Fitting a new faucet to an old sink
Quick answer
Count the holes in your sink and measure the spacing before buying. Many vintage sinks use widespread or wall-mount faucets that standard single-hole models will not fit. If the sink is worth keeping, a matched-style faucet keeps the look and stops the drip.
Older Alhambra bathrooms and kitchens often still have original or decades-old sinks. Some are beautiful: heavy porcelain, wall-hung basins, or tile-set kitchen sinks. They also come with faucet layouts that do not always match what is on the shelf at the store.
Measure before you buy
- One hole: a single-hole faucet, or a widespread with a deck plate removed
- Three holes about 4 inches apart: a centerset faucet
- Three holes 8 inches or more apart: a widespread faucet
- Faucet coming out of the wall: a wall-mount faucet, which needs one designed for that
Send us a photo from above and below the sink, and we can tell you what fits.
Vintage sink quirks
Thick decks. Cast-iron and porcelain sinks can be thicker than modern ones, so some faucets need longer mounting shanks.
Wall-mount faucets. Older wall-mount kitchen and laundry faucets connect to pipes inside the wall. Replacements need the right spacing, and the old connections have to be in good shape.
Fragile finishes. Old porcelain chips easily around the holes. We protect the surface and do not force tight nuts.
Old valves underneath. The shutoffs under vintage sinks are often seized. We plan on replacing them at the same time.
Repair or replace?
A dripping faucet can often be fixed by replacing a cartridge or washer, especially on a good-quality faucet. Replacement makes sense when the body is corroded, parts are no longer made, or the finish is worn through. See our faucet repair page for what we fix.
Measuring the holes
Vintage sinks come with different hole layouts. Many have two holes for separate hot and cold taps, or three holes for a widespread or center-set faucet. Measure from the center of the hot hole to the center of the cold hole.
Common spacings are 4 inches for center-set and 8 inches for widespread. Some old sinks have unusual spacing or wall-mounted faucets, which limits choices.
Wall-mount faucets
Some 1920s sinks have faucets that come out of the wall above or behind the sink. Replacing these requires a wall-mounted faucet with matching spacing, or opening the wall. Many manufacturers make wall-mount faucets in vintage styles.
Vintage-style faucets
Faucets with cross handles, porcelain buttons, and polished nickel or chrome finishes suit older homes. Good quality vintage-style faucets use modern cartridges, so they do not drip like old compression faucets.
Restoring an old faucet
Old faucets can sometimes be rebuilt with new stems, washers and seats. Parts for common brands are still available. If the faucet body is cracked or corroded, replacement is better.
Removing old faucets
Old faucets often have corroded nuts under the sink. A basin wrench reaches them. Penetrating oil helps. We protect the sink and countertop.
Our steps:
- Turn off water and disconnect supply lines
- Remove the old faucet and clean the sink surface
- Install the new faucet with gasket or putty
- Connect new supply lines
- Turn on water and test for leaks
Supply lines and valves
Old shutoff valves often leak once disturbed. Replacing them with quarter-turn valves at the same time saves trouble later. See low water pressure at one fixture.
Drains
The drain stopper and tailpiece may also need replacing. New pop-up drains often come with the faucet.
Finishes
Polished nickel, chrome and unlacquered brass suit 1920s homes. Chrome is durable and easy to clean. Polished nickel has a warm tone.
Unlacquered brass develops a patina over time. Matching finishes across the bathroom gives a consistent look.
Vintage sinks
Pedestal sinks and wall-hung sinks show plumbing underneath. Choose chrome or polished nickel supply lines and a decorative P-trap for a finished look. Exposed bottle traps suit vintage styles.
Cast iron sinks are heavy and durable; be careful not to chip the enamel when working around them.
Kitchen sinks
Older kitchen sinks may have drainboards and wall-mounted faucets. Bridge faucets suit farmhouse sinks.
Leaks at old faucets
A drip from the spout of a two-handle compression faucet usually means a worn washer or seat. A leak under the handle usually means worn packing. Both can often be fixed without replacing the faucet.
Cartridge faucets drip when the cartridge wears. If the faucet is original and parts can be found, a rebuild keeps the look.
What our faucet replacement involves
We shut off the water, replace the shutoff valves if they are crusted, and remove the old faucet. We clean the deck, set the new faucet with the right gasket or putty for the sink material, and connect new braided supply lines. Then we flush the lines, check the aerator, and look for drips above and below the sink.
Choosing a faucet that suits the house
For Spanish Revival and bungalow homes, cross handles, oil-rubbed bronze or polished nickel, and traditional spouts tend to look right. A pull-down kitchen faucet can still work well if it has a classic shape.
Bathroom calls around West Valley Boulevard pair nicely with a bowl of something numbing at Chengdu Taste afterward.
Want us to handle it?
Call or text (626) 684-3505, Mon–Sat 8:30 AM–7 PM. Send a photo and we will give you an upfront quote.
Call or text (626) 684-3505