When choosing a utility sink faucet for your home, you’ll find there are several different types and styles to consider. The most common options include wall-mount faucets, deck-mount faucets, and bridge faucets. Each has its own pros and cons depending on your specific needs and preferences.
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Wall-Mount Utility Sink Faucets
As the name suggests, wall-mount utility sink faucets are designed to be installed directly to the wall behind the sink. This type of faucet frees up counter space since there is no deck mount hardware. Wall-mount faucets have a long neck spout to make it easy to fill buckets and wash large items.
There are two main types of wall-mount utility sink faucets:
- Single hole wall-mount: This basic style has a single handle to control water flow and temperature. The spout and handle are combined into one unit.
- Two handle wall-mount: This style separates the spout from the handles. There are two handles – one for hot water and one for cold. This gives you more precise control over water temperature.
Wall-mount faucets often have a vacuum breaker built into the spout. This is a required safety feature that prevents backflow contamination. Other features to look for include ceramic disc valves for smooth handle control and a spout swivel for increased functionality.
Pros of Wall-Mount Utility Sink Faucets
- Freestanding design maximizes countertop space
- Long spout reach simplifies filling and washing tasks
- Single hole is easy to install
- Two handle style allows temperature control
- Industrial style complements utility sink
Cons of Wall-Mount Utility Sink Faucets
- Spout is fixed in place – no swivel ability
- Less configuration flexibility
- Need access to the wall behind the sink for installation
Deck-Mount Utility Sink Faucets
Deck-mount (also called counter-mount) faucets are designed to be installed directly through holes in the countertop or sink deck. Like kitchen faucets, deck-mount utility sink faucets include base hardware that sits below the sink counter.
There are several common deck-mount styles:
- Centerset: This two-handle faucet has handles mounted 4 inches apart on a center base. It is commonly used for small utility sinks.
- Widespread: This style has handles 8 or more inches apart on separate bases, connected underneath by supply tubes. Allows more flexibility for larger sinks.
- Single hole: A single handle faucet installed through one hole. Popular simple option, though offers less functionality than two handle types.
- Wall-mounted bridge: The spout and handles are wall-mounted but the supply valves remain under the sink, connected by tubes.
Features like sprayers, soap/lotion dispensers, and filtration systems can be added to deck-mount utility sinks as well. The installation process for deck-mount faucets is similar to that of kitchen faucets.
Pros of Deck-Mount Utility Sink Faucets
- More style and configuration options
- Allows added features like soap dispensers
- Two handle models offer temperature control
- Spout can swivel for convenience
- Easy to install with standard countertop holes
Cons of Deck-Mount Utility Sink Faucets
- Base hardware takes up counter space
- Less industrial utilitarian look
- More difficult installation than wall-mount
Bridge Utility Sink Faucets
Bridge faucets have become a popular contemporary option for utility sinks. As the name suggests, this style “bridges” the space between the handles and spout. The defining feature is that the spout and handles are combined into one unit for a seamless look.
There are two main types of bridge utility sink faucets:
- Single bridge: Combination single handle/spout unit bridging across sink. Simple and compact.
- Double bridge: Side-by-side handles bridged to spout. Provides more flexibility and temperature control.
Bridge faucets create a minimalist, architectural look. They can be installed as either wall-mount or deck-mount. The bridge can extend as little as 8 inches or up to 20 inches for a dramatic floating style.
Pros of Bridge Utility Sink Faucets
- Contemporary and stylish design
- Space efficient combination of spout and handles
- Can be deck or wall mounted for flexibility
- Variety of bridged lengths available
- Easy to keep clean with less crevices
Cons of Bridge Utility Sink Faucets
- Limited ability to swivel or adjust spout
- Temperature control only available on double bridge style
- Less traditional utility sink look
Comparing Utility Sink Faucet Styles
To help summarize the key differences between common utility sink faucet types, here is a comparison table:
| Style | Mounting | Handles | Temperature Control? | Spout Swivel? | Easy Install? | Industrial Look? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall-Mount | Wall | 1 or 2 | Two handle only | No | Yes | Yes |
| Deck-Mount | Countertop | 1 or 2 | Two handle | Yes | No | No |
| Bridge | Wall or Deck | 1 or 2 | Double only | Limited | Moderate | No |
As you can see, each utility sink faucet style has its pluses and minuses. Key factors like number of handles, mounting style, installation difficulty, and visual appeal differ between the various types.
Utility Sink Faucet Materials
Utility sink faucets are also available in a variety of material options. The most common include:
- Metal: Faucets made from brass, zinc, or stainless steel are durable and resistant to rust. Stainless has an attractive modern look. Brass tends to be sturdiest.
- Plastic: Durable plastic like ABS is used for more affordable utility sink faucets. These tend to not last as long as metal.
- Chrome: Chrome plating gives metal faucets a shiny, mirrored look. Can be prone to scratches over time.
- Bronze: A classic material used on higher end utility faucets. Has an antique, old world look when unlacquered.
- Nickel: Provides a satin finish when plated on brass. More subtle sheen than chrome.
Consider the look you want as well as the durability of each material when choosing a utility sink faucet type. The faucet’s finish will also impact its maintenance – polished and shiny finishes show water spots and need frequent cleaning.
Additional Utility Sink Faucet Features
There are also optional utility sink faucet features to enhance functionality:
- Swivel spout: Allows spout to rotate for convenience filling buckets or washing large items.
- Pull-down sprayer: Just like a kitchen faucet, allows switching between stream and spray.
- Soap dispenser: Handy addition for quickly dispensing soap by the sink.
- Filtration: Built-in filters help remove contaminants and odors from water.
- Faucet flow control: Restricts water flow to specific gallons per minute. Helps conserve water.
Considering how you plan to use your utility sink will help inform which extra features may be most useful.
Conclusion
When shopping for utility sink faucets, start by deciding on the overall style and look you want. Wall-mount faucets are best for no-frills industrial utility sinks. For more configuration options, deck-mount faucets are a good choice. And for contemporary styling, bridge faucets make a statement. Additional factors like number of handles, spout swivel, and material are personal preferences.
Focusing on the faucet features that align best with your utility sink needs will ensure you end up with the most functional faucet that provides years of reliable service when washing, rinsing, and filling tasks need doing.
