When renovating a bathroom, careful consideration must be given to the faucets. The design, spout, mixer faucet, aerator—there is a lot to think about. Here is a quick tip guide to help you choose your taps!
A FEW REMINDERS
Tip #1 – Faucets can be easily installed directly in your sink or bathtub, or on a shower stall wall. If you are replacing an old faucet, however, take note of its configuration before buying a new one (the number of holes and their position).
Tip #2 – A sink faucet should allow you to wash your hands easily. Therefore, the washbasin and the spout must be spaced so as to keep water from spraying. The spout’s height is a more aesthetic choice. Nonetheless, a high spout facilitates hand washing, whereas a low spout offers more discretion while maximizing the space above the washbasin.
Tip #3 – Bathtub faucets usually have two holes for mounting on a wall. Bathtub faucet installation will require the use of deck-mounts, i.e. 90° elbows.
Tip #4 – Shower faucets are fixed to the wall or inside a shower stall via two holes.
THE IMPORTANCE OF AN AERATOR
A faucet spout may or may not have an aerator.
An aerator is a small component screwed onto the end of the spout that mixes air into the water to decrease its flow while increasing its pressure. With an aerator, the water flow rate is 6 L/min; without one, it is closer to 12 L/min. Imagine how many litres of water can be saved annually.
To extend the aerator’s life, it is important to regularly descale it. To do this, simply unscrew it and let it soak for a few minutes in white vinegar to remove the accumulated lime.
WHEN FAUCETS MEET TECHNOLOGY
For those who like to make life easier, touch faucets are ideal, as you can turn on your tap with a touch of the hand or forearm. Touch faucets are a great choice for cooks and those who work with their hands, as they simplify tasks while preventing stains and the spread of germs. Unsurprisingly, their popularity is on the rise!
Another technological wonder is the touchless kitchen faucet with motion sensors. Simply wave your hand to activate it. Pure magic.
DIFFERENT FINISHES
Faucets are available in all styles and finishes (polished chrome, brushed nickel, oiled bronze, stainless steel, black), so your job is to find the one that best matches your decor. For a pleasing aesthetic, match your sink faucet to your shower faucet. Choose your faucets based on other bathroom accessories. For minimal maintenance, choose a matte finish as it hides water residue and fingerprint smudges better than a polished finish.
Besides design, it is important to choose a faucet with a warranty of at least five years. It will protect you from manufacturing defects but not from damage caused by the use of abrasive cleaners or by hard water.
OUR BATHROOM FAUCETS
Ready to shop? Discover our shower, bath, and sink faucets on our website, or visit your BMR store to discover our selection of available products.