Are you planning to install a new kitchen faucet or replace your old one with your existing sink? The best way to prepare for any home renovations is to be familiar with faucets, including standard faucet holes’ spacing and size. Kitchen faucets are usually set to the center of your sink.
The general rule for standard kitchen single hole faucets is a size of 1.375 inches. However, the size of the holes may still vary for different models and brands. There are 2-inch hole covers sold on Amazon, for example. For many 3 and 4-hole-sink faucet configurations, the standard sink faucet hole size can be as little as six and as much as eight inches. You will be looking at as much as 16 inches for widespread faucet hole spaces.
There are plenty of four-hole kitchen sinks of a particular make that includes the addition of a soap dispenser or a cold water dispenser. This is entirely dependent on counter top space. A four-hole sink also usually has double basins with an extra prep sink. The kitchen faucet has four mounting holes with a center hole in this example. One hole is a center mounting hole used for the spout (in a bathroom or kitchen, monobloc mixer taps are common with a single tap for hot and cold water and an ideal spout reach and spout height for adults and children). The second hole and third hole are used for handles. Outer holes like a fourth mounting hole are used either for soap or as a side sprayer for the accessory.
You’ll be given instructions on how many mounting holes are required during installation from the different types of kitchen faucets available – most being stainless steel and or brass. Keep in mind you’ll need to have additional water supply lines depending on the right kitchen faucet. You can use a basin wrench for installation and maintenance underneath.
Table of Contents
- What is the Standard Faucet Hole Size?
- Ideal Faucet Size Hole in Countertops
- How Do You Measure Faucet Hole Size?
- What is the Ideal Thickness of Faucet Holes?
- Is There a Standard Number of Holes for Faucet Installation?
- What are Different Types of Standard Faucet Hole Spacing?
- How Do You Cover Extra Sink Holes?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Most modern homes in the United States with larger square footage will have a common kitchen sink which may have double basins but a single handle faucet which is a one-hole faucet.
This article will cover what size hole is required for a kitchen faucet. The sizes can vary by faucet style from centerset faucets, and any other design you want for your new faucet.
What is the Standard Faucet Hole Size?
While a standard kitchen faucet or bathroom faucet has a standard size hole, these might still differ depending on specific models and brands.
The standard faucet hole size is usually 1.375 inches. The maximum deck plate thickness plays a critical role in the overall size. The faucet might not fit the basin if the deck is too thick, and the workaround might also damage the tap hole portion of the washbasin. You need to know the maximum deck thickness of a specific faucet before buying one.
Ideal Faucet Size Hole in Countertops
Drilling extra holes on your countertop may be required if you need to install a faucet. Standard kitchen faucets with no air gap require a sizing hole with a minimum of 7/116 inch spread in diameter regardless of whether it features attached tubing.
Holes measuring 1.25 to 1.5 inches can also fit the standard faucets just well. However, one concern about sinkholes measuring 1.5 inches is that these don’t match the standard faucet escutcheon plates. Although you can always look for bigger escutcheon plates, they might compromise the kitchen or bathroom sink faucet.
If you have a slightly bigger sink faucet hole, you should look for a larger escutcheon plate to fill the slack. However, if you have a smaller existing hole, your next best option is to drill bigger.
How Do You Measure Faucet Hole Size?
You need to measure the following if you plan to install any faucet:
Approximate Depth
You should measure the depth starting from the lowest point of the sink drain to the brim of the sink that meets your countertop.
Approximate Length
You can follow the same procedure with measuring the width, and the only difference is that this time, you will measure from left to right of the outermost edges of the sink.
Approximate Width
Measure the sink’s outmost surface from the front to the back to identify the width.
Faucet Size
If you are using a single-handle faucet, check the distance in the middle of the water lines below the tap. For two-handle faucets, measure the center points of the length of the handle to the standard of the faucet itself.
A sliding caliper may be required to measure the inside diameter of the hole correctly. To do this, put the inner jaw of the slide caliper right next to the inner part of the faucet hole. Slide the scale until this reaches the maximum distance. It will show up the reading that indicates the diameter of the hole size of the faucet.
What is the Ideal Thickness of Faucet Holes?
Faucet holes all have an ideal hole size and thickness, depending on which type of faucet you plan to install in your new sink. The standard size of the faucet hole is proportional to the water that flows from the water tanks.
Today, many manufacturers produce faucets with a standard sink faucet hole size of 1.375 inches. However, some kitchen sink faucets may need a giant hole measuring 1.5 inches, and the water flow will be more significant if the hole is more prominent.
Is There a Standard Number of Holes for Faucet Installation?
The required number of holes for installing a faucet will depend on the faucet type you plan to install. Tap holes typically range from one up to four-hole faucet holes, wherein the fourth hole serves as the spot for adding a soap dispenser.
As for the standard spacing of holes, the required space for center set faucets is four inches. However, some faucet types need different spacing measurements, such as widespread faucets. The hole in the middle for water outlet piping and knob controls should be of the same standard hole size.
What are Different Types of Standard Faucet Hole Spacing?
The standard faucet hole spacing is dependent on a specific faucet’s installation configuration. The standard faucet drilling options include widespread, mini spread, and single-hole, and Wall-mounted and vessel are two other less common types than the others.
Center Set Faucet
The handle in a centerset faucet measures four inches from the outlet, and a three-hole sink combines two handles and the side spray nozzle into a single base. The separate handles of the 3-hole sink faucet are both mounted on one plate and are 6 inches apart.
Minispread
A centerset faucet and mini spread are somewhat similar. The only difference is that a single plate does not connect the handles and spout.
Single-Hole
A single-hole faucet needs just one hole, and Single-hole sinks are the most common and popular configuration. However, if additional holes get drilled into the basin, you can cover these up with escutcheon plates.
Vessel
A vessel configuration is a suitable option for high faucets, and sinks are also often higher than other types. The hole does not get drilled into the sink, and it usually comes with just one handle.
Wall-Mounted
Wall-mounted faucets do not descend on the sink because these faucets are installed or mounted on the wall instead. These often feature long spouts for extending the range of contact, and they also need adequate basin clearance.
Widespread
Widespread sink hole configurations are most suitable for a 3-hole faucet, with the handle and nozzle 6 to 16 inches apart.
How Do You Cover Extra Sink Holes?
You can use escutcheon plates if you want or need to cover extra holes in the sink. These escutcheon plates don’t only serve as ornaments; their function also includes connecting the outside diameter of the pipe to its opening’s inner diameter.
You can also try using the additional single-hole cover plates to cover the extra holes, mainly if the spacing is significant.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many holes do I need for installing a faucet?
The number of holes needed for faucet installation depends on the particular fixture type. These often range from single-hole fixtures to 4-hole sink fixtures, with the fourth hole occupied by the soap dispenser.
Can you drill the faucet hole by yourself?
Yes, you can. Choose the right drill bit for standard faucet drillings and drill the hole using an electric drill with a guide. Start by marking the exact spot where you will drill. You can use a tape measure for the necessary measurement of spacing.
Avoid drilling holes in the actual sink. Try to practice a few times first on a plate or other similar materials. Once you master it, you can then start drilling into the sink. Keep a steady hand when you hold the drill. Apply pressure little by little when drilling to help finish the job.
How do you cover extra sinkholes?
A decorative frame plate is an excellent option for covering extra sinkholes.
You can shield the holes with one hole cover if they are too far apart. Many standard faucets get equipped with extra covers for emergency cases.
What should you do if the faucet hole is smaller than the faucet sets you bought?
You have two options to try. The first is to replace the faucet you bought with the correct tap to match the typical hole size configuration. The second one is to increase the size of the hole to accommodate the new faucet. Hire a professional to do this or do it yourself using an electric drill.
What is the ideal faucet hole thickness?
The thickness of tap holes varies from one device to another, and it is always wise to read the specification to know the maximum deck thickness.
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John Thompson, Writer and Commentator, EvolutDesign.com
Soldier, writer, researcher, consultant, and bon vivant, John Thompson is the author of numerous columns, op-eds, reports, briefs, short stories and books as the “Felicity Files” and “Spirit Over Steel: A Chronology of the Second World War” (version III). Often found hunched over his computer, or in his garden, and now often found doing both. His diverse talent has led him to work in industries and projects such as energy, security and home construction and renovation.
