When it comes to bathroom upgrades, the enticing design profile of waterfall faucets has captivated homeowners and interior design enthusiasts alike. And who isn’t? The soothing, cascading water in action is simply hard to resist.
So, what exactly is a waterfall bathroom faucet?
Waterfall bathroom faucets create a water flow that resembles a waterfall. But beyond the gentle and smooth water flow that you would find in nature, it’s the wide spout that creates that and makes them so unique from other types of faucets.
That said, waterfall bathroom sink faucets have their downsides. In this post, we’ll explore the various pros and cons of this latest craze of a fixture and you can decide whether they are right for your next bathroom makeover.
What Is a Waterfall Bathroom Faucet?
Decorative, unique, and relaxing, a waterfall faucet is a design feature of many bathroom fixtures that mimics the flow of water in nature. The flowing water creates a serene and soothing ambiance, simply turning a quick hand rinse into a relaxing experience.
But beyond its aesthetic appeal, a waterfall faucet packs a range of advantages that you couldn’t find in other types of spouts or fixtures. Their wide spout design is functional as they are stunning. The way the water flows contributes to a more efficient use of water.
When it comes to installation type, you can opt for either wall or deck-mounted faucets. Many popular options also allow you to install them on the floor, such as freestanding tub fillers.
Waterfall taps are also available in a range of sizes and widths. Most of them have a one handle that require a single hole, while other models include two side handles that require three faucet holes.
How Does a Waterfall Bathroom Work?
A waterfall bathroom faucet works just like traditional faucets. Except that it has a wide spout that creates a cascading effect similar to waterfalls. The way it’s designed also provides a high flow rate at a lower water pressure, which can help conserve water.
What Are the Benefits of a Waterfall Faucet?
If you’re still on the fence about switching to waterfall bathroom faucets, consider the range of advantages that these faucets can offer, including:
Visually Stunning
It’s the most obvious advantage of waterfall taps. It’s quite soothing to use one of these faucets. Just imagine the water effortlessly flowing out of your faucet, making you feel if you’re in nature.
They are simply stunning and come in a range of designs that complement any bathroom decor. You can go for one with a minimalistic design to suit your modern bath or add a contemporary element. If you want to use one for your jacuzzi, you’ll have endless options.
You can also find waterfall faucets with a classic design that combines a flat, wide spout and rustic finishes like bronze. Matte blacks and chrome finishes can turn your faucet into a statement piece.
A Wealth of Features
Waterfall faucets are more than meets the eye. The reason why it’s getting more popular is due to the range of features it offers, such as:
LED light: Call it a little too fancy, but LED lights in waterfall faucets make a good indication if the water is too hot or cold. Most of them use a hydroelectric system so they don’t even require power to activate the light.
Touchless: This feature comes in handy for saving water. Waterfall faucets with this functionality use infrared sensors that detect your movement and automatically turn on/off your tap. It’s convenient and hygienic and is great if you have many people in your household that use the bathroom.
Anti-Flash System: Sometimes, splashes happen. This can create water spot marks on the vanity mirror and can make the edge of the sink wet or the floor slippery. So, nothing beats a bathroom tap that helps you save water while keeping your vanity space splash-free.
The way the waterfall faucets are designed solves this problem. It reduces the forceful flow that traditional faucets do. This means there is a lower chance of water spilling over the counter and vanity mirrors. Pairing your waterfall tap with a bowl-shaped sink even maximizes the splash-free design of the faucet.
Encourages Water Conservation
Conventional taps typically have strong water pressure. But waterfall bathroom faucets allow water to flow smoothly, helping you save water. Many of them even have clever features that help reduce water consumption by 50%. Check the flow rate of the waterfall faucet you want to get.
Space Saving
Waterfall faucets are typically designed to be minimalistic. Most of them have single handles and are compact. Some even only have the spout, especially among bathtub faucets. Their sleek profile allows you to save space on the sink. The streamlined design of these faucets also makes them easy to clean and maintain.
Soothing Bath Experience
Opting for a waterfall tub faucet gives you a relaxing bathing experience. You’ll be able to tell the difference right away if you compare the intense water pressure that comes from conventional faucets to the cascading water flow of waterfall taps. Plus, the relaxing sound feels as if nature exists inside your bathroom.
Adds Value to Your Property
If you want to increase the resale value of your home, you need to make sure it’s updated. Besides, who wants to live in a home with outdated fixtures?
One of the best ways to entice home buyers is to install waterfall faucets, be it in your bathroom or kitchen. Installing waterfall faucets will give your home a fresh look that also feels high-end and visually appealing.
Drawbacks of Waterfall Bathroom Faucets
Despite the conveniences that waterfall faucets offer, these fixtures have a few downsides you might want to keep in mind. But overall, I think the benefits outweigh the cons.
Expensive
Home upgrades come at a price. Most modern fixtures like waterfall faucets are expensive. And depending on the installation type, brands, and added features, the cost can go even higher.
The construction materials used in the waterfall faucet can also significantly up the price. While higher-end finishes, such as solid brass, offer a more polished look and are more durable, they can raise the cost of your faucet. We recommend looking for exclusive deals from brands to get the best bang for your buck.
Corrosion Problems
Homeowners who upgrade to waterfall bathroom faucets love the water-saving perk that comes with it. But, due to the low water pressure, there’s a higher risk of mineral build-up around your sink bowl. This is because most waterfall faucets have a more level and wider spout that allows water to accumulate on the surface.
When this happens, your faucet may eventually corrode or encourage mold growth. You could try wiping or drying your faucet after each use, or if you want, you can shop for a waterfall tap with a more curved spout.
For existing corrosion, use a low-acid solution to clean it. You can also remove the patches of corrosion by soaking them in white vinegar and letting them sit for a few minutes. Then, grab a sponge to scrub off the rust.
Less Water Flow
Regarding water pressure, you may find rinsing or bathing with a waterfall spout a bit insufficient. But they are designed that way. You can’t expect waterfall faucets to provide the powerful rush of water that you usually get from conventional faucets. If that’s what you’re after, a waterfall faucet may not be the best option for you.
However, there are models that allow you to adjust the water pressure if you really want to install one in your bathtub or sink. To ensure you’re getting the right faucet, make sure to read the manufacturer’s manual when you shop.
Hard To Install
Waterfall bathroom faucets can get tricky to install and may call for the help of a plumber. If you decide to install it yourself, you need to pay extra caution to the caulking, rubber seals, and threading between each connection. Make sure they are tightly sealed to avoid any potential leaks.
FAQs
Are Waterfall Taps Any Good?
Waterfall bathroom faucets are just as functional as any other fixture. But they offer a unique touch to any bath. One of the things you can appreciate about waterfall faucets is that besides their wide spout that creates a waterfall-like water flow, they also prevent splashes.
Waterfall taps are a great way to add a decorative yet functional element to your bathroom. These fixtures can provide you with a spa-like bath experience.
Where Should a Waterfall Faucet Be Placed?
Waterfall faucets are typically installed on countertop basins or vessel sinks. It should sit a few inches above the sink’s rim. But not much higher because you don’t want splashes every time you use the faucet.
Another important consideration is the spout’s reach. It should reach the vessel to prevent splashing outside the sink but not so much that it obstructs space or creates inconvenience. It’s critical that you find something that covers your basin enough, while not blocking adjacent fixtures or other items on the counter.
How Do You Clean a Waterfall Tap?
Waterfall faucets are fairly easy to clean. To keep your faucet spotless and clean, follow the steps below:
- First, wipe the surface of the tap of any dirt.
- Mix warm water and mild soap or dishwashing liquid. Now, using a towel or sponge that has been dipped in soapy water, carefully clean the tap. You can use a toothbrush with soft bristles for spots that are hard to reach.
- Let the soap sit for a few minutes, then rinse.
- Make sure to dry the faucet with a clean cloth right away. This helps prevent water spots.
For removing tough mineral build-ups, you can also spritz some water and vinegar mixture. If it doesn’t work, then you can bring out your heavy-duty solution like a CLR remover. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. This way, you can avoid accidentally damaging the finish of your precious waterfall tap.
And That’s a Wrap!
Waterfall bathroom faucets are more than just a functional fixtures. With their stunning design and soothing water flow, waterfall faucets can transform your bathroom into your own personal oasis.
Make sure to find the right model and finish for your bathroom and consider the features you feel you need. It’s also a good idea to hire a plumber to ensure that it’s installed properly. Additionally, check out good brands with a reputation in terms of durability.
If you have more questions about waterfall bathroom faucets, feel free to reach out and we’ll be happy to help you. Good luck!
