Double Faucet

The one item everyone touches everyday in their home is a faucet. When redecorating, renovating or building a new home, the kitchen and bathroom faucet play an important role in defining the decor. Kitchen and bathroom sinks and faucets are now available in an array of styles and designs, and no longer is the decision left to the plumber. Understanding style and design is an important factor in selecting what will suit your family’s needs and style.

For the Kitchen
Single Handle Faucets-This faucet has one handle that can be attached to the spout, or set next to the spout, and controls both the hot and cold water. One advantage to this type of faucet is the ease in selecting the water pressure. This is also known as a single hole kitchen faucet, due to the fact that there only need be one pre-drilled hole in the sink for installation. Most single handle faucets operate with a lever handle. Pressure and flow are controlled with one push which is a great advantage for the busy cook. Most major manufacturers produce the single handle kitchen faucet, such as Moen, Pegasus, Delta, Amercian Standard, Kohler, and Price Pfister, ranging in price from $99.00- $400.00. The finishes available include, chrome, rustic pewter, polished chrome, stainless steel nickle, black, white and brass. The single hole kitchen faucet tends to be a little more expensive than the standard double hole faucet, but has a more contemporary look. Brands such as Pegasus and Kohler provide a wide selection of finishes and price ranges in attractive contemporary styles. These faucets can be found at all major plumbing supply companies, Home Depot, Lowes, and several online plumbing suppliers.

Double Handle Faucets

This faucet has a separate hot and cold control and requires a three hole sink for installation. If a spray hose is added, you will need a 4 hole sink to accomodate the sprayer. Like the single handle faucets, a wide selection of finishes can be found at the major plumbing supply companies. The prices range between $60.00 and $400.00 and depends mostly on the finish and design of the handles. The handle selection includes cross, crystal lever, lever, metal blade, and metal cross. The advantage of the double handle faucet includes being able to draw very hot water, especially in the kitchen, without having the mixer dilute the temperature with cold water. Another advantage is that you can change the appearance of the faucet by simply changing the faucet handles.This gives you more varety in styles and selections.

For the Bathroom
Single Handle Faucets-Most single handle faucets for the bathroom are found in the shower stall. The water flow and temperature is controlled with a lever faucet attached to the wall of the shower. Pegasus provides a one handle shower faucet that is pressure balanced, and has adjustable temperature limit stops. This is a great help for controlling the hot water and preventing unintended settings. The finishes on these faucets includes, brushed nickle, chrome, and polished brass.

Double Handle Faucets

These faucets are similar to those used in the kitchen, however are installed as a unit in most cases, with a centerset.

Vessel and Wall Faucets

The trend in bathroom design includes using a bowl type sink, which requires a vessel or wall faucet installation. The price range for these types of faucets is between $189.00-$400.00 Vessel faucets, also called tower faucets, are single handled and are installed in one hole behind the sink, usually in the cabinet supporting the sink. You will find many different designs, mostly modern and contemporary. Kohler, and Pegasus carry a wide selection, with other matching bath accessories.

When deciding on your new faucet either for the kitchen or bath, look for ceramic disc catridges in the faucet. This design is superior to the old rubber washer gasket, and will prevent those annoying drips. Select a brand such as Pegasus that uses a ceramic disc catridge. This is one of the most important features to look for in selecting your new faucet -who wants a beautiful faucet that drips!