What Is an Escutcheon on a Faucet?

Escutcheon is not a new word for plumbers or people who have knowledge of faucets. But maybe you are buying the faucet for the first time and don’t know about each component of the faucet. The escutcheon is a small piece but it is an important part of the faucet. It enhances the aesthetic appeal of the faucet and also protects the plumbing.

This guide is all about what is an escutcheon on a faucet and how it is useful. Also, you will read about different types of escutcheon and if you need to replace it, how will you do it.

What Is an Escutcheon on a Faucet?

An escutcheon is also called a deck plate. It is a metal or plastic part that comes in an oval, circular, or rectangular shape. An escutcheon plate surrounds the base of a faucet. This plate covers the gap between the faucet base and the sink.

Its primary purpose is to provide a neat and clean finish to the faucet installation. It provides a firm foundation and covers unused holes. It is installed around the base of the faucet.

Purpose of Escutcheon Plate

The main purpose of an escutcheon plate is to hide the space between a faucet and sink surface. It gives a more polished look to the faucet by hiding empty spaces of holes. The escutcheon also covers the plumbing parts of the faucet and protects them from water damage.

An escutcheon gives a sophisticated look to the faucet. It hides any imperfections around the faucet base such as cracks, and chips.

It protects the plumbing parts under the sink cabinet by preventing water from seeping into the sink. It will save costly repairs that are done by water damage. It also gives stability to the faucet by covering its base.

What Does an Escutcheon Look Like?

The size and shape of an escutcheon plate might vary based on the kind of faucet and the installation location.

A deck-mounted escutcheon for a kitchen sink faucet, for example, may be smaller and more round, but a wall-mounted escutcheon for a bathroom faucet may be bigger and more artistic. See the below pics for reference.

How Do I Know If I Need an Escutcheon For My Faucet?

When you install a fixture, you may think about whether you need an escutcheon for it or not. It is not necessary to install an escutcheon with a faucet.

Escutcheon need depends on the hole size and the number of sinks. Nowadays most people prefer single-hole faucet in the kitchen or bathroom because it requires less space and looks stylish.

If you have a single hole in the sink, the faucet will easily install in it and cover that hole. Now if you want to decorate the faucet base, you can use an escutcheon otherwise it is not required for the single-hole sink.

But in three-hole sinks, when you install a single-hole faucet, only one hole will be covered and the other 2 holes will remain open. Now here escutcheon plate plays an important role. This plate covers all remaining holes and gives an aesthetic appeal to the sink area.

Also, the need for an escutcheon plate depends on the type of faucet such as wall-mount faucets. Wall-mounted faucets require an escutcheon plate. You should use a matching finish for the escutcheon plate. Some faucets come with a matching escutcheon plate so you don’t need to buy it separately.

What Are The Different Types of Escutcheons Available For Faucets?

1. Deck/Sink-mounted Escutcheons – This type of escutcheon plate is designed for the faucet that is mounted on the sink or deck. Sink and deck faucets are similar so a single escutcheon works for both. These are larger in size. These escutcheons are rectangular shapes with rounded edges. These are available in different finishes to match the faucet finish.
2. Wall-mounted Escutcheons – The next escutcheon is used for wall mount faucets. It generally comes into an oval or circular shape and is smaller in size. You will see these types of escutcheon mostly in the bathroom.
3. Single Hole Escutcheon – It is small in shape and designed to cover the base of the single-hole faucet. It is generally used in the kitchen.
4. Multi-Hole Escutcheon – Sinks that have more than one hole need a multi-hole escutcheon. This escutcheon covers the remaining hole of the sink. It is generally used where after installing a faucet holes are left open. It will cover extra holes and prevent water from coming inside the sink cabinet from those open holes.

How Is an Escutcheon Installed on a Faucet?

Installation of an escutcheon is a straightforward task. Follow these simple steps to install the escutcheon plate.

• Place the escutcheon plate over the holes in the sink.
• Align it on holes properly.
• Now insert the faucet hoses through the escutcheon hole and tighten the faucet.
• If there is any screw on the escutcheon plate, tighten that screw by using the screwdriver.
• If there are gaps between the escutcheon plate and the sink or countertop, you can apply the plumber’s putty to create a watertight seal.
• Roll a small amount of putty between your hands to create a rope, then press it into the gaps, smoothing it out.

How To Choose The Right Escutcheon For Your Faucet?

Generally, most faucets come with an escutcheon or deck plate because fixture brands know the sink holes may more than require holes for the faucet installation. So, the faucet maker gives a deck plate to cover the holes. But if your faucet doesn’t have an escutcheon plate, you need to buy it separately. Here are some suggestions for finding the right plate for your faucet.

A. Measurement

First thing you should make sure that the plate fits around the faucet base properly. For this measure the diameter of the hole in the sink. Now find the exact matching escutcheon plate. Also, you should check the length of the plate, if you need to cover extra holes.

If you are covering only the faucet base, an oval or circular shape plate is ideal for it. It will be small in size and fit properly around the base. If you are searching escutcheon for the sink that has 3 holes, you need a rectangular shape plate. It should be long enough to cover holes.

B. Material

Similar to the faucet, the escutcheon plate is also made of different materials. Material quality defines the life and durability of the plate.

The material, appearance, and cost of the escutcheon plate are affected. If you need an escutcheon plate that is resistant to rust and corrosion and durable in nature, you should buy a stainless steel or brass escutcheon plate.

C. Style

There are different styles available for an escutcheon plate. From oval to circular to rectangular shapes, you can pick what suits your interior. An escutcheon comes in different finishes. So, it becomes easy to find the right matching plate for the faucet.

An escutcheon is used to give a more aesthetic appeal to the faucet base area. While deciding on a style, you should also check the size of the plate. For a small sink, a large rectangular plate won’t look good.

How to Replace an Escutcheon on a Faucet?

If your old escutcheon plate is damaged or its finish came off, you should replace it. before starting the replacement process, turn off the water supply to the faucet to make sure, your sink area won’t be flooded with an excess of water.

In some situations, you can remove the old escutcheon plate without removing the faucet. But if you need to remove the faucet, you have to disconnect its pipe fittings below the sink and pull the faucet upward side of the sink.

Remove the old escutcheon and clean the surface. Remove dirt or debris from the surface.

Place the new escutcheon on the sink or wall in the right place. Check it is covering whole holes in the sink. Tighten it with the screwdriver. When it is fitted in place, connect the fittings of the faucet and turn on the water supply to the faucet.

How Do You Attach an Escutcheon To The Wall?

Before starting the installation of the escutcheon to the wall, clean the surface and make it dry. If there is any old caulk or sealant on the wall, remove it.

Apply a small amount of silicone caulk or sealant to the back of the escutcheon plate. Make sure to apply the sealant evenly around the entire escutcheon plate.

Now slide the escutcheon plate over the pipe or shower arm and press it firmly against the wall. Make sure the plate is level and centered over the hole. If the escutcheon plate has any screws, tighten them. Smooth the caulk with a caulk smoothing tool or your finger to create a neat and even seal.

Can an Escutcheon Be Removed From a Faucet?

Yes, you can remove the escutcheon from the faucet anytime. This is not a compulsory part of the faucet. You can use the faucet without an escutcheon plate.

To remove the escutcheon, first, you need to remove the faucet. Remove the faucet connections and pull it from the upper side of the sink. When the faucet comes out, remove the escutcheon plate.

Can an Escutcheon Be Used With Any Type of Faucet?

You can use an escutcheon with any type of faucet. But you should also maintain the aesthetic appeal of the faucet.

Your new faucet doesn’t have any escutcheon plate. If you want to use the old escutcheon plate of your old faucet, you can use it. But make sure the old escutcheon plate should be matched with the new faucet. The finish of the escutcheon plate and faucet should be the same.

James Lewis

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.