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| Pre-rinse kitchen faucets originated in commercial kitchens where stuck-on and sticky messes needed extra water pressure for quick clean-up. Now they’re popular in home kitchens as well since everyday messes benefit from the flexibility and power of these fixtures. Homeowners dealing with the usual fixed-neck kitchen faucets often assume that the pre-rinse design’s size or style makes it difficult to install. In most cases, swapping a basic kitchen faucet for a pre-rinse model is as simple as any other fixture exchange. |
Matching Openings
Check the number of holes the kitchen sink currently features when determining if a particular pre-rinse kitchen faucet will fit. Actual commercial pre-rinse models, whether they’re sink- or wall-mounted, generally feature a three-hole mounting pattern to supply two separate temperature taps. In contrast, consumer-grade faucets tend to match a single-hole mounting design instead. This simplifies installation but leaves you with only a single tap to control the temperature and flow.
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Considering the Mounting Location
Due to their large curved necks and industrial style, many pre-rinse faucets are installed on the wall above the sink rather than the countertop. This is particularly likely for commercial faucets with two taps. If the kitchen has only featured counter-mounted faucets in the past, adding a wall-mounted faucet does take some professional plumbing assistance. Backsplashes may need special cutting or alteration to make space for the taps and faucet. Sticking with a counter-mounted model simplifies installation significantly.
Clearing Cabinet Height
Pre-rinse faucets feature some of the highest curves and largest necks of all kitchen faucet designs. This creates extra space for the high-pressure spray, but it does require a little extra forethought and planning before installation. Make sure to carefully measure between the sink- or wall-mount location to make sure a specific model can fit under the lowest cabinets. Give the faucet a few extra inches of clearance so that it doesn’t bump the cabinet when it’s shifted and moved, especially if it’s a model with a flexible neck.
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If the mounting pattern matches between the current faucet and the new pre-rinse replacement from Kingston Brass, it’s an easy enough job for a homeowner to handle installation on their own. When a new mounting method is needed or the sink is being replaced, consider professional help from a plumber instead.
