Kyle TuckerThere are a lot of things to consider when designing your bathroom, and even small details like the bathroom faucet can make all the difference.
A high-arc faucet has a longer, more elegant profile, sitting above the sink. But is it a good option for your bathroom? Do high-arc bathroom faucets splash more than lower arc faucets?
Find out everything about the high-arc faucets and if they would pair well with your sink and bathroom in terms of design and function.
What Is a High-Arc Faucet?
A high-arc faucet is exactly what its name implies: a faucet with a spout high above the sink, also often called the gooseneck faucet. This type of bathroom faucet stands above your sink, usually 8 to 10 inches tall from the surface of the sink with a hook or curve near the top.
The reason for the high-arc faucet’s extended reach is to give more room for your sink. While it is more common for kitchen sinks, high-arc faucets would also make a great addition to any bathroom, especially if you have a deeper and larger sink.
A high-arc designation only applies to faucets mounted on the sink or the countertop. Regardless of how high it is above the sink, a faucet installed on the wall is not considered to be a high-arc faucet.
Do High-Arc Faucets Splash More?
In most bathroom sinks, if you turn on the water at full blast, especially if the pressure is high, the water may splash all over the sink and the countertop. Apparently, that’s the same problem many people have with high-arc faucets.
Since this type of bathroom faucet has its spout far above the sink, the water tends to spray wider. Generally speaking, the taller your tap is, the greater the chance of splashing. However, that isn’t always the case with high-arc faucets.
A high-arc faucet does splash, but only when it is paired with a shallow sink, which isn’t advisable. Bathroom sinks that are wider and deeper are ideal for high-arc faucets, so you won’t have more splashing than usual.
Do You Need a High-Arc Faucet For the Bathroom?
You have to make sure that your new faucet fits in three aspects of your bathroom: the sink, your bathroom decor, and your lifestyle.
When You SHOULD Get a High-Arc Bathroom Faucet
You can elevate the style of your bathroom sink a lot by installing a high-arc faucet. In addition to its aesthetic advantages, the high-arc design boosts your tap’s efficiency and convenience.
So invest in a high-arc faucet if you want to…
- Ensure high water pressure
An extended neck on a high-arc faucet serves to increase the pressure of the water flow. Hence, you will not encounter any problems when, for example, washing your clothes in the sink.
- Create more space for washing hair
Do you often wash your hair in the bathroom sink? When it’s too much of a bother to get a full rinse in the shower, a high-arc faucet can make washing your hair more convenient. Since the spout is high up above the sink and countertop, you have plenty of room for washing.
- Enjoy an elegant faucet design
High-arc faucets look more stylish and modern than low-arc taps in the bathroom. Adding an additional height and more dramatic curves to the neck of your sink will give it a unique visual style.
Choosing a high-arc faucet is a great option if you want a movie-style bathroom without spending a lot of money. Furthermore, you have a lot of options when it comes to finishes and styles.
- Add convenience and functionality
Two other main reasons to install a high-arc faucet on your bathroom are because it can elevate your sink’s convenience and functionality. Besides a wide array of available styles for this type of tap, there are also other features you can have, like a pull-down or pull-out spout. They are clever faucet designs that give 190-degrees or 360-degrees swivel support. It’s especially convenient to have if you have multiple sinks installed.
- Upgrade to a hands-free faucet
Another reason to use a high-arc bathroom faucet is you can upgrade and make your bathroom sink as high-tech as you want. This type of faucet is available in touchless or touch-activated options. A hands-free faucet in your bathroom isn’t only cool but keeps everything clean and sanitary while saving water.
When You SHOULDN’T Get a High-Arc Bathroom Faucet
Although high-arc bathroom faucets can help elevate your sink’s design and functionality, it’s not always the best option.
Don’t install a high-arc faucet when:
- You have a shallow sink that contributes to splashing
Sometimes, a high-arc tap, no matter how it would look so good in your bathroom, wouldn’t be the best choice. For instance, if you already have a sink installed, and it’s the shallow kind. Having a high-arc faucet over a shallow sink only means one thing, a lot of water splashing. You wouldn’t want to constantly deal with a wet mess every time you open the tap. Plus, it can damage your countertop and the furniture and appliances around the sink, while continuous moisture leads to mold and pests.
- The high-arc faucet can obscure the view
The extended height of the faucet looks stylish and modern, but it can disrupt the view, especially if you have a window right above the sink level. It can even be more of a nuisance if said window opens inwards. In this case, you would be better off with a low-arc faucet.
Choosing a High-Arc Faucet for Bathrooms
If you think a high-arc faucet fits your bathroom aesthetic and purposes, it’s time to choose the best one.
- Get One With a Sprayer
Buying a high-arc faucet with a sprayer is a great option if you’re looking for convenience, allowing you to rinse with better control over the water’s direction. A sprayer for a high-arc tap can either be a pull-out or pull-down spout.
- Consider the Spout Reach
If you’re getting a high-arc faucet with a swivel feature, consider the spout reach or the horizontal distance between the base of the tap to the stream of water flowing down the sink. Ideally, you want the water to fall right around the middle of the sink. If it falls right near the back of the sink, it will be difficult to use, for example, when rinsing your hair or legs after shaving.
Checking out the spout reach before buying the faucet is especially critical if it doesn’t come with a pull-out or pull-down sprayer.
- Consider Motion Sensor
You can get a high-arc faucet with a motion sensor if you want a little extra functionality. With a motion sensor, you can wash your hands without touching the knob to open the faucet, keeping everything clean and sanitary.
Final Thoughts
There are many pros to choosing a high-arc faucet for your bathroom, such as convenience and functionality. This type of faucet also adds a level of elegance and style to your bathroom design. While a high arc faucet tends to splash, it’s mostly only when the sink is shallow.
