Single-Handle Faucets
Updated February 20, 2026
Control temperature and flow with one lever. Simple to use and common in kitchens and bathrooms.
Overview
Single-handle faucets control both temperature and flow with one lever or knob. Twist or lift to turn on, swing left for hot, right for cold. They are the most popular faucet style for kitchens and bathrooms -- simple, space-efficient, and easy to operate with one hand. Inside: a cartridge or ball valve mixes hot and cold water. Single-handle faucets mount through one hole and work with deck plates on multi-hole sinks.
Key Features
- One-hand operation for flow and temperature control
- Single-hole mount with optional deck plate for multi-hole sinks
- Cartridge or ball valve mixing mechanism
- Available in every style: modern, traditional, transitional
- Standard in kitchens and increasingly popular in bathrooms
Sizing & Selection
Single-hole faucets need a 1-3/8 inch mounting hole. Deck plates cover 3-hole (4-inch spread) or 4-hole configurations. For bathroom sinks, check whether you need a centerset (4-inch) or single-hole. Measure spout height and reach to ensure the water stream hits the center of the basin.
Installation
Feed supply lines and mounting hardware through the sink hole. Secure with a mounting nut from below (basin wrench needed). Connect hot (left) and cold (right) supply lines to shut-off valves. Hand-tight plus quarter turn. Remove the aerator, flush debris, then reinstall. 30-60 minutes for most installations.
Maintenance
- Replace the cartridge when dripping starts -- -25 and 15 minutes of work.
- Clean the aerator every 6-12 months by unscrewing and rinsing sediment from the screen.
- Wipe the handle and base dry regularly. Water pooling at the base causes mineral buildup and eventual corrosion.
- Tighten the handle set screw if the handle feels loose -- usually an Allen screw under a cap.
Buying Tips
- Ceramic disc cartridges are the gold standard -- smoother operation and longer life than ball valves.
- Brass or zinc alloy bodies outlast plastic. Lift the faucet in the store -- heavier is better.
- Matching accessories (soap dispenser, side sprayer) from the same brand ensure finish consistency.
- Widespread bathroom faucets look better than centerset on larger vanities, but single-handle centerset is fine for smaller sinks.