Turning Separate Hot and Cold Faucets into a Single Mixing Faucet
While most modern sinks mix hot and cold water inside a single spout, some setups have distinct faucets for each temperature, with mixing occurring in the basin. Homeowners often choose a single-faucet design for improved temperature regulation and water savings. If the sink's hole layout fits standard dimensions, replacing the two faucets with a mixing model is possible.
By Harper Ward5 steps
In many contemporary sinks, a single spout delivers water that has been blended from hot and cold supplies within the fixture itself. Yet certain older or specialized installations feature separate faucets for hot and cold water, which only combine once they reach the basin. A single-faucet configuration is frequently favored by homeowners because it offers finer control over temperature and reduces water usage. When the sink's existing holes align with current plumbing standards, it becomes feasible to take out the two individual faucets and install a mixing faucet in their place.
This centerset lavatory faucet will fit three holes with four-inch spacing between the outer holes.
Step 1
Determine how many holes are present in the sink deck. This count directly influences which replacement faucet you can use.
Step 2
Using a ruler, measure the straight-line distance from the center of one existing faucet to the center of the other. For a sink with two holes (one per faucet), the typical spacing is either 8 or 12 inches. In bathroom sinks with three holes, the common spacing is 4 or 8 inches, with the third hole situated in the middle; kitchen sinks with three holes usually have 8 inches between the handles.
Step 3
Select and purchase a faucet that matches your sink's hole configuration. If only two holes are available, a bridge faucet is necessary—this type routes water from the valves (handles) to the spout via a pipe located above the sink deck. With a three-hole sink, you have multiple choices, such as two-handle or single-handle designs that channel water to the spout beneath the sink deck.
Step 4
Take out the old hot and cold faucets and discard them appropriately. Inspect and clean the supply line fittings, and replace any that are corroded or damaged.
Step 5
Follow the manufacturer's instructions included with the new faucet to complete the installation.
