Remodeling? Which Faucet Configurations Work and Which Don’t

Step One, Count

If your current faucet has a lever for hot water and one for cold that are separated from the rest of the faucet, you have a three-hole faucet. If a sprayer sits on the side in addition, then you have a four-hole faucet. The most common type of faucet, especially in commercial buildings, is a one-hole faucet; this is easy to spot as the levers are connected to the faucet body in a self-contained unit. 

Step Two, Measure

Once you’ve determined hole count, move on to measuring the distance between the hot- or cold-water lever and the body of the faucet if they are separate. If the distance is approximately eight inches, then a widespread faucet is the one you should consider. If the distance is four inches, then a centerset faucet is the correct choice.

Fancy a Change?

It’s possible! Choose a new faucet with fewer holes if desired, but note that your choice would require purchasing a faucet with an escutcheon or deck plate that will cover the unwanted holes. You might also consider replacing the countertop entirely and having new holes drilled to perfectly match your chosen faucet.

Best for the Kitchen

Most kitchens operate with a three-hole sink. But a rinser or soap dispenser, such as the Single Hole Deck Mount Electronic Sensor Soap Dispenser, would change the configuration to a four-hole faucet if the hot and cold handles are included.

If your kitchen counter has three holes, then the next step is to evaluate the type of mount that currently exists. Faucets mounted on countertops are known as deck mounts. Another mount that is becoming more popular in kitchens lately is the wall mount, such as the Two Handle Wall Mount Kitchen Faucet. Using a wall mount faucet has a considerable advantage in smaller kitchens as it opens up more space on the countertops thanks to hiding the necessary plumbing inside the wall. Although accessing the pipes will be more difficult and likely increase the cost of the remodel, you’ll have more space on your countertops and in your sink.

Best for the Bar

Bars require lots of countertop space and typically prioritize functionality over aesthetics. This means fewer holes and smaller faucets. Consider the Two Handle Bar Faucet as it is a two- or three-hole installation coupled with a convenient gooseneck spout for extra sink space. The two-handle faucet listed above is a deck mount, which is common among bar sinks. The plumbing is easily accessible underneath the counter with deck-mounted faucets and tends to make maintenance easier in the future.

Multiple holes make installation more difficult, but they will allow for easier access when the faucet is needed. Consider faucets anywhere from two to four holes for your bar space. Avoid one-hole faucets, as these work best in bathrooms where the primary goal is handwashing. The need for either hot or cold water is greater at a bar, and having two separate handles for hot and cold will make for a quicker and more convenient experience.

Best for the Laundry Room

Similar to bar sinks, laundry room faucets have one, two or three holes. Any more will reduce its functionality. Space is key with bars and laundry rooms, so consider the Two Handle Cast Brass Bar Laundry Faucet, which will make moving clothes easy with its extra-long spout. This one is also a deck mount, which makes maintenance easier for laundry rooms. The twelve-inch reach and hot and cold handles are perfect for a laundry room. Much like bar faucets, avoid more than three holes, as they will only get in the way and obstruct needed space.

Best for Outdoor Spaces

For outdoor faucets, such as outdoor pool showers or outdoor sinks next to a grill in an outdoor kitchen, wall-mounted faucets may be the best option for you. An outdoor shower, for example, will need to connect to the building’s plumbing and rarely needs to accommodate a bathtub, so a wall-mounted shower-head is the way to go.

Outdoor sinks will have an easier time channeling in your building’s plumbing with a wall-mounted fixture; however, if you’ll be incorporating a sink, a deck-mounted faucet may be your better option. Most outdoor faucets will require three holes to install, but one hole is also plausible. One-hole faucets are the easiest to integrate, but the accurate mixing between hot and cold water is not prioritized, which makes them best for bathrooms.

The main two components to installing a new faucet into your home or business are 1) how it will be mounted, 2) how far apart the faucet levers are from the faucet’s body and 3) how many holes are needed for installation. Once you’ve determined the specifications and what configurations will work best depending on the room that will be getting a fabulous facelift, then you’re ready to get to the best part of all, shopping!

There are many ways to the same destination. This saying applies to multi-family housing builds just as much as to anything else in life. The ultimate goal is save as much money as possible while delivering a great finished project – that’s simply showing smart business sense. But, finding a one-off deal or sacrificing quality isn’t the only way to get a healthy ROI. We have a better way.

Pioneer works with professionals every day to develop specification packages and plans that save our valued partners both time and money, sometimes in surprising ways. It’s our goal to ensure your project meets or exceeds its expected outcome. We want to get to know you and your company and show you how we can save you money.  Please reach out via our website form or call us at (800) 338-9468.