Guidelines for Selecting an Accessible Bathroom Faucet

When selecting a bathroom faucet, you need to think about more than how it will look in your bathroom. You need to plan for how you will be using your sink, how the faucet will be mounted, what kind of handles would be best for you, and more. Unfortunately, plumbing suppliers and manufacturers have a language all their own. Sometimes the distributor's or manufacturer's name for something is not the same as what others call it. This article arms you with some of the terms and their definitions, as well as a list of questions you need to answer before you begin the selection process.

Are you putting in a new countertop / sink or just a new faucet?

• If you are installing a new faucet in an existing sink or countertop, you may be limited by the holes currently available. Check the configuration of the sink or countertop to determine how many holes are available or whether it is possible to add holes (usually only possible in the countertop).

• If you are getting a new sink or countertop, you can first decide which style of faucet you would like and then you must make sure the sink you select or the countertop you put in has the appropriate holes. You could go with a sing with no holes, and then have the faucet wall mounted or mounted directly in the counter.

How easy is it to operate?

• Can you turn knobs or would you prefer lever handles that don't require a twisting motion? Some lever handles are ADA compliant, meaning that less than 5 lbs of pressure is required to operate the handle. Assuming you can reach the lever, you may be able to turn the water on or off with your forearm or elbow, rather than your hand.

• Do you want to control the hot and the cold water separately (two handles), or do you want a single control that mixes the water (one handle)?

• Do you need to be concerned about the controls being within your reach? Levers offer more length to grab or push than knobs.

• Would a hands-free faucet be a good option for you? Hands-free faucets are a great option for those with limited mobility, or who simply want the ease and comfort of not needing to turn the water on and off. They can also be worry-free for those people with memory loss that may forget to turn the water off after washing. Many different styles are available to fit in your decor.

What does it look like?

• Do you want a solid look with a piece that covers the faucet stems and the holes in the sink? This has several names; platform, centerset, trim, deck mount or escutcheon plate.

• If there is no platform, the mounting of the faucet is referred to as widespread or single post. The spout and handles are individual pieces. Each piece usually has its own escutcheon ring that goes around the base of the piece to give it a clean line over the sink hole.

• Straight-spouts are fine for basic washing needs. Arched and Gooseneck spouts have higher clearances (for ease of access or hand washing laundry).

• Faucets come in various colors. The most common color is chrome, but you'll also find other metal colors, like vintage bronze or brushed nickel. The color does not have to match the sink, but should integrate with the general design of the bathroom. Some dual handled lever faucets have alternative material in the handle, like wood or ceramic that can match other finishes around the bathroom.

• Faucets also come in various designs. Choose one that fits your style from old-fashioned to contemporary and everything in between.

Do I have what I need for the installation?

• Make sure you have the appropriate connection pieces. If threads are on the interior, it's a "female" fitting; if it has exterior threads, then it's a "male" fitting. You can get adapters that have male on one side and female on the other. Other names for fittings:

  • Iron Pipe Size or IPS refers to "threaded pipe".

  • FIP (female iron pipe) threads or MIP (Male Iron Pipe ) threads

• Does the faucet come with supply lines (where the water travels from the pipe to the faucet) or do you have them from your previous faucet?

• Some manufacturers sell faucet bodies and handles separately so the buyer can mix and match colors or finishes to suit their personal taste. Be sure that you have all the parts you need.

Hands-Free Faucets

That's a lot of information! However, spending a few minutes now to answer these basic questions will result in a faucet purchase that you will be happy with for years to come!

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