Know your bathroom faucet
Bathroom faucets come in a few basic layouts. Knowing which one you have helps when you call, and it matters if you're buying a replacement.
| Layout | How to spot it |
|---|---|
| Single-hole | One handle on top of or beside the spout, mounted through one hole. |
| Centerset (4-inch) | Two handles and the spout on one base plate. Handles are 4 inches apart, center to center. |
| Widespread (8-inch) | Two handles and the spout are separate pieces, usually 8 inches apart. |
| Vessel or wall-mount | Tall spout for a bowl sink, or a faucet coming out of the wall. |
A new faucet has to match your sink's hole spacing, unless you're changing the sink too.
Common bathroom faucet problems
Drips after you turn it off
On a two-handle faucet, one side's cartridge or washer has worn. Feel the drip to tell which side it's coming from. On a single-handle faucet, it's usually the cartridge. More on fixing a dripping faucet.
One handle is stiff or hard to turn
Mineral buildup or a dry cartridge makes one handle harder to turn than the other. Replacing that side's cartridge usually brings it back to normal.
Handle is loose or turns too far
Bathroom handles are often held by a small set screw hidden under a cap. When it backs out, the handle wobbles. If the teeth inside the handle are stripped, the handle needs replacing.
Stopper won't stay up or won't seal
The pop-up drain is part of most bathroom faucet sets. It's controlled by a lift rod behind the spout and a pivot rod under the sink. If the stopper won't hold water or won't lift, the pivot nut or clip usually needs adjusting. A slow leak at the pivot nut is common too.
Weak flow
Bathroom aerators are small and clog easily. If the flow is weak or splashes sideways, the aerator is the first thing to check. See low water pressure at a faucet for other causes.