Today you have lots choice for faucet design. Due to different design, holes requirement is different. Some bathroom faucet needs single hole for the installation. Some needs more than one hole. Despite of different styles of the bathroom faucet, it comes to compare 3 hole vs 1 hole bathroom faucet when you buy a new one.
Installation process and handle operations are different for both faucets. To decide which one is good for you, it would be better to understand differences between them. So, let’s explore the differences.
3 Hole Bathroom Faucet
Every faucet design requires different holes for the installation of the faucet. In the 3 hole bathroom faucet, 3 holes are required for the installation, one hole for the spout and 2 holes for the hot and cold water supply.
In the 3 hole bathroom faucets all parts are separated and require separate holes for the installation.
3 hole faucet gives you more precise control over the water flow. Separate handles for hot and cold water prevent any accidental burning from hot water. 3 hole bathroom taps are also called widespread faucets.
If you don’t have required holes in the sink, you need to drill them. These faucets provide more traditional look to the bathroom sink.
Advantages
- There are a wide range of 3 hole bathroom faucet designs. You get options to choose a write matching faucet for your bathroom sink.
- It becomes easy to get hot and cold water due to separate handles. For hot and cold water, there are marks on the handle. With separate handle water flow adjustment becomes easy.
- Their durable body is built to perform longer in the bathroom.
- Also, these faucets come with additional accessories such as a soap dispenser or side sprayer.
Limitations
- If the sink doesn’t have 3 holes, it becomes challenging to install the 3 hole faucet. Sink requires additional modifications.
- Compared to 1-hole faucets, 3-hole faucets can be more challenging to install due to the need for aligning and securing three separate components.
- It requires more space on the sink because of separate parts. So, not ideal for the small sink.
1 Hole Bathroom Faucet
1 hole bathroom faucets are evergreen option for the people. Their user-friendly design makes them suitable for every type of bathroom sink.
Unlike 3 hole bathroom faucet, 1 hole faucet requires only a single hole for the installation. 1 hole bathroom faucets are also known as single handle faucets. With a single handle, you can control hot and cold flow of water.
1 hole faucet also come with touchless technology. So, without touching the handle, you can use water and prevent any harmful germs. 1 hole faucet comes with a modern look.
Advantages
- Requires only one hole for the installation. So, the installation process is fast and easy.
- Look more modern than 3 hole faucets.
- Good choice for the tiny space. Work with both small and large sinks.
- Single body makes cleaning easy.
Limitations
- Chances of accidental burning are high as compared to 3 hole faucets.
- If sink has more than one hole, you need to use a deck plate to cover extra holes.
3 Hole vs 1 Hole Bathroom Faucet – Differences
When you know what are the differences between 3 hole vs 1 hole bathroom faucet, you can easily decide which one is the right choice for you. Here are main comparing points for both types.
Sink Combability
When you decide to buy a bathroom faucet for you, the major thing you should check is whether the faucet is compatible with your sink or not.
Both 3 hole and 1 hole faucet have different combability with the sink.
Check how many holes, you have in the sink. 3 hole faucet requires 3 different holes for its parts and one hole will be installed in a single hole. Hole requirement is a major difference between 3 and 1 hole faucets.
Design
Design of both are different. In single hole faucet, there is only a single body of faucet with an attached handle. On the other side, three hole faucet has all separated parts.
Both 3-hole and 1-hole faucets come in a wide range of designs and finishes, allowing you to choose a style that complements your bathroom decor. 3-hole faucets often offer a classic and traditional look, while 1-hole faucets tend to provide a more streamlined and modern appearance.
Handles
This is another difference between both faucets. 3 hole faucet comes with separate handles for hot and cold water while single hole faucet only has a single handle. Which type of handle you need; it depends on your personal preferences.
Installation
After buying a faucet, before using it, you need to install the faucet. Every faucet type has its own installation process.
Design of the faucet makes it installation simple or tough. In the three hole faucet, you need to install every part individually. It takes time for the installation and also if there are no pre-drilled holes, you need to drill extra holes. It makes installation a challenging process.
In the one hole faucet, a single hole is enough to install the faucet. it makes installation easy and take less time as compared to three hole faucet installation.
Cleaning
Cleaning is an important factor when you compare a 3 hole and 1 hole bathroom faucet. 3 hole faucet requires more time for the cleaning because of more parts of the faucet while single hole faucet need less time. Both has spot resist finishes so with less maintenance, they will look new.
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Budget
Budget plays a significant role in any purchase decision, and faucets are no exception. 3-hole faucets tend to be more expensive than 1-hole faucets due to the additional components and complexity involved. However, prices can vary based on factors such as brand, material, and design. Consider your budget constraints and explore various options within your price range
What Is The Spacing For a 3 Hole Faucet?
The spacing for a 3-hole faucet typically refers to the distance between the centers of the three holes on the sink or countertop where the faucet will be installed. This spacing is commonly used for traditional faucets with separate handles for hot and cold water, along with a central spout.
The standard spacing for a 3-hole faucet is usually 4 inches (102 mm) between the outer holes, while the center hole is placed directly in the middle between the two outer holes. This configuration is commonly known as a “4-inch centerset” faucet.
However, it’s worth noting that there can be variations in faucet hole spacing depending on the specific model and manufacturer. While 4-inch centerset is a common spacing, there are other sizes available, such as 8-inch widespread faucets or single-hole faucets. It’s important to check the specifications and requirements of the specific faucet you are interested in, as the hole spacing can vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Replace a 3 hole Faucet With a Single Hole Faucet?
Yes, you can replace a 3 hole faucet with a single hole faucet. Single hole faucet only a single hole for the installation, so you don’t need to do any extra holes in the sink. When you install a single hole faucet at the place of 3 hole faucet, extra holes are remains opened. Here you need a deck plate to cover extra holes.
Do All Bathroom Sinks Have 3 Holes?
No, not all bathroom sinks have 3 holes. Number of holes vary according to design of the sink. Some sinks have only a single hole while some have more than one. If your faucet requires more than one hole, you should opt for a sink that has sufficient holes for the faucet installation.
Do Bathroom Sinks Need Overflow Holes?
Overflow holes in bathroom sinks are not mandatory, but they are often included for practical reasons and safety purposes. The primary function of an overflow hole is to prevent water from overflowing the sink basin and flooding the bathroom if the faucet is left running or the sink becomes clogged.
When the water level in the sink reaches a certain height, it will flow into the overflow hole and then down the drain, preventing an overflow situation. This can be particularly useful in situations where young children may be using the sink or if someone accidentally leaves the water running unattended.
However, not all sinks have overflow holes. Some modern sink designs, especially vessel sinks or countertop-mounted sinks, may not include an overflow hole due to aesthetic considerations. In such cases, it becomes crucial to exercise caution and avoid leaving the faucet running unattended.
Final Words
When it comes to choosing between a 3-hole and 1-hole bathroom faucet, there are several factors to consider. Both options have their own advantages and limitations, and understanding these differences is crucial in making an informed decision.
When making your decision, consider factors such as sink compatibility, desired aesthetic appeal, ease of installation and maintenance, budget considerations, and the availability of additional features and accessories. Each of these factors plays a role in determining which type of faucet will best meet your needs and preferences.
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James Lewis is a seasoned plumber and faucet enthusiast who shares his expertise on Faucetsavvy.com. With over 15 years of experience in the plumbing industry, he’s passionate about helping homeowners find the perfect faucet for their needs. He’s also dedicated to empowering DIY enthusiasts with the plumbing knowledge and skills needed to repair and maintain their faucets.