4 Types of Faucets and How to Choose One

Choosing a Faucet

Faucets of all types are meant to last for years, but there are maintenance (worn protective coatings, forcing handles to move too hard) and environmental issues (hard water and the buildup of limescale) that cause them to fail sooner. There are also visible signs you need a new faucet. The tip of the tap is rusty, the finish is dull or flaking off, the handles are leaky, and the leaks won’t stop even when you attempt a repair.

You can replace an entire faucet with another type of faucet. However, you cannot replace the faucet’s assembly. So if you have an older faucet with a cartridge assembly, you can replace the whole faucet with a single-handle model with a ceramic disc assembly.

Consider your sink’s configuration, as well. If you want to replace a two-handle faucet with a single-handle faucet, you can do that if the baseplate of the new single-handle faucet adequately covers the extra holes. However, if you only have one hole you’ll need a single-handle faucet.

If you are trying to decide on buying one type of faucet over another, consider these five additional factors:

If you are not handy at home, consider an easy-to-fix cartridge faucet.
If you have disability or arthritic issues, consider a disc faucet which is very easy to turn on and off.
If you want a basic, sleek singled-handle faucet, choose a ball-type.
If you want the longest-lasting, most updated type of faucet, choose a disc faucet, but remember it can be costly to fix, and you’ll likely need a professional to repair it.
If you have an older home with compression faucets and want to upgrade, consider consulting a plumber to confirm it’s a go.

FAQ

You can identify the type of faucet you have by checking the handle to see which category it fits into. To determine if your faucet is center-set or widespread, measure the distance between the two handles.

Single-hole faucets are easiest to install as there is only one entry point to thread the faucet through to connect under the sink basin.

Disc faucets offer high performance and are more durable compared to other types of faucets. The design and motion of a disc faucet uses a side-by-side motion which minimizes wear and reduces the need for repairs. In terms of finish, solid brass faucets last the longest and have high durability, especially if you live in an area with hard water.