Kitchen faucets are a big deal in our kitchen, and there are many things to consider when we want to change them. You may be wondering, Are all kitchen faucet holes the same size? for that reason.
This article will teach you everything there is to know about the standard size and their applications so that your new faucet can match all of your sink’s requirements perfectly.
Are All Kitchen Faucet Holes The Same Size?
The answer is: Not all kitchen faucets have equal measurements, so there isn’t a fixed size of holes for your sink. The most common size for a kitchen faucet is 1 3/8 inches – which is considered a standard for all.
But as we’ve mentioned, there are other variants which differ from small to big, from place to place.
For some valves, you may need a 1 ½ inch hole. For a three or four-hole type, you’ll need a six or eight-inch to go with. They can serve multiple purposes as they require larger holes for drainage purposes.
If you are installing a widespread four or more one, it’s recommended that you choose faucets with holes distributed across the 16-inch span of your sink.
Of course, the size depends on the owner’s status, so since the area may change from apartment to apartment or even from home to home – make sure that you know exactly how big the area is before heading out to the store!
Always check your standards and codes before choosing a valve for your sink installation; ideally, choose a trusted name brand if you want to avoid headaches later on like leaky pipes or overflow issues.
To help guide you through this process, we recommend you take note of the detachable parts and measurements before starting your search.
Are They Standard Size?
The size is normally 1-⅜ inches, but not all follow the standard. If there’s no special guideline, it’s likely to be this number. But some may use a 1-½ to fit.
Basins are attached with valves according to their respective requirements and sizing purposes. The measurements are often 1-⅜ inches across. A kitchen sink or bath uses these approximate sizes.
Before purchasing, make sure you’re mindful of what types of sinks or basins you will be using them with as well. And just because something could work in a room doesn’t mean that it looks correct in design or aesthetics.
How Do You Measure?
To make sure you are installing right, you have to measure three things:
- Depth: Measure the distance from the drain hole (at its lowest) to the brim that reaches your sink’s countertop.
- Width: Check the sink dimension from front to back.
- Length: Same as what you do with the width, but this time from left to right.
There are two types of valves – single and double handled. For the first model, measure the distance between the supply lines under the tap. For the second model, do this from the center of its handle instead.
If you want to be precise, use a slide caliper as shown below:
Put its inner jaw along the hole. Then, adjust the scale until you obtain an accurate reading – usually at the maximum length. And there you go, the exact number will appear right away.
What Is The Ideal Thickness?
Faucets vary in size, depending on the type you would like to install and the manufacturer. They are made with a standardized hole so that the water from the faucet will flow at an optimal pace.
The most common sizes would be 1-⅜ inches or 34.925 millimeters, and they’re proportionate to the type of water tank you use.
However, some sinks may need a bigger hole estimated at around 1.5 inches. Anything larger than this could affect how efficient your taps are and how quickly they fill with water.
Is There A Required Number?
Determining the number of holes required for installation depends on the product. The maximum is four, and the minimum is one. A typical four-hole installation includes the fourth as the soap dispenser.
The four basic types of valves are the center set, widespread, pulldown, and wall mount, with each type essentially serving a different purpose.
The distance from the center of one hole to the next is measured by inches. A usual standard distance between centers is 4″, but some specialized faucets require more spacing, for example, widespread type units.
Remember to keep the center hole and the control at the same dimension.
How To Cover Extra Holes?
If you have a sink in your kitchen, chances are there are already holes for multiple faucets to be installed. They might be over-spaced, so for this, you can opt for escutcheon plates and cover up all the excess that you don’t use.
While you can use escutcheon plates to give your sink a unified look, these are not mere ornaments. The escutcheon plate prevents the spread of germs by covering the gap between the pipe’s outer diameter and the sink’s inside diameter.
Single-hole covers also make a great choice for covering awkwardly spaced-out holes, like on an older sink or where copper pipes have been repaired.
Conclusion
Are all kitchen faucet holes the same size? – No, they’re not. There’s a 1-⅜ standard, but remember, not all of them are at this exact dimension.
You should measure them before buying, using a slide caliper to be precise.
The article above covers all the information you may ask for.
