The Disadvantages of Wall-Mount Faucets
Wall-mount faucets are gaining popularity as a stylish alternative to traditional top sink-mount faucets in bathrooms and kitchens. Unlike traditional faucets, wall-mount faucets extend directly from the wall above the sink so that water flows from above the vanity or countertop. Available in a wide range of styles, wall-mount faucets are adaptable to a variety of aesthetics from rustic country to modern sleek. Despite their advantages, wall mount sinks feature some drawbacks that homeowners should know about when purchasing.
Installation
Savvy or adventurous homeowners can take on the task of replacing a sink-mount faucet if all of the plumbing lines up. However, installing a wall-mount faucet involves a much more involved process that is best handled by a professional and licensed plumber. Wall-mount faucets often require plumbing lines to extend above the level of the sink; the extension lines are usually installed inside the wall through rustic mounted faucets featuring exposed plumbing. The plumber must cut through the wall and avoid any additional wiring before resealing the wall, a process that increases both the cost and time required for the installation.
Placement
The placement of a wall-mount faucet is important to ensuring efficiency and function. Sink-mount faucets have a definitive location on the sink; wall-mount faucets are afforded much more variability. The faucets are generally long so that they can reach the middle of the bowl. The faucet must mount from a high enough distance so that large pots or bowls will fit beneath the flow of water but low enough to prevent significant splashing from falling water.
Design
Wall-mount faucets are coveted because of their sleek, alternative designs, but such distinctiveness also creates design problems. Large, elegant wall-mount faucets necessitate custom or large sinks to avoid the problems of splashing caused by the stream of water hitting a small or shallow sink. Large sinks may also require custom-shaped vanities or countertop inserts. The added cost of a customized sink or bowl increases the overall cost of the entire unit.
Repairs
A leaking faucet in a sink-mount design can usually be fixed by a homeowner with a basic understanding of rudimentary plumbing. However, leaks from a wall-mount faucet are much more difficult to repair because they may require removal of sections of the wall. Leaks usually occur within the wall, and homeowners may not notice them until they've caused significant water damage. Repairs are best handled by a plumber, a condition which further increases maintenance costs for wall-mount faucets.
References
Writer Bio
Hannah Wahlig began writing and editing professionally in 2001. Her experience includes copy for newspapers, journals and magazines, as well as book editing. She is also a certified lactation counselor. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Mount Holyoke College, and Master's degrees in education and community psychology from the University of Massachusetts.
Photo Credits
- lavabo image by Jacques PALUT from Fotolia.com
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