Buying Guide: Choose your bathroom faucets | BMR

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!

Three different models

Whether you’re looking for a faucet for your sink, shower, or bathtub, there are three types to choose from:

1. Combination faucets have two separate handles for hot and cold water. Although this faucet type is less convenient than the other two as it only provides approximate water temperature settings, it is appreciated for its vintage look.

2. Single-handle faucets have only one handle that is moved left and right to adjust the water temperature and up and down to adjust the flow rate. Some models are equipped with an anti-scald ring to limit the flow of hot water and help reduce energy consumption.

3. Thermostatic mixing valve faucets also have two handles: one to adjust the water temperature and another to adjust the flow rate. They provide optimum comfort as you can adjust the water temperature to the nearest degree. Because their handles are graduated, once your ideal temperature has been selected, it will be the same for each use. What’s more, this faucet type also caps the water temperature at 38 °C to prevent accidental scalding, which is why it is highly recommended for the elderly and young children.

To maintain the temperature sensor’s operating mechanism, it is best to set the temperature adjustment lever to cold at least once a week and let the water flow for two minutes before resetting the lever to the desired temperature.

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.