Choosing the right faucet for each room in your home may seem like a simple task at first glance, but when you come across the countless models and features available on the market, doubts quickly set in. With so many options, how do you know which one is best for your home? kitchen, the bathroom or the laundry room? Believe me, the right choice can make all the difference in your daily life, whether it’s practicality, style or even saving water.
In today’s article, I’ll guide you through each step of this journey, simplifying the selection process and ensuring that you make the best decision for each space in your home. We’ll explore the different types of installation, spout heights, special features, and maintenance tips, so you can choose your faucets with confidence and without any headaches!
Installation Types: Countertop or Wall?
The first big decision when choosing a faucet is whether you prefer a countertop or wall-mounted model. This choice will influence not only the look of the room, but also its practicality in everyday life and ease of maintenance.
Countertop Tap
Countertop faucets are installed directly on the surface, such as the kitchen or bathroom sink. One of the great advantages of this model is that it is easy to maintain. If a problem arises, maintenance can be carried out on the countertop itself, without the need to break down walls or make major interventions. In addition, if you want to install a hot water system in the future, this adaptation will be simpler.
On the other hand, countertop faucets take up a little more surface space, which can be a disadvantage in smaller spaces. It is important to consider the space available between the sink and the wall to ensure that the installation is adequate and that the faucet is not “cramped” in that space.
Wall Tap
Wall-mounted faucets, on the other hand, are fixed directly to the wall, freeing up counter space. This type of installation can give a more sophisticated look to the room, as well as being easier to clean, as there is no accumulation of dirt around the base of the faucet.
However, the disadvantage of this model is that any future maintenance or adaptation, such as the installation of hot water, will require breaking down the wall, which can be more laborious and costly. Another point to consider is that this type of installation needs to be defined at the beginning of the work, so that the hydraulic point is correctly positioned.
Spout Height: The Right Measurement for Each Environment
The height of the spout is an aspect that directly influences the functionality of the faucet and its practicality in everyday life. Each room in the house has its own particularities, and choosing the correct height makes all the difference.
Kitchen
In the kitchen, it is common to need more space between the faucet and the sink to wash large pots, bottles or fill bulky containers. For this reason, faucets with a high spout are usually the best option. They offer more freedom of movement and help to prevent water from splashing out of the sink.
Bathroom
In the bathroom, where we usually only wash our hands or brush our teeth, a lower spout is sufficient. However, if you have a countertop or overmount sink, which are already higher, a higher spout may be necessary to make using the faucet comfortable and practical. Be careful when combining a high spout with a very small sink, as this can cause splashes and waste water.
Laundry
In the laundry room, the height of the spout also needs to be considered, especially if you need to fill buckets or wash clothes by hand. A high spout faucet makes these tasks easier, allowing you more room to maneuver the large items we often use in the laundry room.
Special Features: Gourmet Faucets, Timed Faucets and More
In addition to the height and type of installation, another factor that can influence your choice is the special features that some faucets offer. These features can bring more practicality and efficiency to your daily life, as well as adding aesthetic value to the environment.
Gourmet Taps
Gourmet faucets, which have become increasingly popular, are true allies in the modern kitchen. They usually have a movable spout that can be directed as needed, and some even come with a retractable hose, allowing for greater reach and versatility in use. These faucets are ideal for those who have a double sink or need more flexibility when cooking and washing dishes.
Timed Taps
Very common in commercial establishments, timed taps turn off automatically after a certain period of time. This type of tap is excellent for saving water, as it prevents waste when someone forgets to turn off the tap. At home, they can be a good option in environments where water consumption needs to be controlled, such as in bathrooms or common areas.
Taps with Aerator
Another feature that can help you save water is an aerator, a small device that mixes air with water, increasing the volume of the jet without using more water. This gives the impression of a greater flow of water, but in reality you are saving water, which is great for reducing consumption and environmental impact.
Mixer or Conventional Tap?
This is a common question when choosing faucets for your home. Let’s make it easier!
Conventional Tap
The conventional tap has only one water inlet, which can be cold or hot, depending on the installation. It is the simplest and most common option, ideal for those who do not need hot water in every part of the house.
Mixer
The mixer, on the other hand, has two water inlets: one for hot water and one for cold water. This is the ideal choice for those who want to have the option of adjusting the water temperature. There are mixer models with two valves, one for each temperature, and single-lever models, where a single lever controls both the temperature and the water flow. The single-lever mixer is especially practical for people with mobility difficulties or for those who want more practicality in their daily lives.
Maintenance Tips and Smart Choices
The durability of your faucet also depends on how you take care of it. Here are some tips to extend the life of your choice:
Material
Metal faucets, usually made of copper, brass or stainless steel, are more durable and resistant to corrosion, but they are also more expensive. Plastic faucets, made of ABS, are more economical, but do not have the same durability as metal ones. If you choose a colored faucet, such as black or gold, remember to use gentle cleaning products and avoid abrasive materials to prevent scratching and peeling.
Hot water
If you want hot water from your tap but don’t want to do any major renovations, consider electric options. There are electric faucets that heat the water directly, or models that have a heater installed under the sink, heating the water before it reaches the tap. This can be a practical and discreet solution for those who want more comfort without the hassle.
Filters and Purifiers
If you like to drink water straight from the tap, consider a model with an integrated filter or installing an under-counter water purifier. These systems ensure that your water is clean and healthy, and many faucet models come with this feature. They can also be combined with mixers, allowing you to choose between filtered water, tap water or water from your water tank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal height for the faucet spout in the kitchen?
The ideal height is around 30 cm between the tip of the spout and the sink drain, ensuring that the water falls directly into the drain or slightly behind it, avoiding splashes.
Is it possible to install a wall faucet in drywall?
Yes, it is possible, as long as the hydraulic point is prepared for it and the drywall structure is suitable to support the weight and installation of the tap.
Are gourmet faucets only for large kitchens?
Not necessarily. Gourmet faucets are versatile and can be installed in kitchens of any size, as long as there is enough space for their proper use.
How to choose between a mixer and a conventional tap?
If you want hot and cold water from the same tap, a mixer tap is the right choice. Otherwise, a conventional tap is simpler and more practical.
What are timed taps and where to use them?
These are taps that turn off automatically after a pre-set time. They are ideal for commercial establishments where controlling water consumption is important.
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