In plumbing parlance an indoor tap is called a faucet. Being indoors, faucets also need to have a certain amount of aesthetic appeal. This need has given rise to a whole industry that caters to specific needs that are both functional and cosmetic in nature.

Insides homes kitchens and bathrooms need faucets. While the basic features of kitchen and bathroom faucets are similar, certain functional changes make them more appropriate for specific uses.

Kitchens and bathrooms need both hot and cold water. People have an option to have either separate hot and cold water faucets, or as is now common, have a mixer for hot and cold water. The mixer allows the user to control the temperature of water that he or she will be using.

When you are about to purchase a new faucet, think about the ones that you currently use. If you find any discomfort in usage in the ones you are currently using, then look for features that will remove that problem. You may find that features like a longer/shorter spout, an easy to operate handle, an easy to maintain finish and the like are a few features that can make your faucets more user friendly.

Faucets are generally a basic combination of a spout and a handle. And there is a wide range of permutations and combinations of spouts and handles to choose from. This range is because of the differing needs that different types of faucets cater to.

Faucets can be classified on many counts. Installation is one of them.

The way a faucet is installed can differ and thus various designs in each installation type are offered by all manufacturers. Faucets may be installed above the counter if the sink is conducive to this installation. Faucets may also be mounted on the sink itself if there is a provision for it. If the sink has no provision for faucets then the faucets may be fixed to the wall in such a way that water from the faucet falls into the sink.

Centerset models are a common faucet design with three fittings in the same unit. Centerset models are deemed to be space efficient as the spouts and handles are part of the same assembly. Generally a three hole panel on the sink is needed to fit a centerset model faucet. If your sink has a single hole drill for fitting a faucet you can opt for either a simple one handle faucet or a model with two handles that fits into a single drill hole. Some models even offer you a matching plate that can be used to cover any extra holes in the sink. The cover blends with the faucet design without making it look like a cover.

Wall mounted faucets are used for sinks that do not have hole drillings for faucets. The one main advantage with wall mounted faucets is that it makes maintaining sinks easy. There are no hard to reach corners around the faucets to clean in the case of wall mounted faucets. These faucets may be fixed at desired heights.

Wall mounted faucets are generally used along with designer sinks that generally do not have drillings for faucets. Wall mounted faucets may be either a necessity or an option. Several wall mounted faucets in contemporary settings have spouts and handles as separate fixtures. While the aesthetic angle is easily decided by looks, functionality has to be checked to ensure ease of use. As wall mounted faucets vary in size and form one should check that once fixed in place, the water flow from the spout of the faucet falls into the centre of the sink.

The other type of installation that can be chosen is one that is referred to as the widespread faucet. This kind of a faucet has two fixtures for separate hot and cold controls and one fixture for the spout. In order to install a widespread faucet one needs sinks that have three holes spaced well apart. Faucets of this kind can also be mounted on a counter placed behind the sink if the sink is not adaptable for a fixture of this kind.

Widespread faucets are often used in kitchens as most vessel sinks are not faucet ready off the shelf. This is especially true for countertop sinks. The choice of faucet for this kind of a fitting should be made after taking into consideration the height of the spout. Water should not splash out of the sink nor should there be very little clearance between the sink and the spout. If this arrangement is not proper then usage will be inconvenient.

The height at which the spout is and its reach, are two very important factors that determine ease of use. In kitchens that have a double bowl sink, the faucet should be able to swivel and supply water to both bowls. Similar attention should also be given to sprays. The sprays should also be able to spray water liberally in both the bowls. Usually a faucet is generally set at a height of 3 to 5 inches above the sink.

Kitchen faucets need to be at a higher level to make space for large pots. High arch faucets are available for this purpose and are available at varying heights between 6 inches to 10 inches.

The finish of the faucet is another important factor to consider before buying a faucet. The finish should be aesthetically pleasing and should blend well with the rest of your bathroom and/or kitchen decor. Be sure to choose a finish that is easy to maintain.
 

A classic look can be achieved by using faucets that have a polished chrome finish. These faucets can be teamed with sinks in dark colors to achieve a striking look. Those who are not very fond of shiny surfaces can go in for faucets with matte finishes. This kind of a finish is easier to maintain as it even camouflages spots caused by wet hands.

You can maintain the chrome color and have a matte finish or go in for a nickel matte finish. Find the nickel matte finish too gray for your taste? Go in for a brushed gold color which is a perfect blend of ornate looks and elegance. This finish is easy to maintain too.

Love color? Most manufacturers can indulge your fancies by offering you a mix and match of different styles to give you a distinct faucet. Sandbar, silver, tea green, thunder grey, wild rose, fawn beige, biscuit or almond are a few of the colors that you can have faucets in. Want an ornate and rich look? Indulge yourself with a gold finish. Be prepared to pay for it in terms of scrupulous cleanliness to maintain the rich look.

Top manufacturers like Kohler, American Standard, Moen and others take care that their products comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. So if you are doing up a bathroom or a kitchen for someone with special needs, you can find appropriate faucets easily.

For a minimalistic look faucets with single handles would be ideal. Two handle faucets are however more user friendly as they make the mixing of hot and cold water a bit easy. If your sink has a single hole for faucet fixing it does not mean that you have to settle for a single handle faucet.

Single hole double handled faucets are made available for this very need. Lever handles are generally easier to operate than knobs. Homes with children are better off with faucets with lever handles. Spout types Faucet spouts are generally seen to be of three basic styles. The basic fixed spout may be either anchored in one direction or have an option for change of direction. A small twist by the hand is enough to change the direction of the spout. This is a feature which comes in handy in the kitchen. The spout may have a sprayer attached to it. In the bathroom this may be in the form of a hand shower and in the kitchen a sprayer with controlled spray pressure. Also known as pullout sprays these can be controlled with one hand leaving the other hand free to hold the object being washed. This feature is found to be indispensable by some users while others find no use for it.

Opinions vary but the choice is there for you to make. Some kitchen faucets also come equipped with pullout sprays. Faucets meant for bathtubs are made especially for the purpose and standard measurements are adhered to. Faucets for showers are also made as per standard specifications. Technology has been incorporated to make hi-tech shower panels with specially fitted faucets.

A simple two handle faucet can be purchased in the $30 - $100 price range. Manufacturers like Delta, Vintage, Banner and other manufacturers have models in this range. This price range has faucets for both the kitchen and the bathroom. Top manufacturers like American Standard, Kohler, Moen and others have most of their faucet models in the $100 and above price range.

Gracefully curved spouts and even spouts that swivel and add a classy look to your kitchen/bathroom can be had in the $100 - $200 range. The $200- $300 category will bring you slick finished faucets with control levers from top manufacturers like Kohler, American Standard and others. This price range can also get you specialty single faucets like entertainment faucets and beverage faucets.

The $300- $400 price range will get you two handled models that look almost like pieces of art. Those looking for faucets with sprays will find basic models in this category. The $400 plus category has several aesthetically pleasing models.

Specialty faucets meant specifically for bathtubs, bidets and the like also fall in this category. Pull out sprays, antique patterns, ornate designs, opulent finishes – all these find a place in this category.

If you can afford to go beyond the limit of $650 you will get faucets that cross over to the realm of indulgence. Sensational models with all the features that you would ever want fill this category. Models from all the top manufacturers in the industry find a place here. A 30 inch floor mounted bathtub faucet can cost a cool $1500- $2000. You can indulge your fancies with a faucet that almost looks like a telephone. This indulgence would cost you anything from $1000- $1500.

Most manufacturers offer a year’s warranty on faucets. Both low end and high end models come with warranties.