How do you replace a bathroom faucet?

With a wrench and some spare time, you should be able to replace your bathroom faucet without much trouble at all. Start by cutting off the water supply to your sink. Then, turn on the faucet to empty it, and turn it off when it runs dry. After that, you’ll want to disconnect the supply lines from the faucet, unscrew the nuts securing the faucet to the drain, and disconnect the faucet’s lift rod from the drain. Once you’ve done that, you should be able to remove the old faucet from the sink. If your faucet came with a drain, you may need to remove that as well. To install your new faucet, simply remove any packaging, and slide it into place, gaskets first. If you’re replacing your drain, be sure to slide that into place, too. Using nuts, washers, and a wrench, secure your faucet and drain, and seal their edges with caulk. To finish up, connect your drain to your faucet’s lift rod, reconnect the supply lines, and turn the water supply back on. Turn on your faucet to make sure it works, and double-check that there are no leaks underneath your sink before calling it a day.

How do you fix a leaky bathroom faucet?

Fixing a leaky bathroom faucet is surprisingly easy. Start by shutting off the water supply to your faucet. Remove one of the handles from your faucet. (You may need a wrench or screwdriver to do this.) Once your faucet handle is removed, you should see a faucet cartridge or faucet stem. Remove this piece, and inspect it. If you find any damage, you’ve pinpointed the source of your leak. Replace this piece, reinstall your faucet handle, and turn the water supply back on.

Should bathroom faucets match light fixtures?

Mixing metals is completely acceptable in interior design—and matching metals is, too. It’s really up to you to decide whether your bathroom faucets and your bathroom light fixtures should match. Streamlining your hardware can leave you with a bathroom that feels clean but bold. (The more you use the same color, the more of a statement that color can make.) Pairing different metals can be a great way to add contrast and texture to your space. So, think about the look you’d prefer for your bathroom, and mix or match your hardware based on that.

What is the most popular finish for bathroom faucets?

The most popular finish for bathroom faucets is likely chrome or brushed nickel (which are very similar in appearance). These medium silvery-gray finishes are available with stainless steel, brass, and standard metal designs, though they most closely resemble steel. The primary reason chrome and brushed nickel are such common choices is because they go with the existing fixtures in most homes, including door knobs, towel hooks, and shower heads , but it's definitely a matter of personal preference.

Which is better: one- or two-handle faucets?

"It's a matter of people's taste," says Epstein, explaining that one is not necessarily better than the other but possibly more convenient. (With single-lever designs, you can adjust the flow and temperature with one hand.) "I love the look of a two-handle faucet, because it feels classic and timeless," says Rice. "Maybe you don't feel as strongly about faucets, in which case, you should just go with whichever speaks to you or your style and fits your vanity ."

How long do bathroom faucets last?

According to Epstein, the lifespan of a bathroom faucet depends on the location (whether it's in a shared or private bath), usage, and overall quality. "Residential [faucets] can last five to 20 years," he says. "Commercial applications take a beating and may need replacement every few years."

The 11 Best Bathroom Faucets of 2023

The 8 Best Bathroom Faucets of 2022 — The Spruce / Chloe Jeong

Most people don't give their bathroom sink faucets much thought—until it's time to replace them. "There's more to bathroom faucets than directions for hot or cold water," says Carlie Rice of Havenly, an online interior design service. The right faucet depends on your sink style, valve type, and personal design preferences.

Keeping this in mind, we researched standout options of various materials, fits, and styles. The resulting options stand out in their

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Vigo Satro Bathroom Faucet at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Mueller Single-Hole Bathroom Sink Faucet at Amazon

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Best Splurge:

Signature Hardware Rotunda Widespread Bathroom Faucet at Amazon

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Best Finish Options:

Glacier Bay Dorind 2-Handle High-Arc Bathroom Faucet at Amazon

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Best Touchless:

Luxice Automatic Bathroom Sink Faucet at Amazon

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Best Design:

Pfister Jaida Waterfall Bathroom Faucet at Amazon

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Best Modern Farmhouse:

Swiss Madison Avallon Single Handle Bathroom Faucet at Amazon

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Best for Vessels:

BWE Waterfall Single Handle Vessel Sink Faucet at Amazon

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Best Wall-Mounted:

Delta Trinsic Wall Mounted Bathroom Faucet at Amazon

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Best WaterSense:

Allen + Roth Harlow 1-handle High-Arc Bathroom Sink Faucet at Lowe's

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In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Home Depot

What We Like

Five finishes available
Durable and wear-resistant
Preserves water

What We Don't Like

Pricey
Drain sold separately

This thoughtfully designed bathroom faucet shines in both form and function. It's made of durable brass with a seven-layer wear-resistant coating and comes in your choice of brushed nickel, chrome, graphite, matte black, or gold.

The Satro is priced slightly steep, but you can count on long-lasting quality. The easy-to-clean nozzle resists mineral buildup and comes with a ceramic disc valve tested to withstand 500,000 uses. The single-handle lever allows you to control the water flow and temperature with minimal effort and promises to conserve water without weakening the pressure. Just note that, unlike many bathroom sink faucets, the drain component is sold separately.

Price at time of publish: $128

_{Material: Brass | Installation Type: Single hole | Flow Rate: 1.2 GPM | ADA Compliant: Yes}

Premium Single-Hole Bathroom Sink Faucet with Drain Assembly

Amazon

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What We Like

Durable and rust-resistant
Matching drain included
Lifetime warranty

What We Don't Like

Doesn't preserve water
Limited finishes

On a budget? The Mueller Single-Hole Bathroom Faucet is a great choice. It's made of stainless steel, a durable, rust-resistant material, and comes in black or chrome with a matching pop-up drain.

This faucet has excellent water pressure, and the single-lever design makes it easy to adjust the flow and temperature. But with a flow rate of nearly three gallons per minute, we should note that it doesn't preserve water like many other models.

Price at time of publish: $38

_{Material: Stainless steel | Installation Type: 1- or 3-hole centerset | Flow Rate: 2.9 GPM | ADA Compliant: No}

Rotunda Widespread Bathroom Faucet with Lever Handles

Amazon

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What We Like

Swan-like neck
Modern dual handles
Seven finishes available

What We Don't Like

Expensive

If you can swing the steep price, consider splurging on a high-end model, like the Rotunda Widespread Faucet from Signature Hardware. It has a swan-like neck and modern dual lever handles, plus a matching pop-up drain.

This piece is made of solid brass and comes in seven finishes ranging from brushed nickel to matte black to antique bronze. Because the material boasts a high resistance to rust, corrosion, and extreme temperatures, it will hold up for several years under heavy daily use.

Price at time of publish: $305

_{Material: Brass | Installation Type: 3-hole widespread | Flow Rate: 1.2 GPM | ADA Compliant: Yes}

Dorind 4 in. Centerset 2-Handle High-Arc Bathroom Faucet

Amazon

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What We Like

Reasonably priced
Sleek, modern design
Lifetime warranty

What We Don't Like

Shows water spots easily
Lighter-weight metal

The Glacier Bay Dorind Faucet has a sleek modern appearance that doesn't sacrifice versatility. It comes in five finishes to match the existing fixtures in any home, including brushed nickel, chrome, matte black, matte gold, and polished nickel.

Since it's made of standard metal rather than stainless steel, it's somewhat lightweight and shows water spots easily. Still, the price is more than reasonable, and the manufacturer backs it with a lifetime warranty.

Price at time of publish: $69

_{Material: Metal | Installation Type: 4-inch centerset | Flow Rate: 1.2 GPM | ADA Compliant: No}

Automatic Touchless Bathroom Sink Faucet

Amazon

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What We Like

Motion sensor
Automatic shut-off
Temperature mixer included

What We Don't Like

Users can't adjust temperature
Batteries not included

Interested in a touchless model? Check out the Luxice Automatic Bathroom Sink Faucet. The built-in sensor automatically turns the water supply on when it detects hands, then stops when they move away.

While each user won't be able to adjust the temperature, you can pre-set it with your hot/cold hoses using the included temperature mixer. If you don't have a nearby outlet to plug it in, this lever-free faucet can be powered by four AA batteries, which you'll have to buy separately.

Price at time of publish: $95

_{Material: Metal | Installation Type: 1- or 3-hole | Flow Rate: 2 GPM | ADA Compliant: No}

Jaida Waterfall Bathroom Faucet with Push & Seal Drain

Amazon

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What We Like

Decorative appeal
Waterfall spout
Good for vanity sinks

What We Don't Like

Requires good water pressure
Angle may splash counters

We're also fans of the Pfister Jaida Faucet. This elegant fixture is made of solid brass and comes in your choice of a blackened bronze, polished chrome, or brushed nickel finish.

The deck-mounted design is ideal for vanity faucets and decorative vessel sinks. Just bear in mind that the waterfall-style spout requires decent water pressure to ensure that more than a trickle comes out and that the angle may lead to some splashing on your bathroom counters.

Price at time of publish: $96

_{Material: Not Listed | Installation Type: 1- or 3-hole centerset | Flow Rate: 1.2 GPM | ADA Compliant: Not Listed}

Avallon 1.2 GPM Single Handle Sleek Single Hole Bathroom Faucet

Amazon

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What We Like

Pipe-inspired spout
Simple textured lever
Contemporary-rustic statement

What We Don't Like

Pricey
Assembly required

If you're going for a modern farmhouse bathroom aesthetic, the Swiss Madison Avallon Faucet might be right up your alley. With a spout reminiscent of an outdoor pipe and a simple textured lever, it makes a striking contemporary-rustic statement.

This fixture is made of solid brass and comes in five finishes, including matte white for those who want something truly unique. The price is slightly steep, and you'll have to assemble it at home. But all the necessary hardware is included for installation.

Price at time of publish: $129

_{Material: Brass | Installation Type: Single-hole deck mount | Flow Rate: 1.2 GPM | ADA Compliant: No}

Waterfall Single Handle Bathroom Vessel Sink Faucet with Pop-up Drain

Amazon

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What We Like

Sleek yet practical
Rust-resistant brass
Six finishes available

What We Don't Like

Deckplate not included

Need something for a vessel sink? Consider the BWE Waterfall Faucet. Inspired by the silhouette of a Roman column but with contemporary clean lines, the single-lever body has a sleek yet practical appeal.

Made of solid brass, this rust-resistant bathroom faucet is available in six finishes to match the existing fixtures in your space. While it comes with a matching pop-up drain, you'll have to buy the deckplate separately.

Price at time of publish: $60

_{Material: Brass | Installation Type: Single-hole vessel filler | Flow Rate: 1.2 GPM | ADA Compliant: No}

Wall-Mounted

View On Amazon View On Wayfair View On Wayfair

What We Like

Upscale yet understated design
Seven finishes available
Lifetime warranty

What We Don't Like

Expensive
Drain not included

Delta makes our favorite wall-mounted model. Flaunting an upscale yet understated design, the single-lever, streamlined Trinsic Faucet walks the line between minimalism and luxury with finesse.

This piece is undoubtedly expensive, and you'll have to buy the drain separately. However, it's designed to conserve water without affecting the water pressure, and the all-brass construction is backed by the brand's lifetime parts and finish warranty.

Price at time of publish: $137

_{Material: Brass | Installation Type: 2-hole wall-mount | Flow Rate: 1.2 GPM | ADA Compliant: Yes}

Harlow 1-handle WaterSense High-Arc Bathroom Sink Faucet with Drain

Lowes

View On Lowe's

What We Like

Conservative flow rate
Uses 20 percent less water
Drip-free disc valve

What We Don't Like

Shows water spots easily

If you want to avoid wasting water and keep your utility bill low, Allen + Roth's Harlow Faucet might be your best bet. This bathroom faucet has a conservative flow rate of 1.2 gallons per minute. It carries a WaterSense label from the EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), ensuring that it uses 20 percent less water than standard models.

Not only that, but it also has a drip-free ceramic disc valve to prevent wastage after it's turned off. Since this fixture isn't made of stainless steel, you'll have to clean off water spots frequently. Other than that, we have no complaints.

Price at time of publish: $99

_{Material: Metal | Installation Type: 4-inch centerset | Flow Rate: 1.2 GPM | ADA Compliant: Yes}

Adler 4 in. Centerset Single-Handle Low-Arc Bathroom Faucet

Homedepot

View On Wayfair View On Home Depot View On Walmart

What We Like

Reasonably priced
Meets accessibility requirements
Lifetime warranty

What We Don't Like

Limited finishes
Commercial look

The best option for seniors is the Moen Adler Centerset Faucet. To ensure ease of use at any age, the single-handled design meets accessibility requirements set by the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), including reach range and mounting height. The red and blue hot/cold indicators are helpful, as well.

This bathroom faucet only comes in two finishes (chrome and brushed nickel)—and while it has somewhat of a commercial appearance, we think the price is more than reasonable. For extra peace of mind, it's also backed by a lifetime warranty.

Price at time of publish: $49

_{Material: Brass | Installation Type: 4-inch centerset | Flow Rate: 1.2 GPM | ADA Compliant: Yes}

Final Verdict

Overall, we like the Vigo Satro Single Hole Bathroom Faucet. The sleek, versatile design is made of solid brass and features a seven-layer coating to ensure long-lasting resistance to wear and tear. If you're on a budget, Mueller Single-Hole Bathroom Sink Faucet is a great choice. If you're open to splurging on a more elegant, high-end model, consider the Signature Hardware Rotunda Widespread Bathroom Faucet.

Material

Most bathroom faucets are made of metal, but not all alloys are created equal. The best options are often made of brass and stainless steel, such as the Mueller Single-Hole Bathroom Sink Faucet. Both materials are resistant to rust, corrosion, and high heat. Standard metal can be sufficient, though it's usually more prone to water spots, so you'll have to clean it more often.

Style and Finish

Faucets may seem formulaic, but the truth is, there are tons of designs out there. "Categories, styles, handles, finishes, etc.—the options are plentiful," says licensed master plumber Richard Epstein.

Some bathroom faucets are smaller and more space-efficient, while others sprawl dramatically across your bathroom countertop. There are also high-tech touchless options without any levers, like the Luxice Automatic Bathroom Sink Faucet. Once you land on a style, Carlie Rice of Havenly says the fun part is choosing a finish—"and all [of] the matching accessories."

Valve Type

You'll also want to consider the valve. Some bathroom sink faucets come with a valve, while others are sold separately, as with the Delta Trinsic Wall Mounted Faucet.

The four main types include compression valves, which are pressed into the inlet; ball valves for single-lever faucets; cartridge valves that work with single- or multi-levered models; and ceramic disc valves, which can be adjusted to control water pressure and temperature.

Installation Fitting

You'll need one, two, or three holes in your wall or countertop to install a faucet. "For those with one hole, you can choose a centerset, single-handle, or bridge faucet, which looks just like it sounds," says Rice.

Two holes are more rare. They work with streamlined, wall-mounted designs like the Delta Trinsic Bathroom Faucet. "Those with holes 4 to 10 inches from the faucet spout can choose a spread-fit," adds Rice. The Glacier Bay Dorind Faucet is an example of a three-hole centerset model.

FAQ

How do you replace a bathroom faucet?
With a wrench and some spare time, you should be able to replace your bathroom faucet without much trouble at all.
- Start by cutting off the water supply to your sink.
- Then, turn on the faucet to empty it, and turn it off when it runs dry.
- After that, you’ll want to disconnect the supply lines from the faucet, unscrew the nuts securing the faucet to the drain, and disconnect the faucet’s lift rod from the drain.
- Once you’ve done that, you should be able to remove the old faucet from the sink. If your faucet came with a drain, you may need to remove that as well.
- To install your new faucet, simply remove any packaging, and slide it into place, gaskets first. If you’re replacing your drain, be sure to slide that into place, too.
- Using nuts, washers, and a wrench, secure your faucet and drain, and seal their edges with caulk.
- To finish up, connect your drain to your faucet’s lift rod, reconnect the supply lines, and turn the water supply back on.
- Turn on your faucet to make sure it works, and double-check that there are no leaks underneath your sink before calling it a day.
How do you fix a leaky bathroom faucet?
Fixing a leaky bathroom faucet is surprisingly easy.
- Start by shutting off the water supply to your faucet.
- Remove one of the handles from your faucet. (You may need a wrench or screwdriver to do this.)
- Once your faucet handle is removed, you should see a faucet cartridge or faucet stem. Remove this piece, and inspect it. If you find any damage, you’ve pinpointed the source of your leak.
- Replace this piece, reinstall your faucet handle, and turn the water supply back on.
Should bathroom faucets match light fixtures?

Mixing metals is completely acceptable in interior design—and matching metals is, too. It’s really up to you to decide whether your bathroom faucets and your bathroom light fixtures should match. Streamlining your hardware can leave you with a bathroom that feels clean but bold. (The more you use the same color, the more of a statement that color can make.) Pairing different metals can be a great way to add contrast and texture to your space. So, think about the look you’d prefer for your bathroom, and mix or match your hardware based on that.
What is the most popular finish for bathroom faucets?

The most popular finish for bathroom faucets is likely chrome or brushed nickel (which are very similar in appearance). These medium silvery-gray finishes are available with stainless steel, brass, and standard metal designs, though they most closely resemble steel.
The primary reason chrome and brushed nickel are such common choices is because they go with the existing fixtures in most homes, including door knobs, towel hooks, and shower heads, but it's definitely a matter of personal preference.
Which is better: one- or two-handle faucets?

"It's a matter of people's taste," says Epstein, explaining that one is not necessarily better than the other but possibly more convenient. (With single-lever designs, you can adjust the flow and temperature with one hand.)
"I love the look of a two-handle faucet, because it feels classic and timeless," says Rice. "Maybe you don't feel as strongly about faucets, in which case, you should just go with whichever speaks to you or your style and fits your vanity."
How long do bathroom faucets last?

According to Epstein, the lifespan of a bathroom faucet depends on the location (whether it's in a shared or private bath), usage, and overall quality. "Residential [faucets] can last five to 20 years," he says. "Commercial applications take a beating and may need replacement every few years."

Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer who specializes in home improvement. For this article, she interviewed Richard Epstein, a licensed master plumber and member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board, and Carlie Rice, social media manager at the online design studio Havenly. She considered dozens of bathroom faucets from myriad brands, narrowing them down to high-quality, aesthetically pleasing designs with a variety of fittings. Holland covers home fixtures, decor, cleaning supplies, and organizational solutions at The Spruce.

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