© 2009 Anderqual Handyman & Remodeling Service

There are many reasons why you might want to replace your Kitchen or Bathroom faucet. Perhaps it is broke and it can't be repaired. Maybe the neck is short  and you can barely get anything underneath it. Another reason might be that it is so old and dated that if you have to look at that old nasty thing one more day you are going to scream. Whatever your reason there are many styles and prices to choose- from the plastic $20.00 model to the all brass model with a antique finish for $500.00. Something to remember when choosing your faucet is that you get what you pay for. The  cheep plastic model will likely only have a 90 day warranty and usually fails shortly thereafter. Whereas the more expensive all brass model might come with a lifetime warranty and probably will last that long except for the  occasional replacement of washers or cartridges.

Faucets for the kitchen come in more varieties than ever and it is important to purchase the correct replacement for your old faucet. Be sure to choose a new one that requires the same number of holes in the deck of the sink as the one that's being removed. One-piece faucets (with integrated handle and spout) need one hole for the handle/spout piece, and usually require a separate hole for a sprayer. Traditional faucets, with hot and cold taps, require three holes for the taps and spout and a fourth for a sprayer. Other options, such as integrated sprayers and soapdispensers, can create other requirements; make sure you are clear about your needs.

Bathroom faucet styles are just as bountiful as kitchen styles it is also important to purchase the correct replacement for your old bathroom faucet as well. Not  all faucet types work with every sink basin. Standard faucet drilling's are widespread, center set or single hole. Also note if the new faucet operates a pop up drain plug and do you want a pop up drain plug or just a screen style drain cover.

Faucet Types:

Widespread faucet sets (See fig. A) have a spout with separate hot and cold water handles. All pieces appear to be separate. Widespread faucets are available from 6" to 16" drilling's for three-hole pre-drilled installation basins.

Center set faucets (See fig. B)(mini-widespread) are made for 4" pre-drilled with three-hole installation basins. They combine a spout and valves on a single base unit. A center set faucet set may have a single handle mixing lever or two handles mounted onto a 6" plate.

Single hole faucets (See fig. C) have a spout and a single mixing handle all in one for single-handed control. Single lever faucets require one-hole drill installation basins. Some brands of single lever faucets have an optional 6" cover plate for pre-drilled 4" drill installations.

Wall-mounted faucets (See fig. D) are available for above-the-counter and freestanding basins that require a long spout for extended reach. Wall-mount faucets require a separate wall-mount valve and drain for installation. Make sure the spout is long enough for adequate basin clearance.