of the counter with only its drain going beneath the surface. They are made in copper, porcelain, marble, glass and stainless steel and more. This category shares one common trait a taller faucet is required to reach high enough for the water to dispense inside the bowl. To choose the right faucet for this sink, measure in a straight line from the top edge of the sink to the counter. Then add a couple of inches for plenty of clearance.

Common Choices

Two common options for this sink are a tall (as high as 13) single hole lavatory faucet or a wall-mounted fixture with one or two handles. The faucet industry has an endless variety available to fit the modern, traditional, TuscanOld World or ultra-contemporary minimalist home. Designers are more likely to be overwhelmed with choices than have trouble finding one.

A wall-mounted fixture is a unique look and frees up space on the counter, but a single hole faucet has advantages for installation. Additional plumbing work will need to be done to install a fixture on the wall. Extra labor can include making a hole in the existing wall to install valves for hot and cold pipes to supply the water.

With a single hole fixture, a hole can be made in the counter and the supply lines connected to existing pipes. Decorative flanges included with the hardware cover up rough edges and can be caulked to prevent leakage. Always choose the best quality you can afford for a lifetime of performance.