What Is a 4 Hole Kitchen Faucet? [Explained]

Manufacturers are bringing out many advanced faucets as time goes by. They have exclusive features with sleek looks that make our kitchen better and more comfortable.

One such modern type of faucet is a 4-hole system unknown to many. So, what is a 4-hole kitchen faucet?

It is a widespread faucet system that requires four holes for installation. This faucet requires one hole for the spout, two for the separate handles, and an additional for a sprayer or dispenser. These faucets are a great addition to add to your kitchen.

In this article, I will explain these four-hole kitchen sets and their benefits.

Depending on your preference, you will also learn about the number of holes you need in your kitchen sink. Read more below.

What Are 4 Faucet Holes for in a Kitchen Sink?

If you saw four holes in a newly built kitchen sink, you might have asked yourself, why does my sink have 4 holes?

It is indeed surprising that some sinks now have four holes when you’re all mainly used to seeing a maximum of three.

But having four sinkholes has a reason. It is especially for those 4 hole kitchen faucets that I will talk about today.

Home builders prefer to make it easy for the residents by establishing four holes (the maximum amount) beforehand so that nobody has to drill extra holes.

Now, if you want to know what those four-hole faucets are, let’s dive deeper.

Which Faucets Require Four Holes for Installation?

Many people ask, what does 4 spread faucet mean? The faucets that mainly require four holes are widespread faucets that also include an additional spray.

Widespread faucets on their own have a spout placed in the center and two separate handles placed on opposite sides of the fixture. The handles and spouts are connected underneath the sink.

But from above, they need three holes for each part to go in. The fourth hole is for a sprayer that has a pull-out system. It connects to a separate hose, and you can use it like a push shower whenever you need without having to turn on the main faucet.

A fourth hole with a sprayer is a great benefit if you want an advanced sink. The pull-out system lets you clean the sink thoroughly in all the hooks and corners.

Besides, the water can also reach a lot farther than the central spout giving you better accessibility in the kitchen. You can also set up a dispenser if you don’t want a sprayer in the fourth hole.

Four-hole faucets are available in various designs, from gooseneck to shepherd’s crook. They also come in multiple colors to choose a style you prefer. Therefore, I hope you now have a proper idea about what is 4 in faucet hole spacing.

How Many Faucet Holes Do I Need?

The number of faucet holes you need depends totally on your needs. Some faucets function from a single hole, whereas faucets with four holes also exist.

You must decide what your requirements are before purchasing a faucet.

Some of the factors you may consider to decide how many faucet holes you need are –

Your Sink Size

The sink size is critical in deciding which faucet will best fit you. If you have a small sink, you want something other than a spout system with four holes in the sink.

It will become congested to fit it all, and the outlook will appear stuffy. If you have a small to medium size sink, getting a spout with one or two holes is enough.

That way, you can easily fit the whole faucet in the area. On the other hand, if you have a large two-sided sink, you should get a faucet with three to four holes.

Their advanced features will enhance the usage of your sink, and you can also work in the space comfortably.

Preferred Style

As I’ve already said, ordinarily, widespread faucets will have a four-hole feature. These faucets’ style differs from a centerset or a single-handle spout.

So, choosing faucets depending on the number of holes also relies on the style of faucet you want. If you’re looking for a spout system that is fully connected, you may ideally make, at best, two holes in the sink.

The same goes for getting a spout with a single handle. On the contrary, four holes are an option if you’re looking for an extensive faucet system that outshines the whole sink.

These sinks look refined and can let you have a lot of useful benefits as well.

Your Sink’s Compatibility

Another factor in deciding on faucet holes is how many your sink can accommodate. Many sinks cannot accommodate more than two holes coming out.

Drilling an extra hole is also not possible in some. In such a case, you have to settle for what you have, and customizing more faucet holes will not be possible.

What Are The Differences Between Single Hole And 3 Hole Faucets?

Many people get confused whether they should buy a single hole faucet or the ones with 3 holes. The main differences between these two kinds are; single-hole faucets only need one connection to the sink, and you can install the whole faucet. Its handles are attached to the spout.

On the other hand, you need three holes for widespread faucets whose handles are not attached to the spout. Here, the spout and the two handles require three separate holes.

So, are single hole better than widespread faucets? Well, they’re both great choices depending on your need. Single holes are a great choice if you want a small faucet system. Widespread takes more space and is suitable for larger sinks. The main functions in both don’t differ much.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are 4 hole sets more expensive than 3 holes?

Yes, since 4-hole products have additional equipment with them, they are slightly more expensive than 3-hole widespread products.

2. Can I drill extra sink holes to fit my 4-hole product?

Yes, many people opt to drill an extra opening in their sink if the one they have already didn’t have a hole drilled. You can use a regular drill machine to pull this task off.

3. How can I hide the fourth hole if I’m not using it?

You can use a decorative deck plate to hide the extra holes in your sink. This will also prevent water from going into the empty hole.

4. Can you choose not to use the sprayer in a faucet?

Yes, it is optional for you to use the sprayer if you want to. The faucet works fine without it, so you can keep it turned off if you wish.

Final Words

Kitchen faucets are a part of our everyday life. The more advanced a faucet is, the more accessible washing activities in the kitchen become.

That’s why brands are continually bringing out more and more upgrades to these faucets. One such modern faucet type is a four-hole system. What is a 4-hole kitchen faucet?

Through this article, you already know the answer. I hope I have also helped you learn how many sinkholes you need in your sink to make it work perfectly!