For a well-functional faucet, its placement is important. The right placement of the faucet on the countertop is essential to get max use of the faucet spout in the sink and plays a crucial role in creating a seamless and efficient space.
An issue which some homeowners encounter after installing the faucet is their faucet too close to back of sink. It may look like a minor issue but sometimes it creates a significant impact on the functionality of the faucet and also its aesthetic appeal.
Why Faucet Too Close To Back of Sink?
There are 3 main reasons for faucets too close to back of sink.
Incorrect Installation
One of the main reasons why your faucet is too close to the back of the sink is an error made during the installation. It happens because, at the time of the installation, people don’t take measurement currently and fails to align the faucet.
People randomly install the faucet and later it causes issues. Inaccurate measurements during the installation process can result in the faucet being placed too close to the back wall of the sink. if you don’t have knowledge of plumbing, it’s a high chance you would make a mistake in the measurement.
Limited Space
In the small kitchen or bathroom sink, space is limited. When the sink is small, it becomes hard to maintain the proper distance between the faucet and the back wall, and then every inch matters.
In such cases the space for the installation of the faucet is limited. You get little space to adjust the faucet at the right place.
Sometimes, you won’t get enough space between the faucet and the back wall and you have to install the faucet without much gap. The result is faucet ends up being positioned closer to the back wall than desired.
Plumbing Limitations
In some houses, the plumbing layout is already fitted before installing the faucet. If faucet supply lines and drain pipes are already installed then you won’t get much freedom to install the faucet anywhere.
The position of drain pipes and water supply lines restricts the placement of the faucet. It won’t allow much flexibility to install the faucet. In some cases, the plumbing infrastructure may be outdated or incompatible with certain faucet configurations, forcing the faucet to be installed closer to the back of the sink.
What Happens When Faucet Too Close To Back of Sink?
Limited Space For Handwashing and Other Tasks
Cleaning your hands, doing your dishes, and other tasks that call for using the sink can get difficult and uncomfortable. Larger pots and dishes may be difficult to fit under the faucet because of the inadequate space, and many people can find it challenging to comfortably fit under the limited stream of water. This may reduce productivity and increase the difficulty and duration of routine tasks.
Increased Risk of Splashing and Water Damage To The Wall
Water splashing onto the wall becomes common when the faucet to close to back of the sink. Regular splashing of water on the wall will damage the wall.
The constant exposure of water to the wall is not good. It will lead to stains, paint peeling, and even structural deterioration of the wall. Also, water in the wall is the perfect condition for the growth of mold and mildew. It will cause health issues.
This not only affects the aesthetics of the area but also compromises the integrity of the surrounding surfaces.
Difficulty In Accessing The Sink For Cleaning
Proper flow of water in the sink is essential for the proper cleaning and maintenance of the sink. When the faucet is too close to the back wall of the sink, it obstructs access to the faucet and it becomes harder to reach the sink areas.
It becomes harder to reach the areas near the faucet’s base, the drain, and the edges of the sink. These areas are prone to accumulating dirt, grime, and bacteria. With time, these buildups cause unpleasant odor, staining, and potential hygiene issues. Improper cleaning of the sink also affects the lifespan of the sink.
What To Do When Faucet Too Close To Back of Sink?
- When the existing faucet is too close to the back of the sink then you may go with a wall-mounted faucet. These faucets are installed in the wall so they provide great flexibility in terms of positioning since they are not limited by the back edge of the sink. Wall-mounted faucets give you the desired distance from the sink. These faucets are more comfortable to use when the gap between the sink and the wall is short.
- Another solution is you may try to relocate the sink but it would be a costly solution. In some conditions, due to a cupboard or window on the wall, you can’t install wall-mounted faucets. At that time, relocating the sink is the only option. But for this, you may need to take the help of a plumber and spend a good amount of money.
- A faucet that is too close to the rear of the sink might be fixed by modifying the countertop. In order to do this, the countertop may need to be cut into or the sink cutout may need to be moved. You may solve the problem and give extra room for comfortable use by making more room behind the sink. To ensure that the modification is completed appropriately and safely, it is imperative to seek professional advice.
- You can also use a pull-down or pull-out faucet. This faucet allows you to rotate the faucet spout at different angles in the sink. It gives you easier access to different areas of the sink. This faucet has a detachable spray head that gives you the freedom to use the faucet spout for target cleaning or filling larger pots in the sink.
How Close Should the Faucet Be To the Wall?
There is not any ideal distance between the faucet and the wall. It may vary according to the personal preference. However, there are some general points that you should keep in mind when determining the gap between the faucet and the wall.
- The spout of the faucet should reach easily into the sink. A standard recommendation is to have a spout reach that allows water to flow directly over the center of the sink drain. It will make sure that without splashing water will effectively come into the sink from the faucet.
- The faucet should be comfortable to use. If the faucet is too close to the wall, it won’t be easy to use especially if the handle moves in the backward direction.
- It’s important to ensure that there is enough clearance between the faucet and any surrounding walls or objects. This prevents any restrictions or difficulties in accessing the faucet handles or adjusting the temperature and flow of the water.
- Consider the size of the sink when determining the distance between the faucet and the sink. For larger sinks, a faucet with a longer spout reach might be more suitable, while smaller sinks may require a shorter spout reach to prevent excessive water splashing.
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.