Are Kitchen Sink Faucets Universal?

Anatomy of Kitchen Faucets

It can be overwhelming to begin the process of finding the proper size faucet amidst the hundreds of choices. You should begin by understanding some terminology.

Hot and Cold Water Valves

The valve controls the water temperature. Most basic configurations include a single valve that then directs cold or hot water (in whatever mix you're requesting) to your existing holes. Most faucets have a cartridge valve, which means you can easily replace the valve without messing with the entire faucet.

Spout Types and Styles

The spout is simply the place set aside for water flow. Are kitchen faucets universal? No. There are many kinds of faucets, and we will be discussing those in more detail a little bit later on.

Handle Configurations

Handle configuration depends on how many holes you have in your existing sink, which will affect which faucet types you can use. For example, a double-handle faucet requires either a 3-hole sink or a single-hole faucet with handles attached. We will also dive deeper into that.

Kitchen Faucet Styles and Sizes: Are They Interchangeable?

When looking at installing a new faucet, it is important to consider your existing faucet and why it was installed in the first place. Not all faucet types are interchangeable. It depends heavily on your sink configuration and the number of holes you have.

Single-Handle Faucets

Homeowners will typically install a single-handle faucet for sinks with one hole or two. If there is a second hole, it is usually reserved for other fixtures, such as a soap dispenser or a sprayer.

If you really want a single-handle faucet but still have additional holes, just make sure you purchase an option with a wide enough base to cover the extra holes, or you can install deck plates. Deckplates are decorative plates that cover any holes your current faucet doesn't utilize.

Double-Handle Faucets

Fucets with separate handles (one for hot water, one for cold water) are for sinks with a minimum of three holes. This is because each function must have its own hole.

If you like the look of something a little more connected, you can select an option called a bridge faucet. It's still a standard faucet, but a bridge faucet finishes the look by connecting the handles to the main faucet via visible water lines.

Pull-Out and Pull-Down Faucets

Many people don't know the difference between a pull-out faucet and a pull-down faucet. The only major differences between the two kitchen faucet heads are the direction in which you pull out the faucet head and their shape.

People with more space in their kitchen often find pull-out more useful because of the wand shape that can spread water far and wide.

Pull-down faucets are typically more favored among those with less room but a deeper sink. Because the faucet head is the highest point from which the water falls, you want a deep sink for the water to drop in; otherwise, there might be quite a bit of splashing along the sink edge.

Faucet Hole Considerations in Kitchen Sinks

Number of Faucet Holes

We've already gone over this some, but it is always important to know how many faucet holes you have before trashing the old faucet. There is a major difference between a three-hole sink and a one-hole sink.

Hole Spacing and Diameter

Four inches is the standard hole spacing for a center-set faucet.

To measure the inside diameter of the pre-drilled holes, try using a slide caliper. This will give you the most accurate measurement for reference.

Deck Plate Installation

This is where the inside diameter measurement will come into play. Deck plate installation isn't terribly difficult; it requires accurate measurements and a little time investment.

Selecting the Perfect Kitchen Faucet for Your Home

Assessing Your Sink and Countertop

This assessment covers things from the number of holes, size, and depth of the sink, height of the faucet, and surrounding countertop area. This will help you determine what height and reach your faucet needs.

If you have a small space reserved for a sink, you probably won't need more than a one-hole faucet. You'll easily be able to rinse the entire sink without the help of a sprayer.

Matching Faucet Style with Kitchen Decor

Ideally, your new kitchen faucet will match the style of your entire kitchen. It's unpleasant when any one aspect of your decore sticks out like a sore thumb.

If your colors are variations on black, consider a matte black faucet to compliment it. On the other hand, something bold but classy might be closer to your vibe. If that's the case, consider gold or brass.

Balancing Budget and Quality

You can safely expect to spend nothing less than a hundred dollars on a basic kitchen faucet. It's important to choose a faucet that will last you many years, which means quality should be the top priority. Begin with quality as your baseline, and then add special features until your budget is maxed.