It’s time again to fix that faucet. You’re sick of the ‘drip, drip, drip’ from your bathroom sink that keeps you awake until all hours of the morning. Upon close inspection you discover it is not simply the washer causing the problem this time, but the whole thing needs replacing. A visit to Lowe’s or Home Depot causes total confusion as you stare opened eyed at the choice you are faced with. Help is seriously needed. How do you make the choice?

Keeping the Same Style Is Easiest

First of all you have to decide whether or not to stick with what you know and replace the faulty faucet with exactly the same style as before. The easiest thing to do is to simply replace your faucet with one which is similar or identical in style. You can remove the bathroom sink faucet and bring it with you to your local hardware store where you can buy the matching replacement. Of course, if this is not possible then the complications set in and your task becomes much more involved. As there are so many types of mounting for your fixture you will need to know which one you need before buying your new faucet. This is actually the hardest step in choosing your new faucet because the one that you really liked at the store may not work with the current configuration of your sink.

Determine Your Type of Mounting

Common types of mounting include: widespread faucets that have individual hot and cold water handles; centerset faucets with one handle that controls both temperatures and covers the three holes that may be in your sink for mounting; mini-widespread which are the same as widespread faucets except positioned closer together; single-hole, similar to the centerset but filing in only one hole; and wall mounted, most commonly used for a bathtub faucet. The center set and mini-widespread faucets are both aimed at sinks with pre-drilled 4″ holes and some of the single-holed faucets include covers allowing them to be used on a sink with 4″ pre-drilled holes. However, if yours is one of the other types, you’re better off using a replacement faucet of the same mounting type.

It’s all down to aesthetics once you have worked out which type of mount your sink has. It is a matter of personal preference as to which finish will look the best and complement the rest of your bathroom. You should also evaluate whether the decor of your bathroom is classic, modern or antique in look. On the other hand, sharper and geometric angles may be more appropriate for modern. bathroom designs.

Add the Finishing Touches

So you have chosen your new faucet and installation is on the horizon. But have you given any thought to the finish of your faucet? Bathroom fixtures come in all manner of finishes from shiny to dull and wrought iron to chrome. Each finish has its pros and cons. Stainless steel and chrome are the most common finish available, but they scratch easily and show up fingerprints and water spots. Brass, which simulates gold and is very distinctive, rusts easier. Brushed nickel has a nice flat finish, but is pricey and the plating eventually wears off. The finish is a matter of personal choice, but knowing your options will help you to decide.

There are even choices as far as the handles are concerned with some faucets. This is a matter of personal choice of course, but be sure to select one which matches your decor. Not only will you be free of the dripping noise, you are also likely to receive many compliments on what can only be described as one of the most basic bathroom items of all time.