3 Hole Vs 1 Hole Bathroom Faucet – Comparison For Ease

You wish to do this independently when you visit your friends and family and see their upgraded bathrooms. However, the faucets are quite noticeable whenever you enter your bathroom. 

The new bathrooms have the most contemporary and up-to-date faucets. Would you prefer an old rusty faucet in your bathrooms? Would you like to have an old bathroom faucet? 

You know people will make fun of you, so you will start searching for websites that provide the newest faucets. You will see two different kinds of hole faucets on the websites.

 The major goal is to get the most of the knowledge of the faucets so you can think about investing your money. 3 hole vs. 1 hole bathroom faucet? Which one is best? You will find out the complete truth after reading the post.

Learn how to effortlessly remove a 3-hole bathroom faucet in our comprehensive guide and make your faucet upgrade journey smoother.

Three-hole bathroom faucets are a type of faucet fixture designed for sinks with three pre-drilled holes. These holes are typically spaced apart and are used for different faucet components and handles. Understanding how three-hole bathroom faucets work and their components can help you choose, install, and maintain them effectively.

Here’s a breakdown of the key components and their functions in a typical three-hole bathroom faucet setup:

1. Spout: The spout is the central part of the faucet from which water flows into the sink. It is typically positioned in the middle hole. The spout’s height and design can vary, allowing for different water flow styles, such as waterfall or traditional aerated flow.
2. Handles: Three-hole faucets have two handles, usually one on each side of the spout. These handles control the hot and cold water supply independently. They are positioned in the two outer holes, one handle for hot water and the other for cold water.
3. Base Plate (Escutcheon): Many three-hole faucets come with a base plate, also known as an escutcheon, which covers the holes and provides a clean and finished look. This plate sits between the faucet components and the sink, concealing imperfections or gaps around the holes. Some faucets are designed without a base plate and have separate components that fit into the individual holes.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing a three-hole bathroom faucet:

1. Prepare the Sink: Ensure your sink has three pre-drilled holes with the correct spacing. The standard spacing between the holes is 4 inches (center to center), but it can vary, so measure the distance between the holes to be sure.
2. Position the Faucet Components: If your faucet comes with a base plate, position it over the holes on the sink. Then, insert the spout into the center hole and the hot and cold handles into the outer holes.
3. Secure the Faucet: Use the provided nuts and washers to secure the faucet components under the sink. Tighten them evenly to ensure a stable and leak-free installation.
4. Connect Water Supply Lines: Connect the hot and cold water supply lines to the respective handles. Ensure you use the correct supply lines for hot and cold water and tighten them securely.
5. Test for Leaks: Turn on the water supply and test the faucet for leaks. Ensure both handles operate smoothly and there are no water leaks around the connections.
6. Install Drain Assembly: If you are also installing a new drain assembly, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to connect it to the sink.

See our step-by-step guide to learn how to remove a Delta bathroom faucet handle easily.

Single-hole bathroom faucets are a popular type of faucet fixture designed for sinks with just one pre-drilled hole. These faucets have a compact design where the spout and the handles are integrated into a single unit. Understanding the features and installation process of one-hole bathroom faucets can help you choose, install, and maintain them effectively.

Here are the key components and features of single-hole bathroom faucets:

1. Spout and Handle Integration: Unlike three-hole faucets, where the spout and handles are separate components, single-hole faucets combine the spout and the handle(s) into one unit. This streamlined design saves space and creates a modern and sleek look.
2. Single Lever or Handle: Single-hole faucets typically feature a single lever or handle that controls the water flow and temperature. Moving the lever up and down adjusts the water flow, while moving it left or right controls the temperature, providing a convenient and efficient operation.
3. Optional Extras: Some single-hole faucets may have additional features, such as pull-out or pull-down sprayers, which are particularly useful in kitchen sinks. These features allow for more flexibility when rinsing or cleaning.

Installing a one-hole bathroom faucet is relatively straightforward:

1. Prepare the Sink: Ensure your sink has a single pre-drilled hole matching your chosen faucet’s size and specifications. The hole diameter typically ranges from 1.25 to 1.5 inches but can vary depending on the faucet model.
2. Position the Faucet: Insert the faucet assembly into the pre-drilled hole in the sink. Ensure that the faucet is aligned properly and that any accompanying gasket or seal is in place beneath it.
3. Secure the Faucet: Under the sink, use the provided mounting hardware (usually a nut and washer) to secure the faucet. Tighten the nut securely, but be careful not to over-tighten it, as it could damage the sink or faucet.
4. Connect Water Supply Lines: Attach the hot and cold water supply lines to the appropriate connections on the faucet. These lines are typically flexible hoses with threaded connectors that can be hand-tightened.
5. Test for Leaks: Turn on the water supply and test the faucet for leaks. Also, check that the single lever or handle operates smoothly, allowing you to control water flow and temperature effectively.

CHECK LATEST PRICE

Choosing between a three-hole faucet and a one-hole faucet for your bathroom or kitchen sink involves several factors that you should consider to ensure that the faucet you select is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Sink Configuration

• • Number of Pre-Drilled Holes: Check the number of pre-drilled holes in your sink. If your sink already has one or three holes, it may influence your choice. Choosing a faucet that matches the existing hole configuration can simplify installation.

Design and Aesthetics

• • Bathroom/Kitchen Style: Consider the overall style of your bathroom or kitchen. Three-hole faucets often have a more traditional look, while one-hole faucets have a modern and minimalist appearance. Choose a style that complements your space.

Functionality

• • Handles: Three-hole faucets typically have separate hot and cold handles, allowing for precise control over water temperature. One-hole faucets usually have a single lever for both flow and temperature control. Consider your preference for handle style and functionality.
  • Additional Features: Some faucets include pull-out or pull-down sprayers, soap dispensers, or integrated filtration systems. Think about any additional features you may need or want.

Space and Installation

• • Space Constraints: Assess the available space around your sink. One-hole faucets are more space-efficient, making them a good choice for smaller bathrooms or kitchens. Three-hole faucets require more space due to the separate handles.
  • Installation Ease: One-hole faucets are generally easier to install because they have fewer components and a simpler design. If you’re a DIY enthusiast, this may influence your decision.

Budget

• • Cost: Compare the prices of one-hole and three-hole faucets. One-hole faucets are generally more affordable because they have a simpler design with fewer components. However, prices can vary significantly based on brand, materials, and features.

Maintenance

• • Cleaning: Consider the ease of cleaning and maintenance. One-hole faucets often have fewer crevices and joints, making cleaning easier. Three-hole faucets may require more attention to detail during cleaning.

Future Needs

• • Flexibility: Think about your long-term plans. If you remodel your bathroom or kitchen in the future and want to change the faucet style, a one-hole faucet may be more versatile because it’s easier to replace without changing the sink.

Compatibility

• • Accessories: Check if you plan to add accessories like a soap dispenser, water filter, or instant hot water dispenser. Make sure the faucet you choose has compatible accessory options.

Personal Preference

• • Handle Preference: Consider your personal preference for faucet handles. Some people prefer the traditional look and separate control of three-hole faucets, while others like the simplicity and ease of use of one-hole faucets.

The installation process for three-hole and one-hole faucets varies due to their designs and the number of holes required. Here is the outline of general steps for installing both types of faucets:

Installation of a Three-Hole Faucet

Prepare the Sink

• • Ensure that your sink has three pre-drilled holes with the correct spacing. The standard spacing between the holes is usually 4 inches (center to center), but it can vary. Measure the distance between the holes to confirm.

Position the Faucet Components

• Insert the faucet components into their respective holes:
  • • Place the spout in the center hole.
    • Install the hot water handle in one of the outer holes.
  • Install the cold water handle in the other outer hole.
  • Ensure that the faucet is properly aligned and leveled.

Secure the Faucet

• • Under the sink, use the provided mounting hardware, typically nuts and washers, to secure the faucet components. Tighten them evenly to ensure a stable and leak-free installation.

Connect Water Supply Lines

• • Connect the hot and cold water supply lines to the respective handles. These lines are usually flexible hoses with threaded connectors that can be hand-tightened.

Test for Leaks

• • Turn on the water supply and test the faucet for leaks. Ensure both handles operate smoothly and there are no water leaks around the connections.

Install Drain Assembly (if necessary)

• • If you’re also installing a new drain assembly, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to connect it to the sink.

Installation of a One-Hole Faucet

Prepare the Sink

• • Ensure that your sink has a single pre-drilled hole that matches the size and specifications of your chosen faucet. The hole diameter typically ranges from 1.25 to 1.5 inches but can vary depending on the faucet model.

Position the Faucet

• • Insert the faucet assembly into the pre-drilled hole in the sink. Ensure that the faucet is aligned properly and that any accompanying gasket or seal is in place beneath it.

Secure the Faucet

• • Under the sink, use the provided mounting hardware (usually a nut and washer) to secure the faucet in place. Tighten the nut securely, but be careful not to over-tighten it, as it could damage the sink or faucet.

Connect Water Supply Lines

• • Attach the hot and cold water supply lines to the appropriate connections on the faucet. These lines are typically flexible hoses with threaded connectors that can be hand-tightened.

Test for Leaks

• • Turn on the water supply and test the faucet for leaks. Check that the single lever or handle operates smoothly, allowing you to control water flow and temperature effectively.

What faucet is more common in modern bathrooms?

The modern bathrooms have the one-hole faucet as it is becoming more common and appears quite elegant.

Which faucet is preferable for long-term use? 

Although both can have a longer life, the one-hole faucets are more durable than the three-hole faucets. 

Can you replace the three-holed faucets with a one-hole faucet?

Yes, the basic measurement for the faucets is more or less the same, so you can easily use the three-hole faucets with a one-hole spout. 

Learn how to remove a Moen bathroom faucet handle with our step-by-step guide. Click here to read more.

Conclusion