Older faucets allowed higher lead levels (faucets made before 1997 could contain up to 8% lead, for example) so if you have an older fixture in your facility it's definitely worth considering an upgrade to a newer model for the lower lead content! Lead levels tend to be highest when water has been sitting overnight or for an extended period of time, giving it the opportunity to leach into the water at a higher concentration on the first draw.
Many faucets are made out of brass, which typically contains some lead to make the machining process easier. Faucets produced after January 4, 2014, must not exceed a weighted average of 0.25% lead content, so it is still possible for a "lead free" brass faucet to contain some lead. Some manufacturers further reduce or eliminate lead content by making faucets from other materials like stainless steel or plastic. While lead content is important, you also want to make sure that your faucet is not leaching lead into your drinking water. A faucet certified to NSF61 standards has undergone testing for leachate and been shown to meet the agency's standards.
The outlet is what determines how water leaves your faucet, what pattern it forms (if any) and how fast the water can flow. Without any kind of faucet outlet on the spout, water would fall against the sink at full force with splashing everywhere and in most cases we want to avoid that. An aerator is the most commonly used outlet, but there are several other options too.
The handle might let you turn the water flow on and off, but what it's really doing is operating a valve within the faucet body that stops the water flow when closed, and allows the pressure in your lines to drive water up and out of the faucet when it's open. Many manufacturers sell the parts that make up this valve as a convenient faucet cartridge to make replacement faster and easier. In commercial faucets, they generally come in two types:
Handles are the most common way to control the water flow on a faucet, and they come in a variety of styles to suit a particular decor or achieve other needs. Some of the most common faucet handle types are shown below. There are other mechanisms for operating a faucet too, like with an electronic sensor, but handles are still the most common.
Most faucet supply hoses are 1/2”, with a 3/8” compression fitting to connect to the building water lines. But still take note of measurements in your application, and make sure you have any necessary fittings to connect your new faucet to your water lines before you begin the installation process. If you need fittings like elbows to make tight turns you'll also want to account for them, as well. If you feel installation is above your skill level, hire a professional and save yourself the hassle!
Most faucets in the United States will have a 1/2" MPT (male) or 1/2" FPT (female) threaded inlet. These connections use the NPT (National Pipe Thread) standard. Check the specification sheet for your product to verify, as some faucets may use a different connection size or use a different thread like NPSM (National Pipe Straight Mechanical).
If you're looking to replace these or any other faucet components, we have a large selection of faucet parts and accessories available!
Faucets have a lot of variation in their designs, but all boil down to a few basic parts - your connection to the water lines, the mechanism that controls the water flow, the handles, and the outlet.
If you already have a sink or countertop that is pre-drilled with faucet mounting holes, it's generally a good idea to buy a faucet with the same number of mounting holes, or a faucet that comes with a base plate big enough to cover any extra holes. Some faucets may require smaller holes to be drilled for mounting studs, to secure it in place. The specification sheet and installation instructions will show all of this in detail!
There are a few key measurements you will want to take when choosing between different types of faucets:
Types of Commercial Kitchen Faucets
A commercial foodservice kitchen uses water for a lot of different purposes - do you need a pre-rinse faucet to pre-scrap dishes before washing? Do you need to fill large cooking vessels fast? Something a little more general-purpose? Consider the types of sink faucets available and what you need it to do before choosing the right one for your application!
Pre-Rinse Faucets
- High-powered spray blasts off food debris before washing
- Can be ordered with an add-on swing faucet
- Great for 2- and 3-compartment sinks
Swing Faucets
- Straight nozzle swings left and right
- Wide variety of lengths for various sink depths
- Great for all compartment sinks
Gooseneck Faucets
- High spout design provides extra clearance
- Available as swing or rigid
- Great for 1-compartment, hand, and utility sinks
Workboard Faucets
- Escutcheon mounted on the faucet base
- Available with swing or gooseneck spouts
- Great for bar sinks
Pot Filler Faucets
- Used to fill cooking vessels fast
- Several styles - straight spouts, jointed spouts, hoses
- Creates a dedicated water filling station
Double-Jointed Faucets
- More flexible than a swing faucet
- Can be easily folded out of the way when not in use
- Great for 2- and 3-compartment sinks
Types of Restroom Faucets
When choosing a restroom faucet, sanitation and water conservation should be your two biggest considerations. Faucet handles get touched by everyone who uses your restroom, making them magnets for germs. Electronic faucets solve that issue with hands-free sensors that dispense water only when it's needed. Metering faucets similarly prevent a faucet from running unused by dispensing a measured amount of water. Single lever faucets are a time-tested option that virtually everyone will be familiar with.
Electronic Faucets
- No hand contact reduces spread of germs
- Eliminates the risk of leaving a faucet running
Single Lever Faucets
- Intuitive temperature control with single pivoting lever
- Common, familiar design
Metering Faucets
- Shuts off water flow after allotted time
- Conserves water and saves on your utility bill
Types of Janitorial Faucets
These types of faucets are designed to make cleaning your facility easy! Hose reels and washdown stations deliver high volume water through a convenient spray hose, so that you can blast away dirt and debris virtually anywhere, while keeping the hose out of your way when it's not in use. Mop sink faucets make it easy to fill mop sinks and heavy buckets / pails for cleaning.
Mop Sink Faucets
- Used to quickly fill a mop sink
- A wall brace adds extra support for filling heavy buckets
Hose Reels
- High power spray for washdown and cleaning
- Retracts out of the way when not in use
Pet Grooming Faucets
- Coiled hose retracts to save space when not in use
- Spray valve provides gentle flow for washing pets
Washdown Stations
- High power spray for washdown and cleaning
- Hose racks make storage easy
Types of Drinking Water Faucets
Giving customers and employees access to fresh drinking water is a great way to add convenience to your business. Bubblers let customers get a quick sip without the need to take up employees' time, and they're great for businesses that aren't equipped with and don't need other means to easily provide water, like a soda fountain. Glass fillers give servers a dedicated place to fill glasses for drinking water, which improves efficiency and sanitation in your facility!
Bubblers
- Provides self-serve drinking water
- Great for drinking fountains
Glass Fillers
- Great for filling glasses quickly
- Built-in sink models make installation easy
Types of Medical Faucets and Lab Faucets
Laboratories, medical centers, and classrooms all have specific needs when it comes to faucets and plumbing. Surgical sink faucets and bedpan washers are a great solution for hospitals and care facilities. Laboratory faucets offer options for both water and gas, and allow you to connect tubing for greater flexibility.
Surgical Sink Faucets
- Wrist action handles reduce hand contact and spread of germs
- Gooseneck spouts provide high clearance for washing hands
Bedpan Washers
- Long hoses and wands make washing down bedpans easy
- Spray triggers make it easy to control water flow
Laboratory Faucets
- Options are available for hot water, cold water, and gas
- Serrated tip outlet connects easily to a lab hose