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By Andreana Lefton, Bob Beacham kitchen sink with drainer
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Bathroom faucets are among the most relied-upon fixtures in a home. We often use them throughout each day, including first thing in the morning to wash up and last thing at night to brush our teeth. Even when these fixtures are so integral to our daily lives, it can be easy to overlook the importance of choosing the right faucet for your bathroom.
Upgrading old bathroom sink faucets is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to boost a home’s look and value. Adding a good-quality faucet can cost as little as $40, yet it’s a home improvement project that can instantly benefit both bathroom ambience and functionality. Even better—midrange bathroom upgrades such as this also provide an average of 67 percent return on investment.
Say goodbye to germ-ridden bathroom sink handles. With Luxice’s touchless bathroom faucet, you simply need to wave your hand beneath the tap, and a steady stream of water will flow. Even when performing a high-consumption task like brushing your teeth, the water stops as soon as your brush moves away and starts again when you move it across the sensor. This elegant spout is available in five finishes to suit most decors.
Though this is a handle-free faucet, it comes with hot and cold hoses as well as a temperature mixer, allowing you to easily adjust how warm the water is. We love that the sensor is powered by four AA batteries (not included), so installation is possible without a professional. If you prefer, you can also plug this unit into a standard wall outlet for electric power. With its gorgeous design and high-tech ease of use, this touchless faucet is a standout.
Get the Luxice bathroom faucet at Amazon.
Wowow’s gently curving center-set faucet is perfect for almost any aesthetic, from traditional to contemporary. It comes in five finishes, all corrosion-resistant and coated to minimize fingerprints. This classic faucet is designed for countertops and sink areas with three holes and a 4-inch spread. Though it comes with a lift rod and pop-up stopper, supply lines are sold separately.
While we chose this model as a particularly budget-friendly pick, its aerator is made of durable ABS material, and its cartridges are long-lasting ceramic. Its design also reduces water consumption by 50 percent, which can save you even more money in the long run. It is a bit smaller than other options, however, so it may be a better fit for powder rooms, motor homes, cabins, or apartments.
Get the Wowow bathroom faucet at Amazon,Wayfair,or Walmart.
The Cassidy faucet by Delta reflects timeless beauty but has very modern benefits. Certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense label, this faucet is guaranteed to use at least 20 percent less water than the industry standard. It is also ADA compliant, meaning it meets the standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
While the Cassidy is intended to fit single-hole as well as three-hole configurations, there is an optional deck plate that covers extra holes if necessary. If you need the deck plate, be sure it comes included with your purchase, as some retailers sell it separately. This gorgeous single-handle faucet is available in five easy-to-clean finishes and includes a matching pop-up metal drain.
Get the Delta Faucet Cassidy bathroom faucet at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Wayfair, or Build With Ferguson.
Phiestina’s faucet has an 8-inch spread, which is intended for a broad three-hole mount. All materials are certified lead-free, including the pure copper drain, which resists leaks (water hose not included). Instead of a traditional lift drain, it comes with an easy-to-install pop-up drain that features a clog-reducing built-in strainer. This faucet’s overall look is that of gentle curves coated in one of four finishes: shiny chrome, oil-rubbed bronze, brushed gold, or brushed nickel.
Thanks to Phiestina’s quick-connect technology, installation is easy and doesn’t require a plumber. As a bonus, the customer support team offers remote help via email or phone for those with questions or issues.
Get the Phiestina bathroom faucet at Amazon, The Home Depot,or Phiestina.
A trough-style tap displays flowing water at its best, and this single-handle tap from Pfister is both beautiful and efficient. With a flow rate of 1.2 GPM, the Jaida is compliant with CALGreen and EPA WaterSense standards. Thanks to its height and the fact that you don’t need to twist or strain your wrist to turn it on, it is also ADA compliant.
The Jaida comes with everything you need for operation, and it can be installed in 3 minutes with only three pieces and no tools. It works with a single hole or three-hole spread and comes with an optional deck plate. Choose from four metallic finishes, including our favorite, Spot Defense brushed nickel, for extra-easy upkeep. If you’re looking to match your sink faucet to your shower faucet, the Jaida bathtub and shower faucet would create a complete set.
Get the Pfister bathroom faucet at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Wayfair, Walmart, or Build With Ferguson.
Strong, good-looking, and affordable, Kingo’s vessel faucet has an extra-long neck to provide the height to flow elegantly into a countertop basin. Made using solid brass construction, the single lever adjusts output and temperature control. The metallic finish on this contemporary sink faucet comes in two bold choices: black and oil-rubbed bronze. Both are corrosion resistant and use ceramic disc valves for drip-free operation.
Though hot and cold hoses come with purchase, neither a matching pop-up drain nor deck plate do. Those with a three-hole sink will need to buy a plate separately to cover exposed holes. Still, for the price, it’s a pretty good deal—and it looks beautiful, too.
Get the Kingo Home bathroom faucet at Amazon.
It can be difficult to keep bathroom faucets clean in hard-water areas. Minerals in water mark surfaces and build up in crevices. The Kohler Alteo is engineered to combat these challenges. The widespread design and smooth surfaces give few places for hard water to collect. The finishes don’t just look good; they are tarnish-resistant and extremely hard-wearing.
Under the attractive skin, there are ceramic disc valves that provide smooth, leak-free performance and allow fine control over flow and temperature. A lift-rod drain assembly is included but, unlike many rivals, it’s cleverly concealed behind the main spout so it doesn’t detract from the sleek appearance.
Kohler is one of the world’s foremost faucet brands and problems are rare, but the brand’s products are not cheap. The reach on this model is relatively short, so it may not be appropriate for all sinks or countertops.
Get the Kohler Alteo bathroom faucet at Amazon, The Home Depot, Build With Ferguson, or Kohler.
Few brands have a better reputation for quality faucet build and reliability than Moen, and their single-hole bathroom faucet is a fine example. The combination of straight lines and curves delivers a contemporary appeal that fits perfectly in modern and transitional bathroom settings.
The single lever is elegant yet functional, and the spout produces a unique twisted ribbon of water. Its ease of use complies with ADA specifications, and its flow rate of 1.2 GPM meets the EPA’s WaterSense requirements for conservation. The fixture is also easy to fit into sinks and tubs or through countertops. It also comes with a matching deck plate and a lift-rod drain assembly.
Moen Genta quality does come at a higher price than many competitors, and while customers are usually very happy with their purchase, there have been a few complaints about the durability of the matte black finish.
Get the Moen Genta bathroom faucet at The Home Depot or Walmart.
The fact that Delta is the only brand to appear twice on our list says something about its quality. With a choice of five lustrous finishes, the Delta Trinsic doesn’t just look good; it also has outstanding performance. While the industry standard for bathroom faucet durability is 500,000 operations, the Trinsic’s patented Diamond Seal technology achieves twice that amount.
Its diamond-encrusted ceramic disc requires no lubrication yet virtually eliminates wear, ensuring the faucet remains leak-free throughout its life. Potential leak points are further reduced via preinstalled Innoflex PEX supply lines, meaning only the household supply needs to be connected. Our one complaint is that, while it comes with a matching pop-up drain, it is a little disappointing that the deck plate is a separate purchase.
Get the Delta Faucet Trinsic bathroom faucet at Amazon,Lowe’s,The Home Depot, Walmart, or Build With Ferguson.
Whether you’re installing a new shower, freestanding tub, and bathroom sink and need all new fixtures, or you’re simply upgrading an old sink faucet with a better one, the choice is vast. Style is obviously a key factor, and our picks cover everything from vintage to modern designs. We also chose models that suit the wide range of hole patterns while factoring in price (though never at the expense of durability). To ensure we only recommended long-lasting faucets, we spoke with Kelly Russum, owner of KC’s 23½ Hour Plumbing and Air Conditioning, to get his 46-year expert opinion on which materials and finishes are built to last.
While this article focuses on the best bathroom faucets, remember there’s nothing saying you can’t use kitchen faucets in this space if there’s a model that fits your specific needs.
Many homeowners desire bathrooms that feel understated and a bit luxurious—and updating your bathroom faucets is one of the easiest ways to make that happen. With so many options to choose from, knowing the features that improve functionality and aesthetics is a big help.
As Kelly Russum points out, “Design of the handles is one of the most important features to consider. They’re not just about style—the design of the handles plays a big role in how well the internal components, like cartridges, hold up over time. From my experience, the optimal choice for most homes is a single-handle faucet with a ceramic cartridge. Single-handle designs are easy to use, require less force, and minimize strain on the cartridge, making them more durable over time.”
Still, whether you opt for one or two handles may depend on the number of holes already drilled into the counter, sink, or vanity. If there are three predrilled holes, you’ll likely need a center-set or widespread faucet, while those with a single hole can go with a simple, elegant single-handle faucet. If you prefer the single-handle look but have a three-hole setup, you can simply install a deck plate to hide the extra holes.
Another handle consideration involves cleaning and maintenance. Widespread and single-handle sink faucets are typically easier to keep clean than center-set versions. Center-set faucets are more likely to become grimy over time since there’s not much room on the metal base, causing soap scum to build up in small crevasses.
The space between the faucet mounting holes indicates a faucet’s spread. These holes are drilled into the countertop, sink, vanity, or wall.
In most cases, the faucet’s finish matches other bathroom fixtures, including door handles and shower heads. Coordinated finishes provide a sense of cohesiveness and thoughtful design, though we aren’t at all against using mixed metals.
Many faucets come in a range of colors, from dark, oil-rubbed bronze to light metallic hues, such as gold, nickel, chrome, and stainless steel. Matte black is particularly popular among those looking for contemporary bathroom faucets. Some faucets combine different metals, allowing buyers to mix and match with other bathroom fixtures.
You also need to choose between shiny, brushed, and matte finishes. Polished finishes, especially chrome and stainless steel, have been used for years and are a traditional and affordable choice. However, more contemporary and luxury homes have brushed metal and matte fixtures. For those considering a stylish upgrade, a brushed finish may be a good option.
There are two main options when considering faucet style: traditional or contemporary. A cross-handle bathroom faucet will create a more familiar look, while more modern bathroom faucets will be sleek and angular, with a preference for minimalism rather than ornate details.
While traditional faucets can look good in contemporary settings, the reverse is not always true. The key is subtlety—plumbing fixtures aren’t designed to stick out but rather blend into and enhance their surroundings.
One of the best ways to keep water bills low is to upgrade plumbing fixtures, including choosing one of the best bathroom faucets. While fixing leaks is a great place to start, newer faucets, especially those certified by WaterSense, can cut a tap’s water use by 30 percent without sacrificing performance.
Look for low-flow faucets that bear the blue WaterSense label on their product specifications. Knowing how to choose a faucet aerator is also beneficial, as aerators can lessen water use without overly reducing water pressure or cleansing power.
Some faucets come with additional features that can simplify installation and streamline your daily bathroom routine.
The best faucet for your bathroom depends on several factors, including the size and style of the sink, vanity, or countertop. Whether you have an under-mount or vessel sink will also influence which type of faucet you should choose. The number of holes drilled into the sink area (one or three) and how far apart those holes are positioned (the spread) are also significant considerations.
For sinks with three holes and a 4-inch spread, a center-set faucet will be a perfect fit. These fixtures combine a spout and two handles on a single metal base. However, if you prefer a single-handle option, you can cover the extra holes with a deck plate (see below).
Center-set faucets are often more affordable than other styles and work well for smaller basins and vanities. One drawback may be cleaning, as grime may build up in the joints where the faucet attaches to the counter and the handles and spout attach to the base.
Similar to center-set faucets, widespread faucets are compatible with sinks that have three holes. The spacing, or spread, between these holes is more extensive and ranges from 6 to 16 inches. Widespread faucets come in three separate pieces: a spout and two handles.
These faucets provide a more effortless cleaning experience than center-set models thanks to the flat counter space between the handles and faucet, which is easy to wipe clean daily. This style also looks more luxurious and contemporary than center-set designs, making widespread models slightly more expensive than comparable center-set or single-handle faucets, starting around $90 and rising.
A wall-mounted bathroom faucet can be an elegant option if you have a freestanding pedestal sink or an above-the-counter vessel. Just remember that you’ll need a separate wall-mount valve and drain for installation. The spout must also be long enough to channel and contain the water correctly without splashing it onto the counter and floors.
Wall-mount faucets come with either one or two handles for adjusting water temperature. You’ll want to avoid selecting wall-mounted faucets for basins with predrilled holes. Be prepared to spend more money, too, as wall-mounted faucets are at least double the price of comparable in-sink fixtures.
Vessel faucets have extra-long necks to accommodate vessel-style sinks, which sit on top of counters (as opposed to under-mount options, which are installed below the sink). Vessel faucets can be found starting around $40 and rising to $70 and more. They typically have a single handle to control water flow and temperature.
There’s a lot to consider when searching for the right bathroom faucet, so it’s to be expected that you may have a few lingering questions. Check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below.ns below.
Go for gentle daily wipe-downs with a clean, dry cloth. Weekly, use a nonabrasive sponge and a little soapy water to get off the gunk. For hard-water spots on shiny finishes, spray your faucet with a 50/50 percent solution of white vinegar and water. However, test your finish first and don’t leave vinegar on the surface for extended periods. Wash with clean water and dry with a cloth.
Typically, a faucet is expected to last 15 to 20 years, depending on upkeep and daily wear and tear. If you’re experiencing constant leaks and other frequent problems, it’s high time to switch it out.
Replacing a bathroom faucet is a relatively straightforward operation that even those with modest DIY skills can usually tackle with confidence. The process is basically the same regardless of the type of faucet chosen. See our guide on how to install a faucet for more information.
If the faucet is leaking from pipe connections, you can tighten the connections or wrap polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape around the threads. However, if the leak is from the mouth of the faucet, it is usually caused by a worn valve or the cartridge that controls the water flow, which is located under the lever. You’ll need to remove the offending piece and see if cleaning it fixes the problem, though oftentimes, the piece will need to be replaced. Given the number of steps required and the price of a replacement, it may be more convenient to take this opportunity to upgrade the entire faucet.
All modern finishes on bathroom shower faucets and sink faucets are reasonably easy to keep looking good. Polished finishes like chrome and gold are usually the easiest to clean. A stainless steel bathroom faucet is also easy to clean, however, it is also most likely to show fingerprints or watermarks. Brushed finishes are also easy to clean and don’t show marks so readily.
According to plumbing expert Kelly Russum, “Matte black and brushed nickel faucets are incredibly popular right now.” Check out our guide on 10 bathroom trends you might regret to avoid choosing a color that’s great today but tacky tomorrow.
The bathroom sink faucets on our list cost between about $50 and $350, with the average cost coming in at approximately $150.
Today’s energy-efficient space heaters warm individual rooms, so users needn’t heat unoccupied areas of the house. We tested the most popular space heaters on the market to find out which ones performed the best.
Andréana Lefton is a writer and educator who applies all that she knows of garden care and interior design to her life in an urban art studio.
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