How Bathroom Sinks Work

Most bath sinks are smaller than kitchen sinks and made in a much wider variety of shapes and styles, including ovals, rounds, modern angular forms, flowing curves, shell-like patterns, and Victorian reproductions.

Another difference is that, though bath sinks, like kitchen sinks, are often set into counter tops on top of storage cabinets, they’re also made as freestanding pedestal models. These have beautiful lines, but they offer no storage. Some older bath sinks are wall-mounted.

A bath sink typically has two fixture holes on either 4-, 6- or 8-inch centers. The wider types are meant to receive a split-set faucet, with faucet handles separate from the spout. The 4- or 6-inch holes may receive either a center set or a single-lever faucet.

The drainpipe that runs through a bath sink usually is fitted with a pop-up stopper that raises and lowers when you pull up or push down on a handle that protrudes through or just behind the faucet body.