You probably didn’t think that you’d ever be asking this question.
But now that you’re doing bathroom remodels, you might find yourself wondering just how far your faucet should extend into the sink.
Well, you’re at the right place. The answer is it depends on your type of sink, faucet, and personal preference.
For a general number guide, though, your faucet should extend about seven inches away from the back of the sink.
This will make sure that you can use your sink for whatever you want to use it for without constantly banging your hands on the wall or having to contort them into an uncomfortable position, just to wash your hands.
How Far Should Faucet Extend into Sink?
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The 5.5” Deep Faucets
This is the typical size for faucets. If you have a smaller or medium-sized sink, this is probably the size that would work best for you.
It doesn’t reach too far in and should concentrate the water flow in the middle of the sink with minimal splash.
You can get this size of sink in a sloped or straight head, depending on the look that you’re going for.
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The 6” Deep Faucets
Faucets that are this deep will usually work for sinks with a sloped bowl or any sink that requires a little more extension than the first one.
A faucet of this size would allow for more space than the latter, so you’d be able to do things more comfortably.
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The 7” Deep Faucets
This kind of faucet is rarer than the others because most sinks don’t require a faucet with this much reach.
If you’re one of the few with a wider and bigger sink, though, then this might be the right faucet for you.
A faucet of this size will allow for more things like bathing a baby or hand washing clothes if you prefer to do those things in the sink.
It’ll likely take a little more effort to find a faucet of this size that you want, but it might just be worth the trouble.
What Steps do I Need to Take to Properly Extend the Faucet?
Step 1: Find the Correct Height to Place the Faucet
Figure out the ideal height for the faucet. Most people use their body height, which works just fine if you live alone.
If you have other people living with you, though, you might want to reconsider using just your body height.
Try putting the sink at a height that everyone can be somewhat comfortable at if they were standing.
Step 2: Measure the Distance Between the Supply Line and Installation Point
Measure the length from the sink to the installation point (where the faucet will be fitted into) using a straight line.
This is to make sure that you don’t make any unfortunate mistakes that could cause major problems later.
For example, imagine if your faucet only reaches the side of the sink.
This would cause water to splash everywhere whenever you turn on the sink.
What you want is for the faucet to completely clear the sink’s edges. Only proceed if you’ve done this step properly.
If you’re having trouble, though, which wouldn’t be uncommon, don’t be afraid to call a plumber for help.
They can provide you with extremely accurate measurements and help you streamline this process as much as you can.
Step 3: Get the Right Fitting Faucet
Use the measurements that you’ve collected and enlist that information to help you find a proper fitting faucet. Consider style, practicality, and durability when choosing.
If you don’t want to go through the hassle of shopping by yourself or are unsure, you can always enlist the help of a plumber.
They will be able to give you more information on the perfect faucet for you and could even order it in if you wish.
How to Choose a Faucet Size and Height for Your Kitchen Spout?
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High Spout
A high spout, or a faucet with 25 or more centimeters of height, is an amazing choice for people with small kids or people who plan to use their sinks for more than hand washing (i.e., if you wash many dishes in the sink).
This type of sink should be paired with a deep bowl sink for minimal splashing.
Some splashing can’t be totally avoided with this type of sink, though, because of the design.
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Low and Medium Spouts
Low and medium spout faucets have 12-25 centimeters in height and are perfect for people who only use their sinks for the most basic purposes (i.e., hand washing, washing utensils, and minimal dishes).
To match the spout height, a low or shallow sink should be used.
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Long Spout
This kind of spout is one that should only be used in very specific situations.
The sink must be wide enough, and the water pressure should ideally fall on the center drain valve.
Failure to follow the specific guidelines will cause dirt and grime to accumulate on the surface of the spout and cause water to get everywhere.
To save yourself the hassle of having to mop the floor every time you use the sink, get the installation right.
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Short Spout
A short spout faucet is one of the most uncommon types.
Only get one if you have a narrow sink as the height of the spout can cause issues, like dark spot formation, when paired with other sinks.
How to Choose a Faucet Size and Height for Your Bathroom Spout
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Swivel Spout
Swivel spots can turn in different directions and are perfect if you have a bathtub beside your sink.
Don’t underestimate how convenient it can be to own one of these.
The only downside to these kinds of faucets, though, is that they tend to need more maintenance because of the movement.
They usually loosen more as the years go by, so keep that in mind before getting one.
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Static Spout
A static spout is the most common spout for bathrooms.
They don’t have the benefit of being able to move around like the former, but they last a lot longer because they don’t have a moving mechanism.
Thanks for reading this far. If you want to know more about the plumbing guidelines here in the USA, IAPMO is a good place to start.
I hope this post was helpful and if so, please feel free to share your opinion in the comment section down below. I wish you a great day ahead.
FAQs
1. Does the faucet need to line up with the drain?
Ans. This is not totally necessary for all faucets, except the ones with tall spouts.
The only thing that is necessary is to make sure that the faucet clears the sides of the sink and is in a position where it doesn’t splash.
2. Do tall faucets splash more?
Ans. Generally, the taller the faucet, the higher the chance of splashing. That is why taller faucets need to be paired with deeper sinks.
3. Why Are Some Bathroom Faucets So Short?
Ans. There was a time when people did not wash their hands and face in running water.
Instead, they used standing water from their sink to wash them by filling the sink with water. In this case, people preferred shorter faucets.
Nowadays, people use their faucets for different purposes like washing their hair or putting things in the sink to wash them later.
These conditions required long faucets, which is why shorter faucets are not typically used in sinks nowadays.
4. Are Bathroom Faucets Universal?
Ans. No, there are different sizes of faucets and they don’t fit every sink.
To match the most popular and common faucet types, bathroom faucets are made according to four spacing arrangements, if it is not custom-built.
5. How Do I Choose A Bathroom Faucet?
Ans. Consider these things before buying the faucet…
- The installation place
- The condition of the sink
- Features you need
- Your budget
- Type of your bathroom
- Faucets similar types of houses use
