Mounting
The biggest dividing factor in this category is how many holes must be drilled into your sink/vanity to install the faucet. Here are the details:
Wall-Mount Faucets
If your chosen faucet style is mounted on the wall, good news! You don't need any holes drilled into your sink's countertop. It's not necessarily a snap to install just because no holes need to be drilled, though. It does require extra hardware for its mount and if your current sink has holes drilled already, that will be another issue you'll have to deal with.
Center-Set and Widespread
This type of faucet will be more likely to work with a sink that already has holes drilled. Center-set faucets use three holes, at fairly standard distances apart, whereas widespread faucets feature handles that are much more distant from the spout. This means that widespread models are less likely to work with the kind of bathroom sink that has pre-drilled holes.
Single Hole
These faucets tend to feature a more minimalistic design, using a single hole and a slender faucet unit. Instead of separate faucet handles, these models may use a lever.
Function
When you're identifying your current bathroom faucet, either because you're looking for replacement parts or because you want to compare it to newer models so you can replace it, you'll need to consider its function as well. The internal workings of a faucet are what determine whether it's a reliable, modern model or an older design that's likely to be giving you trouble. Here are the details on different faucet categories by function.
Single-Handle Faucets by Function
Three types of bathroom faucets are likely to have a single handle: the ball, disc and single handle cartridge types. You can tell if you have a ball type if the handle rotates, wiggles and coasts in any direction like a joystick on what looks like a ball set into the top of the faucet.
You can tell the disc type apart because the handle doesn't move like a joystick. It can be lifted up and down and it can rotate back and forth, but it doesn't tilt and coast like the ball type. The single-handle cartridge type is similar to the disc type, but the disc type is more likely to be a high-end faucet with a stouter body.
Double-Handle Faucets by Function
The double-handle cartridge faucet and the compression faucet fall into this slot. Fortunately, they're relatively easy to tell apart. The compression type is an older design that requires more physical force to use. As you're turning the water off, you may feel like you're tightening a screw because that's basically how the mechanism works. The handles may have to turn several times to get the water to shut off.
The double-handle cartridge type is easier to use, doesn't require as many turns and doesn't have varying degrees of tension.
As you can see, there's more variation between bathroom sink faucets than just the one handle vs. two question and the all-important question of finish. These facts will help you learn more about the faucet you have and make informed decisions about repairs, replacements or installation.
Universal Plumbing Supply Co. is eager to help you find the parts you need and to answer any additional questions you may have. Simply call them at 713-225-2800 today.