Choosing the right bathroom plumbing fixtures can be a difficult decision. Whether planning a complete bathroom remodeling or just an improvement, you must take into account some key factors when determining the best faucet, shower head, or sink for your bathroom.
However, these countless options might make decision-making a challenge. This is because you are investing much money and also buying items that you will use every day. Consider the following guidelines for the ideal bathroom plumbing fixtures.
These tips will help you save time and money while directing you toward the best choice that will match all your bathroom hardware, including floor tiles, Schluter, shower glass door, vanity, and door handles.
1) Choose Faucets That Are Both Safe and Environmentally Friendly
a) Invest in Certified Lead-Free Faucets
In U.S. and Canada, the law requires that all faucets be lead-free certified. Faucets containing lead or toxic materials endanger you and your family. Ensure that the faucet you go for has this certification.
b) Look for The NSF Certification Mark
The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) is responsible for plumbing materials and product certification. This body ensures that plumbing fixtures have a minimal level of contaminants. Make sure the materials you choose for your plumbing have this certification.
c) Go for WaterSense Products to Save Water
A faucet with the WaterSense badge reduces bathroom water use by at least 30%.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that homeowners can save about 700 gallons of water annually by replacing obsolete bathroom faucets. To reduce your water consumption, check for this label.
2) Understand the Available Materials
Plumbing fixtures come in a wide variety of materials, and every material has advantages and drawbacks of its own. So, selecting a material that will meet your needs and fit your lifestyle is crucial.
Copper
Copper is a popular material for plumbing fixtures as it is durable, corrosion-resistant, and lightweight. However, it is costlier than most alternative materials. Copper-based plumbing materials also don’t function effectively in residences with well water.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is aesthetically pleasing and also relatively affordable. This makes it a popular material for many bathroom fixtures. It may only be suitable for some settings, though, because it can be heavy.
Gold
Gold is durable and simple-to-maintain material. However, it is a costly option, and it might be challenging to find.
Chrome
Polished chrome is a material that is versatile, durable, and reasonably priced. Plumbing fixtures made from chrome material are also widely available. However, chrome is challenging to maintain clean.
Nickel
Nickel has a deeper hue and might be easier to clean than chrome, making it more versatile. But, it’s less common than the other materials, hence challenging to find fixtures that match.
Bronze
Bathroom plumbing fixtures made of bronze are standard, and bronze is simple to clean and durable despite being costlier than most options. It is timeless and complements practically any bathroom design, and its darker tone and vintage feel make it the preferred choice for traditional styles.
Brass
Brass is yet another common, versatile, and durable plumbing fixture material. Some varieties of brass, however, can rust over time. These fixture materials are also available in a range of finishes;
- Brushed
- Polished
- Antique
Each finish provides the fixture with a distinctive look to go with different styles. Having all your bathroom hardware in the same finish is preferable, and you can also adopt the same style and finish to give your bathroom a professional look and consistent design flow.
However, you can also settle on a more diversified look and choose various styles with the same finish. But make sure to keep a balance of the two to avoid a haphazard look and miss out on the eclectic vibe.
- Set a Budget
Setting a budget is crucial since it will help weed out too expensive designs. The budget ultimately determines the bathroom plumbing fixtures that most homeowners choose.
- Choose a style
There are many bathroom styles that you can choose from. So, finding one that will meet your preference will be easy. If unsure of your chosen style, consider a style close to your previous one. Or, to avoid worrying about the ever-changing trends, go for a classic, timeless style.
To match your bathroom fixtures, look at the tub or sink and select faucets that match. Maintaining the same size and shape is essential. Applying the same style creates a seamless look, as combining different types could give a crowded look.
When deciding on the size, strive for consistency. As a basic rule, your sink basins and faucets should be the same scale. For instance, using a large sink bowl with a small faucet gives an unbalanced look and a lot of splashing.
To save space in a tiny bathroom, select a wall-mounted faucet. However, if your bathroom is large, go with a two-handle faucet in a more conventional design.
Also, remember to think about the faucet’s finish. Choose a finish that blends well with all the bathroom fixtures. Consider choosing a matte black faucet, for instance, if your bathroom’s fittings are matte black. Combining different metal finishes is also an option, but you should learn more about achieving it correctly.
Vessel Faucets Styles
In contrast to traditional sink faucets, a vessel facet is often higher and comes in a spout or style. Some vessel sinks include a faucet explicitly developed for that kind of sink. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about matching the faucet’s design to the sink’s.
Tub and Shower Faucets
The sink and tub/shower faucet should match as closely as possible. The knobs and controls for the tub and shower should be 33″ off the floor. Ensure the plumbing fixtures you choose to satisfy the requirement that the controls be reachable from inside and outside the tub/shower.
Showerhead Styles
Consider its function before making any other decisions when selecting a showerhead. After that, consider the style. For instance, if you want a rain showerhead, use the same finish as all the tub fixtures. The height of the showerhead also needs to extend past the tallest person.
Given the variety of choices, one must look around before selecting one.
3) Do Not Compromise Functionality
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Once you decide on a specific style, consider how it will function. Always ensure a fixture will function properly in the area and for the intended use.
Towel Racks, Bars, Or Rings
Towel rings, bars, and racks should be close to bathroom fixtures like the sink, tub, or shower. As a result, every time you use these two spaces, the towels are easily accessible. Put a towel ring or bar for each sink area if you’ve got two or more sinks or vanity areas. Before making a purchase, measure the area to ensure that your selected size will fit.
Toilet Paper Holders
A simple conventional style would be best appropriate for a standalone toilet holder.
If your bathroom has limited space, an over-the-toilet tank holder with room for an extra roll in reserve would be best.
The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) advises a wall-mounted toilet paper holder 26″ from the ground along the wall next to the toilet. Always ensure the fixtures you choose will fit in the space available.
Grab Bars for Showers, Toilets, And Bathtubs
Metal grab bars are the best. However, plastic grab bars are also durable. If you opt for plastic, choose colors matching those of your bathroom’s toilet and shower area. The American Disabilities Act guides the best placement of these fixtures.
Remember to choose sizes based on the available space.
Holders for Soap and Toothbrushes
The toothbrush holder and soap dish can be wall-mounted or set atop the countertop next to the sink. A countertop toothbrush holder or soap dish is easy to change whenever you remodel, while wall-mounted options save tabletop space.
A shower soap dish or tub can be a space formed by ceramic, tile work, or metal wall mount style.
Toilets
Regarding toilet choice, available space should be the first consideration. A compact toilet requiring less room is advisable for small bathroom layout. Additionally, consider how frequently you’ll be visiting the toilet. If your family is large, you’ll need a solid toilet that can withstand frequent usage.
Water use is yet another crucial factor if water conservation is essential to you. In that case, a low-flow toilet with minimal water for each flush would be your best choice.
Style is also important. White, a common choice, is always classic. However, there are other styles and colors available. Explore to see what best complements your décor.
Have the Fixtures Installed Professionally?
It takes time and effort to choose the right bathroom plumbing fixtures. Don’t install the fixtures yourself to avoid compromising their long-term appeal and effectiveness. Without prior plumbing knowledge, we advise having them fitted by a professional. You risk lowering their appeal and performance over time by installing them yourself. This is especially true if you replace a sink, bathtub, or toilet.
Even if you are only changing the shower faucet, a DIY project could go wrong, as you might need to replace the entire shower body to change the fixture. In most circumstances, hiring the services of a professional saves you both money and time, and you will avoid costly mistakes and time figuring out how to carry out the work.
