Guidelines for Selecting an ADA Compliant Kitchen Faucet

When selecting a kitchen faucet, you need to think about more than how it will look in the kitchen. You need to plan for how many handles, what accessories you would like 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.

How many pieces can your sink handle?

• Unless you are mounting the faucet on the counter, the number of available holes in the sink will guide the faucet configuration. If you are getting a new sink, you can decide the faucet configuration first, but then you must make sure the sink you select can handle that configuration.

• If you have the sink already, do you have three mounting holes for a two handled sink with a spout? Or perhaps only one mounting hole for a single lever faucet? Do you want accessories?

• Do you want a sprayer to help rinse dishes and vegetables? (If so, count this as another hole.)

• Do you want a soap dispenser so the dishwashing liquid is always handy? (If so, count this as another hole.)

How easy is it to operate?

• Can you turn knobs or would you prefer lever handles that don't require a twisting motion? Many 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.

• How does the faucet turn off? All faucets have some kind of valve that allows the water to flow or to stop. The valve affects how hard it is to turn the handle.

• • A compression faucet requires you to tighten down (compress) the washer to close the water flow.

  • With a cartridge faucet, the action is smooth and consistent. When the handle gets to the off position, the faucet turns off without added pressure being required.

  • A washerless ball assembly is more like a gear shift, smoothly transitioning from position to position without the need for added hand pressure.

• 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.

What does it look like?

• Do you want a part that covers the faucet stems and the holes in the sink? This has several names; platform, centerset, 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 to give it a clean line over the sink hole.

• One more mounting alternative is called a decorative bridge. This style connects the pieces on their stems rather than with a platform.

• Many sprayers are not attached to centerset faucets. They are single post with an escutcheon ring. The Pull Out faucet is an alternative; it has an integrated sprayer so that it can function as a sprayer or as a faucet.

• Straight-spouts might need to be moved to fit a big pot underneath. Gooseneck spouts have higher clearances, but might cause splashing in shallow sinks.

• Faucets come in various designs and 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 kitchen. Some dual handled lever faucets have alternative material in the handle, like wood or ceramic that can match other finishes around the kitchen.

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.

Whew! 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!

© Copyright 2009 Dynamic Living, Inc.
Written permission must be obtained from the editor to reprint or cite the information contained within this article. Full attribution to AdaptMy.com must be included.

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