Is Faucet and Sink Same Fixture? – Know Plumbing Basics

Is faucet and sink same plumbing fixture? Not really. I’m guessing you are quite a novice in terms of fixtures that are used inside the bathroom or kitchen.

So, let’s get you started from the very beginning.

Faucets and sinks are not the same plumbing fixture, but they work together to supply water to certain spaces, such as a bathroom, kitchens, laundry room, and so on, inside your home or other residential areas. Along with these fixtures, other elements also play an important role in the water supply.

A clear idea regarding these two is essential if you want to hold a basic conceptual understanding of the plumbing system. Without a clear understanding of this basic concept, it’s going to be challenging for anyone to conduct simple repairs.

Key Takeaways

Faucet and Sink Are Not Same – Then What Exactly Are These Fixtures?

A sink is a plumbing device that is shaped like a bowl. It is used for a wide range of applications, which involves rinsing dishes, washing hands, and similar chores.

There are several parts to a sink, and one of the important components is called a faucet.

A faucet is a tap available on a sink through which water comes out for use. Some sinks come with just one faucet, while there are also models that come with two.

I’ll note down a few more key differences in bathroom and kitchen faucets vs. sinks.

Faucets Are Less Expensive Than Sinks

Sinks are way bigger and more complex in terms of design as well as functionality compared to faucets. Of course, the price point will be much higher than a faucet. Unless you are comparing a super basic setup sink with a fancy feature-rich faucet, sinks will be almost always pricier.

A standard stainless steel kitchen sink can range up to a couple of thousand dollars. With added features and functions, the price will increase.

While a well-made faucet would price around a couple of hundred dollars. It can also rise but compared to sink, not as drastically. So clearly, price-wise, there’s a vast difference.

Though, both of these sometimes are made of the same material. There are also finishes that sinks and faucets use similarly. But the price point is almost always immensely unlike.

Main Functionality

The main job of a faucet is to allow the water to flow by playing the role of a stop-start valve. However, a sink houses faucets and many other components with a specific washing space available inside its bowl for rinsing or washing several items.

Configurational Difference

Faucets and sinks both come in a few different configurations and mounting styles. And that’s precisely why when someone asks do all faucets fit all sinks, the answer is always negative.

All faucets cannot fit all sinks. The faucet must match a sink’s configuration to be able to fit into it. Choosing the wrong faucet size for a sink will fail the overall installation.

Ease of Installation/Replacement

If a faucet experiences damage, then replacing it would be quite simple and conductible. It is also not going to be extremely pricey. However, that’s not true with a sink.

In case the entire sink system fails, the replacement will need quite some effort.

Most of the time, a sink installation will require the help of a professional as it involves quite complicated plumbing jobs.

On the other hand, replacing a faucet is a manageable chore that won’t be hard to DIY.

Of course, in this case, too, a person who has enough ideas regarding proper replacement must complete the task. Despite all of that, generally, installing or replacing a sink is harder than a faucet.

Faucet and Sink Works for the Same Purpose

These two have a different existence, no doubt. However, both of these parts share a common purpose. And that’s taking part in the overall water supply mechanism.

There are other components as well, and all of them work together to make sure the water flows in the right direction and stops when there’s a need. A dependable, safe, and correct supply of water is what this entire system aims to provide.

If you catch a closer look at the sink plumbing and how the water supply mechanism works, then it should make more sense. I’ll briefly describe the mechanism.

The Mechanism

There are water inlets in this system that lets water flow from a source into the plumbing system. Now the source can be an external tank or even the main municipal supply line.

The entire sink plumbing chain has several elements, and the first one is called the shut-off valve.

One or two of these can be located near the sink and also connected to the water supply tubes. These tubes are linked to the sink or the building’s main shut-off valve.

Water travels through these tubes and reaches the faucets. If someone opens the faucet, the water can flow through it into the basin of the sink.

These faucets can act exactly like stop valves. And that’s because the faucets have the power to hold the water behind unless any user opens it.

Sometimes, the systems can be even more complicated with different temperature water supply lines attached to the sink.

With a connected water heating system, sinks can provide both hot and cold water for usage through one or separate faucet. There are even models that come with discrete spray attachments.

Wrapping Up

And there you have it! So, is faucet and sink same? I hope you now have a clear answer to that basic question.

Make sure you have generous knowledge regarding the plumbing system before doing anything at all with it.

Changing a faucet or even a sink needs quite a bit of research beforehand, so make sure you go through all those crucial information as needed.

You should have the manual for the sink or faucet. Take some time to check it. I will see you soon in my next guide regarding something new. Take Care!