4.5 Faucets, Fixtures, & Fixture Drains
Plumbing codes require that every house must have at least one toilet, lavatory sink, bathtub or shower, and a kitchen sink. These, and some other items referred to in this chapter, are known as fixtures. Clearances from finished walls and other fixtures are strictly regulated by code and most fixtures are provided with a manufacturer rough-in sheet and installation instructions. Codes regulate the materials that are used to manufacture plumbing fixtures, which must have smooth, impervious surfaces and be defect free. Fixtures that incorporate porcelain enameled surfaces must be capable of withstanding acid without damaging the fixture.
Pay attention to flow rates, volume, and water usage in selecting fixtures. One key aspect of sustainability in plumbing focuses on water conservation. Lavatory faucets and shower heads are two primary focal points of conserving water. The true water saving aspect of a shower is based on duration of each use. A handheld shower can be equipped with mechanisms to turn off the water flow for certain showering activities, such as lathering.
Faucets
Lavatory with 2 handles by Gwen Arkin is licensed under CC BY 4.0
Selecting which manufacturer’s product to install is based on cost, quality, and preferred faucet design which includes aesthetics, and functionality. Most master bathrooms and guest bathrooms have more expensive finishes than other bathrooms in a large house. Faucet finishes dictate the finishes used for drain assemblies and bathroom accessories which creates a color theme. Faucet accessories are available to create various themes. Water conservation faucets have aerators that reduce the flow of water to allow only 0.5 gallons per minute as opposed to a 1.0 gallons per minute. Single-handle faucets blend the hot and cold water with the use of one handle; two-handle designs require a user to operate both handles to achieve a desired temperature.
| Fixture | Single Handle | Two Handle | Three Handle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Sink | Yes | Yes | No |
| Lavatory Sink | Yes | Yes | No |
| Bathtub | Yes | Yes | No |
| Large Capacity or Garden Tub | No | Yes | No |
| Shower | Yes | Yes | No |
| Tub & Shower | Yes | Yes | *Yes |
| Laundry Sink | No | Yes | No |
| Bidet | No | Yes | No |
Faucet Installation
A faucet installed on a sink through a countertop or through a tub platform, instead of through the fixture itself, is considered a deck mounted faucet. All faucets must be designed to prevent backflow of wastewater into the water distribution system and plumbing codes require that a faucet have an air gap or be protected with a vacuum breaker or approved check valve. Most faucets use a tightening nut and flat washer to secure the faucet to a fixture. A bathtub and shower faucet is usually installed during the rough-in phase of construction.
Faucet Water Supply:Connecting a water supply pipe to a faucet varies with the type of faucet and can be accomplished with many comm