Bathroom fixtures make up a huge part of your bathroom’s overall look. They influence style, durability, and even your plumbing system.
Faucet designs are varied and include traditional, transitional, and contemporary styles. The best choice for your home depends on your budget, bathroom size, and personal preference. Call Milwaukee Bathroom Remodeling to choose a stylish fixture to complement your other hardware.
Single-Hole Faucets
The faucets you choose for your sink or vanity can influence the style of the bathroom as a whole. Before you shop, make sure you know how many predrilled holes are available in your sink or countertop to avoid running into any unexpected challenges during installation. The type of bathroom faucet you choose also depends on how much space you have for the spout and handles.
Single-hole faucets fit into a single hole in your sink or counter and combine the hot and cold water supplies into one spout. They can either have two handles that stand on each side of the spout or a single lever that controls both water temperatures. This is a simple option that works well in bathrooms of any size.
For an updated look, try a stylish new drain and spout cover plate to hide the plumbing behind your faucet. It’s a relatively easy DIY project that can instantly transform the look of your space.
Before you begin working, be sure to turn off the water supply valves underneath your sink. Turning on the water while you’re working can lead to a flooded bathroom that requires extensive cleanup.
You’ll need to remove the old spout and handle covers before you can install your new ones. Be careful not to lose the small screws that hold the handles in place, as you’ll need them later to reattach the handles to the new faucet.
Once you’ve removed the old faucet, carefully feed the pex tubing through the escutcheon plates that cover any unused sinkholes. Then feed the hot and cold water lines up through each of the adapters that are attached to the back of the faucet and connect them to the tubing coming in from your home’s main pipes. Add Teflon tape to the threaded end of each adapter before screwing it on, as this will help ensure a tight seal when you connect the water lines to prevent leaks.
Double-Hole Faucets
When choosing a new faucet for your home, it’s important to consider both functionality and design aesthetics. For example, whether you prefer the symmetry and timeless charm of a double handle or the streamlined minimalism of a single handle may influence your choice. In addition, the number of holes in your sink basin will limit or expand your options. A single hole will restrict you to a single-handle model, while three to four holes allow you to install either type.
Double-handle faucets require two separate controls to operate, enabling you to control water temperature with precision. They also provide an elegant, classic look that complements many different bathroom styles. In addition, they’re a great option for elderly homeowners who might have difficulty turning a single-handle faucet with ease. Finally, they’re also more durable than single-handle models and often come with additional features, such as aerators that reduce water flow and make them more efficient.
Single-handle faucets offer simple installation and operation. They typically have a lever or knob that you can use to adjust water flow and temperature. They’re a popular option for homeowners who want to add a modern, minimalist feel to their home. They’re also easy to clean and can be used by people with limited mobility.
When installing a single-hole faucet, be sure to apply a thin coat of silicone sealant around the underside of the spout and use an adjustable wrench to tighten the mounting hardware. Once the faucet is installed, be sure to wipe away any excess sealant and hand-tighten the handles. Then, test for leaks by running a stream of water through each handle. If you find any leaks, shut off the water supply valve and remove the old faucet by unscrewing the lock nuts.
Pull-Out Faucets
If you want to take your faucet upgrade to the next level, consider a pull-out model. These faucets have a shorter spout but include a longer hose that can be pulled out and moved around in different directions, allowing you to reach into corners or sink areas where a standard spout may not be able to reach. They offer greater flexibility, especially for cleaning dishes, and can be a good fit for small or cramped kitchens.
When installing a new faucet, first make sure that the water is shut off to prevent any accidental flooding of your home. Turn off the hot and cold valves underneath the sink, then open the drain to let any residual water escape. Also, remove the aerator from your current faucet spout (it usually just twists off) to prevent any tiny pieces of old aerator from making their way down the drain.
Once the water is turned off, remove the nuts and water supply line connections from underneath the sink with a basin wrench or whatever type of adjustable wrench you have on hand. You’ll likely find them on the underside of your sink, and they should loosen fairly easily with a few turns. After removing the line, use a damp cloth to wipe down the exposed nut and faucet base. This will help make sure that your plumber’s putty is secure and stays in place once it’s been replaced.
Wall-Mounted Faucets
A wall-mounted faucet is a beautiful alternative to the traditional sink and countertop faucet. They provide a clean and modern look that is both trendy and timeless. However, they do present some challenges that must be addressed in the installation process.
One of the biggest issues is the need to install new plumbing rough-ins. This can be a more difficult task than installing the sink faucet itself and can often require hiring a plumber. In addition, the pipe nipples must be sealed properly to prevent water from getting into the walls of the home, which can cause costly and messy repairs in the future.
Another issue is the need to ensure that the spout and faucet are mounted at the proper height for comfortable operation. This can be difficult to determine without careful measuring and marking. This is especially important if you’re planning on installing the faucet over a tub rather than a sink.
Despite these issues, there are plenty of advantages to installing a wall-mounted bathtub faucet. They can save space on your sink and countertop, and they pair well with many different bathroom designs. Additionally, wall-mount faucets are easier to keep clean than deck-mounted or counter-top faucets, and they offer a wider range of motion for operation.
If you’re planning on installing a wall-mounted bathtub faucet in your home, be sure to hire a licensed and experienced contractor to complete the job. They can help you determine the best location for the faucet, mark and drill the appropriate holes, and ensure that the plumbing is connected properly. Additionally, they can help you choose the right type of faucet for your needs and help you avoid any problems that may arise during the installation process.
Vanity Lights
A vanity light can make a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your bathroom. The lighting fixture itself can be a focal point in the space, with many options available that add interest to the decor while providing adequate illumination for shaving and makeup application. Whether you’re changing out an existing fixture or installing one for the first time, a little bit of planning and attention to detail ensures success. From turning off the power and removing the old fixture to properly connecting the wiring and securing the new fixture, every step is crucial. Once the installation is complete, taking a few moments to visually inspect and adjust the fixture will maximize the ambiance and beauty of your newly lit bathroom.
Start by locating your circuit breaker and identifying the switch that controls power to the bathroom. Turn the switch to the “off” position, and use a voltage tester to confirm that there is no current flowing through the fixture wires. Remove the fixture and disconnect any light bulbs from the fixture, if needed. Once the power is turned off, remove the mounting bracket from the wall by unscrewing or loosening the nut that holds it in place.
Depending on the style of fixture you select, it may be mounted to the wall by a crossbar or by having a separate mounting plate that fastens to the wall. The latter option typically has holes in the center that match up with screw holes on the crossbar. If you’re using a replacement fixture, align the holes in the mounting plate with those on the crossbar and insert screws to secure the plate to the box.
