There’s no better feeling than having your home built and carefully decorated to your taste. To do this, you have to methodically plan out even the smallest details, like how far your faucet should extend into your sink. Installing a faucet in your sink is one of the tasks that need maximum attention because making any mistakes with the measurements could be infuriating.
For instance, a wrongly installed faucet can make a mess around the sink every time you turn on the tap, turning simple tasks, such as brushing your teeth into a colossal nightmare. For this reason, many people take extra care when deciding how far their faucets should reach into their sink.
The distance the faucet extends into the bathroom sink, or the faucet reach will roughly depend on the bathroom sink size & style, the type of the bathroom faucet, and personal liking. However, it is typically 6 inches; this space is good enough to prevent water from splashing out of the sink. You can also find other models with a reach from 4 inches to 8.5 inches.
Determining the Ideal Faucet Reach
In order to ensure that your faucet extends far enough into your bathroom sink for practical and aesthetic purposes, it is important to determine the ideal reach.
Measuring Your Sink
First, we need to measure the dimensions of your sink. Start by measuring the width and depth of the sink basin. Keep in mind that the faucet should extend into the sink several inches beyond the edge of the sink in order to avoid splashing water onto the counter or floor. If your sink has a mounting lip under the deck, include this measurement in your overall sink depth calculation.
To measure the height, consider your sink type and desired water flow. Vessel sinks, for example, often require taller faucets with longer reach.
Sink and Faucet Compatibility
Accurately measuring your sink is just the beginning of the journey towards choosing the perfect faucet. It’s important to ensure that your faucet and sink are not only compatible in terms of function, but also in terms of aesthetics. Take a moment to consider the overall design of your bathroom and how your faucet will fit into the space. The style and finish of your faucet should complement your bathroom’s design, while also fitting comfortably within the available sink area.
As you ponder your faucet options, remember to think about how you’ll be using your sink. Will it be primarily for washing hands, shaving, or brushing teeth? Depending on your needs, a faucet with a reach of at least 6 inches may be necessary to ensure optimal functionality.
Types of Faucets and Their Reach
It’s essential to consider the reach while choosing a faucet type for your bathroom sink to ensure ease of use and functionality.
Single Hole Faucets
Single-hole faucets are a popular choice for small bathroom sinks, as they only require one hole for both the faucet and handle. These faucets typically have a reach of around 6 inches. This reach works well for most cases, but if your sink has a sloped bowl, you might want to opt for slightly more extended-reach faucets.
Wall-Mounted Faucets
Wall-mounted faucets are installed directly on the wall above the sink. Since they don’t require any holes in the sink itself, they can be customized to extend a specific distance into the sink.
Due to their design, the ideal reach for wall-mounted faucets is around 6 to 9 inches, depending on the size of the sink and user preferences. This way, water flow is easily accessible without causing excessive splashing.
Widespread Faucets
Widespread faucets feature separate hot and cold handles and a spout, requiring three holes spaced 8 to 16 inches apart. Many widespread faucets allow you to adjust their reach depending on the distance between the handles and the spout.
However, it’s essential to ensure at least a 6-inch reach to prevent contact with the sink’s back and provide ample room for hand-washing.
Centerset Faucets
Centerset faucets have a compact design with both handles and spout mounted on a single base. They typically require three holes spaced 4 inches apart.
Most centerset faucets usually have a reach of between 6 and 8.5 inches, providing enough space for easy access and minimizing splashing in the sink. Choosing the right reach for centerset faucets mainly depends on the size of your sink and personal preferences.
