Few home appliances get more daily use and attention than your faucets. The contemporary and traditional designer looks of today’s kitchen and bathroom faucets offer eye-pleasing styles and decorative finishes. They are engineered to be high tech and low maintenance. Features and benefits include long lasting finishes such as triple-plated to resist chipping, washerless designs to reduce leaking and durable baked-on finishes to last a lifetime.
Here are a few commonly asked questions and answers about faucets:
Q. Can I replace a two-handle kitchen faucet with a single handle model?
A. In most cases, yes. Standard-size sink openings and faucet dimensions are used throughout the industry. Generally, the standard distance between hot and cold inlets or the mounting hardware for both single-handle and double-handle faucets is 8″. However, since there are a few exceptions, it is a good idea to check sizes first.
Q. Can a hose spray model be installed in a three-hole sink?
A. Yes. Choose a faucet with an integral spray, a pull-out spray or a single handle with separate spray for three hole installation.
Q. What is a pop-up drain assembly?
A. A pop-up drain assembly is commonly used in bathroom sinks. A mechanical plug called a “pop-up stopper” is used to hold water in the sink.
Q. Why do faucets leak?
A. Leaks occur when seals inside the faucet are dirty or worn. While you may choose to replace worn parts, replacing your old faucet with a new one can upgrade the look of your kitchen or bathroom and avoid further repair problems.
What about installing your faucet yourself? If you have access to common tools, and can devote a little time and patience to selecting, removing, and installing a faucet, then taking the do-it-yourself approach makes sense.