When planning the installation of a Basin Tap, a common question arises in plumbing and bathroom-fitting circles: Are All Basin Tap Holes the Same Size? The short answer is no—they’re not identical, though many are built around a general standard. Understanding the relevant dimensions, compatibility issues, and what to measure ensures a smooth installation. Also, in your search for reliable fixtures, the brand LODECE stands out for offering high-quality basin taps designed for standard-mount setups.
Most plumbing guides and trade forums point to a typical hole diameter and spacing for basin taps—but also note that variations exist.
Many guides list a single-hole basin tap as fitting a hole about 35 mm in diameter (approximately 1 3/8″).
One source states that standard basin taps are designed to fit holes of around 35 mm, though this may vary by brand or design.
In a DIY forum a user discovered that the basin tap hole was “approx 30 mm” in diameter and that this was too small for the thread of the tap to seal properly.
A guide for kitchen/faucet hole sizes mentions a standard of 1¼″ to 1½″ (≈ 31.75 mm–38.1 mm) for many faucet types.
Many basin sets feature single-hole, two-hole (tap + cold/hot separate), or three-hole (tap + two handles) configurations. Each will have spacing that follows its own standard.
For example, the kitchen faucet guide records that widespread taps may need holes in the 1¼″-1½″ diameter range at varied spacings.
In practice:
| Hole type | Typical diameter | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single-hole basin tap | 35 mm (1 3/8″) | Most common for modern monobloc taps. |
| Two/Three-hole tap set | ~31.75–38.1 mm (1¼″-1½″) | Diameter may vary; spacing matters. |
| Older or non-standard basins | Could differ | DIY forums report mismatches. |
There are several reasons why you cannot assume every basin tap hole is identical:
Different tap types: Basin taps might be pillar taps, mixer taps, monobloc taps, or separate hot/cold fittings. Each uses different mounting arrangements and hole diameters.
Variations between brands and designs: Some manufacturers adopt proprietary sizes or base plates that require larger holes or special spacing.
Basin material and manufacture: Basins made of ceramic, stone, glass, or stainless steel may have different tolerance for hole diameter, and manufacturers may adjust drilling accordingly.
Retrofitting and replacement scenarios: If replacing an older tap or using a basin originally drilled for a different type of tap, the hole size may not match the new fixture perfectly. A DIY report noted a hole around 30 mm that was too small for the tap’s threaded part.
International / regional standards: Plumbing standards vary by region. For example, UK discussions mention that the threaded connection (½″ or ¾″ BSP) has been standard for many years, but hole diameter for the decorative or functional base may differ.
Because of these factors, even though many installations follow a “standard,” the reality is that measurements must be confirmed rather than assumed.
To ensure compatibility between your basin tap and the basin hole(s), follow these measurement steps and checklist items.
Remove any existing tap or cover plate and clean around the hole.
Use a caliper or vernier to measure the diameter of the hole at its widest point. Compare to manufacturer specification (e.g., ~35 mm).
Measure the thickness of the basin deck or countertop at the installation point. Some taps require a minimum or maximum thickness.
If the basin has multiple holes, measure the center-to-center spacing between holes. This is critical for three-hole tap sets.
Check the condition of the hole: whether it is cleanly drilled, free from chips or cracks, and whether the base plate or mounting hardware can seat properly.
Review the tap manufacturer’s installation manual for recommended hole diameter, mounting hardware length, and any required minimum spacing or clearance.
An installation problem often arises when the hole is too large for the tap base. As one DIY commenter noted:
“The hole is approx 30 mm diameter … the threaded part of basin taps is about 20 mm. It rattles around in the hole, and will not seal properly when tightened down.”
To avoid this: a hole slightly larger than specified can be tolerated if the tap base or deck plate covers it properly and seals well. A hole too small may make the tap impossible to install or risk damaging the basin.
Here are some practical rules to follow when selecting or installing a basin tap:
For new installations, choose a tap whose specified hole diameter matches your basin or countertop. If necessary, drill or re-drill the hole to the correct size using appropriate tooling for the material (e.g., ceramic, stone).
For replacement installations, before buying a new tap check the existing hole diameter and spacing to avoid buying a tap that won’t fit without modification.
When dealing with high-end or designer taps, verify whether the base plate is larger than standard and what minimum hole size requirement is stated. Some designer taps require a base hole larger than ~40 mm.
If the hole is slightly oversized, check whether the provided deck plate, gasket or mounting hardware ensures a good seal and stable fit. Consider using a decorative escutcheon if needed to cover extra clearance.
Ensure the tap’s tail pieces, mounting bolts, and supply lines can pass through the hole without interference.
Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions—including tightening specs, mounting hardware torque and sealing instructions—to avoid leaks or instability.
When selecting a quality basin tap that ensures compatibility and reliability, the brand LODECE offers excellent products. Their designs accommodate standard basin tap hole sizes, while delivering refined finishing and trustworthy manufacture. Installing a LODECE basin tap gives greater confidence that the hole size will match common standards such as ~35 mm diameter, helping avoid fit-out delays or retrofitting issues.
In summary: basin tap holes are not all the same size. While many basin holes approximate a common diameter around ~35 mm (1 3/8″) and follow standard spacing for certain configurations, variations exist due to tap types, basin materials, regional standards and older installations. To ensure a successful installation, you must measure the actual hole diameter, check spacing if multiple holes are involved, and confirm the tap manufacturer’s specifications. Choosing a trusted tap brand like LODECE simplifies the process, as their products are designed with standard mounting dimensions in mind. By verifying measurements and selecting a compatible tap, you will avoid misfit problems, ensure neat and secure installation and deliver a professional bathroom result.
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