As important as it is to consider toilets and other fixtures, don’t overlook the faucet. Here are some tips on how to find the right bathroom faucet to bring new life into one of the most important spaces of your home.
Remodeling your bathroom doesn’t need to be an all-or-nothing venture. You can redo it piece by piece, element by element. As important as it is to consider toilets and other fixtures, don’t overlook the faucet. Here are some tips on how to find the right bathroom faucet to bring new life into one of the most important spaces of your home.
What You Need to Know
There are many different styles available. That means narrowing down your choices can be a daunting task. Still, although you might value aesthetic above anything else, considering how often you will need to use the faucet, be sure to pick one that will withstand heavy usage. The configuration, finish, style, and valve type all matter, so choose wisely.
Configuration Ideas
Let’s dig a little deeper by examining potential configuration options. It can either be mounted directly on the wall or attached to the sink. Two other factors are how many handles you want the faucet to have and the number of holes it needs to be installed. You’ll often hear about centerset and widespread. These two terms are essential to remember as the process continues. That’s because these technical terms refer to how apart the individual holes are.
Valve Types
Left and right side valves control the amount of hot and cold water that combine and flow out of the spout. Old school side valves needed rubber washers that had to be replaced every few years or a drip would develop from the spout. The vast majority of side valve faucets by 1990 had been redesigned to use ceramic disc valves which don’t fail under normal use. Mixing valves also use ceramic technology and operate joystick fashion, with hotter, colder and off positions directed by the stick. Essentially the configuration of the faucet will dictate the valve that the manufacturer employs so you won’t have a choice. All widespread faucets use side valves. Most single hole faucets use a mixing valve with a joystick. Centerset faucets can be either depending on how many handles are involved.
Finishes
The finish gives your bathroom faucet its distinctive color. It also helps protect the material that the faucet itself is manufactured from; that’s why this component is so important. Chrome, nickel, brass, and bronze are all some of the most common examples. A PVD finish adds even more protection. The acronym PVD stands for physical vapor deposition, and it has to do with the coating on the surface. You might want to think about this upgrade because it will last longer than its counterparts, and it resists scratching, which will keep your brand new faucet looking beautiful.
Choose Your Home Hardware From WalterWorks
No matter what type of home hardware and decorative touches you choose, WalterWorks Hardware has the expertise and supplies you need. We are well known through the Maryland, Washington, D.C., and northern Virginia area for our fantastic hardware and unbeatable knowledge. For more information, please call us at (410) 263-9711 or contact us online. For more tips on choosing hardware for your home, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Houzz, and Pinterest.