Bridge-style faucet makes splash in kitchen
Q. I’m going to install a new kitchen faucet and sink in the near future. I’m looking at the new bridge-type faucets. When did they come on the scene, how are they installed, and what special considerations do I need to address? To me, it doesn’t look like a normal faucet installation.
A. Today’s bridge-style faucets actually get their look from many decades ago, when kitchen faucets were basically two separate one-handle faucet valves coming out of the wall over the sink.
As these single hot and cold faucets evolved, they eventually were connected by a single pipe with a swinging spout in the middle of the connector pipe. However, all the plumbing was exposed, and this created the bridge faucet, because the connector pipe looked like a bridge between the hot and cold valve handles.
New bridge faucets — a modern takeoff of this original design — can be wall-mounted or deck-mounted right on the sink. But, because they usually require two holes in the kitchen sink instead of the standard three holes, you might have to special order the sink.
As long as you’re not wall-mounting the faucet, installation is pretty standard. Finally, these faucets are available in many finishes and styles, from “ultramodern” to “old-time classic.” So, you might say that a bridge faucet even bridges the generation gap.
Ÿ Master plumber Ed Del Grande is the author of “Ed Del Grande’s House Call” and hosts TV and Internet shows. Visit eddelgrande.com or write eddelgrande@cs.com. Always consult local contractors and codes.
Scripps Howard News Service