How to Choose Your Bathroom Faucet

How to Choose The Proper Bathroom Faucet

You can choose between two main types of faucets for your bathroom: the mixer and the single lever faucet. It’s up to you to select the bathroom faucet that, by its operation or design, but also its price, corresponds precisely to the use you want to make of it. This post helps you choose suitable bathroom faucets.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR BATHROOM FAUCETS?

You should take the below criteria into account to choose the most suitable faucet for each bathroom piece of equipment.

SPOUT SHAPE AND HEIGHT

Like that of the control lever(s), the shape of the faucet spout can be retro, classic, or contemporary to match the style of the entire bathroom.

Note: the waterfall spout, widely popular today, takes a flattened shape to diffuse water in a cascade. Be careful with its size.

The height of the faucet spout depends on the type of faucet mounting (wall-mounted or not) and the type of bathroom. A bowl-shaped basin, for example, will require a high spout if the fitting is fixed to the top of the cabinet. A high spout offers more comfort for the passage of hands, while a low spout faucet is more discreet.

MATERIALS

The bathroom faucet is generally made of metal: a surface treatment that will give it its appearance. Chrome or black, it can be polished or shiny. You can also find brass and copper faucet models for a more retro look.

MOUNTING

There are two main types of fixtures in the bathroom. On one hand, you have the single-hole mounting requires a single hole on the sanitary ware, with hot and cold water passing through the same place. This is the simplest and least expensive installation. On the other hand, you have the two- or three-hole fixing for faucets with independent spouts. The installation is more complex but often very aesthetic.

Note: You can fix the faucet directly on the washbasin or bathtub. It can be exposed or recessed in the latter case, but the installation is then more delicate.

STANDARD AND CERTIFICATION

BATHROOM FAUCET

The NF standard guarantees quality standards for faucets. It classifies faucets according to three criteria namely E (for water), from E1 to E4 which classifies the flow rate from the lowest to the highest, A (acoustic), from A1 to A3 for the loudest, and U (wear resistance), from U1 to U3 for the least resistant.

Mixing valves have an additional class, C, which corresponds to comfort.

The NF certification guarantees that the faucet is resistant to corrosion and its durability, flow rate, silent filling, and interchangeability. It also guarantees that it delivers water at the specified temperature for a thermostatic mixer and that it is constant, regardless of pressure, flow rate, and temperature.

THE MIXING VALVE

HOW IT WORKS

The mixer comprises a spout and two levers, one controlling the cold water and the other commanding hot water. The simultaneous adjustment of the flow rate and temperature is made with both hands. It is necessary to play with the two levers to proper hot/cold dosage to obtain lukewarm water.

There are mixers with one hole (the faucet’s body is integrated) or mixers with three or even five holes (the body of the faucet is separate). These holes must be drilled in the support (basin, bath, etc.).

THE ADVANTAGES OF THE MIXER

If your bathroom is traditional, the mixer is a natural choice. It is ideal for bathtubs that need to be filled quickly. However, models with a ceramic head are preferable as they reduce wear and tear and scale formation. The mixer is also an inexpensive faucet.

DISADVANTAGES OF THE MIXER

The mixer requires you to find the right temperature manually by turning the two levers, which means you have to fumble around and dissipate water before you get the desired temperature.

THE CLASSIC MIXING VALVE

The classic mixer is the only one with a single horizontally activated control that allows you to adjust both the flow rate and the temperature.

Practical: one hand is enough to use this type of faucet. This makes it particularly easy to use, even for children.

However, the temperature setting is imprecise. There is a risk of scalding if the lever is left in the hot water position or if a wrong movement accidentally changes the temperature.

THE THERMOSTATIC MIXING VALVE

The thermostatic mixing valve is equipped with two levers, one used to adjust the water flow, the other for the temperature, which is thus fixed at the desired degree.

With the thermostatic mixing valve, the water temperature remains constant, even when the pressure drops. This is the safest option if you have children. It also saves water since the correct temperature is reached without fumbling.

Its primary disadvantage is its price, which is higher than a simple mixer tap or blender. It is also sensitive to limescale. So check the quality of your water before you buy it.

BATHROOM FAUCETS COMPARISON

Note: You can find bathroom faucets at bath stores, bathroom and faucet specialty stores, and the Internet. If you need more help, please contact a professional plumber near you.

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