Remodeling one of your home’s bathrooms means choosing all new fixtures, among other things. Here’s an overview of what you need to know to choose the right bathroom fixtures for your needs.
Types of Bathroom Fixtures
Although it may seem obvious, you must first understand the types of bathroom fixtures that you’re choosing from. Here are the most common bathroom fixtures, and their major variants:
- Sink and bathtub faucets
- Pedestal, vessel, console, and undermount sinks
- One-piece, two-piece, wall-hung, or smart toilets
- Drop-in, freestanding, alcove,s or jetted bathtubs
- Fixed, handheld, and rainfall showers
Choosing the Right Sink
Before choosing a bathroom sink, ask yourself a few questions. The first question is how you intend to use the bathroom. For example, are you working on a guest bathroom? Or will your bathroom see heavy, consistent family use? In the case of the former, you may wish to choose a sink primarily based on its visual appeal. Pedestal and vessel sinks make excellent options in those cases. The former comes in various shapes, sizes, and styles. Plus, they can serve as a showpiece in and of themselves. The same logic applies to vessel sinks. They often work well within modern designs and draw the eye upon entering the bathroom. Functionally, however, both mean giving up counter space. And pedestal sinks don’t have under-sink storage. Neither is ideal for a high-usage bathroom.
In high-usage bathrooms, undermount sinks installed in vanities perform best. They offer a great mix of accessible countertop space and under-sink storage. You can also opt for a console sink, which typically includes under-sink storage but may not provide usable countertop space.
No matter which sink you choose, you must note the type of faucet it requires. Some bathroom sinks have single-hole faucet openings, while others have three-hole openings. While rare, some sink styles don’t have pre-cut openings for faucets. In those cases, you may need a wall-mounted faucet, which may require additional preparatory plumbing work.
Choosing the Right Bathtub
If the bathroom you’re updating has a bathtub, you’ll need to consider its replacement. The first thing to consider is the amount of space you have to work with. In small bathrooms, a combination bathtub and shower is typically the most effective solution. It provides maximum flexibility without crowding the rest of the bathroom. Often, drop-in and alcove bathtubs also double as showers.
If you have the space, you might consider a freestanding bathtub. They come in a variety of styles, ranging from sleek, modern to antique claw-footed. Freestanding bathtubs make excellent showpieces, but they aren’t always well-suited to everyday use. For example, if anyone in your home has a disability, using a freestanding bathtub may be challenging. Opting for a freestanding tub may also force you to build a separate shower or forego one altogether. While it is possible to use a freestanding tub as a shower basin, it is less common in bathrooms than it once was.
If you’re interested in a bit of extra luxury, you can upgrade to a jetted bathtub. You can find both built-in and freestanding versions. The latter will be the more expensive option, but it may be worth the statement it makes to guests. Of course, jetted tubs require more plumbing and electrical work. So, adding one can significantly increase your bathroom makeover costs.
Choosing the Right Faucets
With a sink and bathtub selected, your next big decision is which faucets to pair with them. As previously mentioned, compatibility with your chosen sink and bathtub is your primary limitation. Additionally, you can select faucets that most closely match your preferred visual style. A three-hole sink offers the widest variety of options. That’s because you can add a matching deck plate to make a single-hole faucet work in a three-hole sink. Otherwise, you can consider built-in soap and lotion dispensers to make use of the extra holes.
Unlike kitchen faucets, bathroom faucets need not be workhorses, so durability isn’t as critical. However, you’ll want to consider your faucet finish options carefully. For example, you’ll likely want your faucet finishes to either match or complement the other hardware in your bathroom. If you haven’t thought about drawer and cabinet pulls, towel bars, and other finishing touches, you should. As you consider your faucet options, one feature you won’t want to do without is resistance to tarnish or water spotting. The constant humidity in a bathroom can cause unsightly damage to faucets that lack it. Therefore, choose a model designed to withstand those effects.
Choosing the Right Shower
If your bathroom has a shower, choosing the right shower fixture will help you get the most out of it. The most basic option is a fixed shower head. Those require minimal plumbing and can include multiple spray settings. The next step up is a handheld shower head. It won’t require any significant changes to your shower’s plumbing, so additional costs aren’t a concern.
If you want a bit of extra luxury and a unique shower experience, you might upgrade to a rain shower. They include one or more overhead showerheads that simulate standing outdoors in the rain. However, rain showers typically require rerouting or plumbing additions.
And for the ultimate in both form and function, you could choose a full-body shower. They feature multiple adjustable showerheads installed along one or more shower walls. Homeowners who have them love the relaxation they provide. If you’re usually short on time, a full-body shower can help you get in and out faster.
Choosing the Right Toilet
Finally, you will need to know how to select the proper toilet. As with choosing a sink, selecting a toilet primarily depends on how you plan to use your bathroom. Simple, utilitarian two-piece toilets are a common choice. However, one-piece molded porcelain toilets offer a visual upgrade without a massive price increase. Both options are available in multiple shapes and colors to match any decor.
The next step up is a smart toilet. They offer features such as heated seats, auto-opening and closing lids, and built-in bidet functionality. It’s essential to note, however, that smart toilets require both electrical and plumbing work for installation. Most feature a wall-mounted control panel for accessing their various features. Once again, such a complex toilet may not be an excellent fit for a high-usage bathroom. However, if comfort is your highest priority, it’s hard to beat one.
Your Local Bathroom Plumbing Experts
Since 1991, Snowbird Heating & Cooling has been the local leader in bathroom plumbing in Auburndale, FL. We specialize in kitchen and bathroom plumbing and can handle all your bathroom remodeling needs. Our plumbers have extensive training and ample experience, allowing them to deliver exceptional results. We also offer financing options on approved credit for those who need assistance with a larger plumbing project.
For expert bathroom plumbing services in Auburndale, contact Snowbird Heating & Cooling today!
