Bathroom Faucet Configuration Refers to The Broader "Type" Category

Bathroom faucet configuration refers to the broader "type" category that it belongs to. Configuration includes how the faucet is mounted (wall mounted or on the sink), whether it has one or two handles, and how many holes it requires in your sink. Two terms that you'll often encounter relating to the faucet's configuration are centerset and widespread. These terms refer to the dimension, or how far apart, the holes are in the sink that will accommodate the faucet. For faucets with two handles, these terms also loosely refer to how far apart those handles are with respect to each other and the spout. A centerset lavatory faucet is made so that the distance between the handles is 4". In many cases, but not all, centerset faucets combine the handles and spout together on a base unit. This configuration works well in small bathrooms with small sinks and limited space. If your sink has a 3-hole centerset configuration you're not limited to a two-handled faucet however. There are single-handle faucets that can be used with this configuration. The spout and handle are mounted on a deckplate (or "escutcheon" as it's sometimes called) that spreads out to cover the other two holes in the sink. A widespread lavatory faucet has hot and cold water handles that are independent of the spout and at least 6" apart. This configuration is preferable when you have a little more bathroom sink and countertop space to play with. It also means you'll need a 3-hole bathroom sink; two holes for the handles and one for the spout. Wall mounted bathroom faucets are attached to the wall behind the sink. They work well for vessel sinks that sit on top of a vanity surface. If you're considering installing a vessel sink and a wall mounted faucet, make sure the faucet spout has height and depth so that it clears the sink basin and the spout is over the drain. A single hole bathroom faucet is one that combines both the spout and the faucet handle. There are both single-lever and two-handle one-hole faucets. The faucet handles on the latter configuration are usually attached on either side of the faucet's spout. As its name implies, this type of bathroom faucet requires only one plumbing access hole in the sink. Some bathroom sink faucets come with a pullout spout feature similar to kitchen faucets. The head of the spout is connected to a hose that runs through the spout. The benefit of this configuration is that it effectively increases the reach of the faucet. Bottom Line: if you're just replacing an existing bathroom faucet without changing your sink or where the faucet is mounted, you'll need to get a faucet configuration that's compatible with the number of holes in the sink. If you're remodeling and replacing the sink and faucet, your field of choices is wide open. However, the same principle regarding faucet and sink-hole compatibility applies. Source: home-style-choices.com