What is a basin faucet with separate hot and cold water called?

2025-10-01

Among everyday household bathroom products, there are many different types of faucets, and "hot and cold basin faucets" are one of the products that most often evoke questions and confusion among consumers.


Many people ask a similar question when purchasing basin faucets: What is a basin faucet with separate hot and cold water called? This question not only involves the product's technical nomenclature but also involves industry standards, historical evolution, and consumer understanding.


This article will systematically review and provide professional answers to this question, striving to provide the public with an authoritative and comprehensive reference.

hot and cold basin faucet

What is a hot and cold basin faucet?

A "hot and cold basin faucet" is a basin faucet that can be connected to both hot and cold water lines and, through the faucet structure, separates or mixes the hot and cold water. Compared to a single-cold faucet, a hot and cold basin faucet offers greater comfort and flexibility because it can adjust the water temperature to the desired level.


Within this broad category, hot and cold basin faucets are further divided into two main types:

    • Separate hot and cold basin faucets

    • Integrated hot and cold mixing basin faucets


This article focuses on "separate hot and cold basin faucets," which are faucets with separate hot and cold water outlets. Its professional name, industry standard, and common name are exactly what the public is most interested in.

basin faucet

What are separate hot and cold basin faucets called?

In the industry, "separate hot and cold basin faucets" are commonly referred to as "double-handle basin faucets" or "two-hole hot and cold basin faucets."


    • "Double-handle" refers to the fact that the faucet is typically equipped with two handles, one for controlling the hot and cold water flow.

    • "Double-hole" emphasizes that two water pipe connections must be reserved during installation, meaning that the hot and cold water lines are independent.


In some product catalogs or national standard documents, the term "split hot and cold basin faucet" also appears, which also emphasizes separate hot and cold water control.


Therefore, when consumers ask, "What is a separate hot and cold basin faucet called?" the most accurate answer is: This type of faucet is professionally called a "double-handle basin faucet" or "dual-hole hot and cold basin faucet."


How do separate hot and cold basin faucets work?

To understand the name of a separate hot and cold basin faucet, it's important to first understand its working principle.


1. Dual-Handle Independent Control

A separate hot and cold basin faucet features two handles:


    • The left handle connects to the hot water line;

    • The right handle connects to the cold water line.


The user needs to mix the water flow to the desired temperature by operating both handles simultaneously or individually.


2. Water Outlet Type

Early separate hot and cold basin faucets even had separate outlets for hot and cold water, forming two small faucets side by side. However, modern products more often use a "single-outlet mixing" design, where the hot and cold water are mixed inside the faucet body before flowing out through a single outlet.


3. Hydraulic Principles

The inner core and valve structure of a hot and cold basin faucet determine the stability of water flow control. The pressure in the hot and cold water pipes must be balanced; otherwise, uneven hot and cold water flow or noticeable differences in water volume may occur.


Hot and cold basin faucets Vs. single-cold faucets: What's the difference?

In everyday consumer purchases, hot and cold basin faucets and single-cold faucets are often confused. The differences between the two are primarily reflected in the following aspects:


1. Number of ports

    • Single-cold faucets require only one port;

    • Hot and cold basin faucets must have two ports.


2. Functionality

    • Single-cold faucets only provide room temperature or cold water;

    • Hot and cold basin faucets provide adjustable hot and cold water flow.


3. Operation

    • Single-cold faucets typically have only one handle;

    • Separate hot and cold basin faucets have two separate handles.


This is why many people, upon first encountering one, are puzzled and ask, "What is a separate hot and cold basin faucet called?"

hot and cold basin faucet

Common Materials for Separate Hot and Cold Basin Faucets

The material of a hot and cold basin faucet directly impacts its lifespan and water quality.


    • Copper faucet: The most common material, corrosion-resistant and with good heat conduction.

    • Stainless steel faucet: Wear-resistant and highly resistant to oxidation.

    • Alloy faucet: Lower cost, but slightly less durable.

    • Ceramic valve core: Almost standard for hot and cold basin faucets, ensuring smooth opening and closing and a long service life.


Why are consumers confused about the name?

The question of "what to call a separate hot and cold basin faucet" has become a popular topic for the following reasons:


1. Inconsistent market usage

Some vendors call it a "double-handle faucet," some call it a "hot and cold faucet," and some simply call it a "mixing faucet."


2. Design Differences Lead to Different Understandings

Older models indeed have separate hot and cold water outlets and dual spouts; newer models often feature mixed hot and cold water outlets, often causing confusion among consumers.


3. Diverse Installation Environments

Some home bathrooms only have cold water pipes, leading to confusion among many regarding hot and cold basin faucets.


How Separate Hot and Cold Basin Faucets Are Described in Standards

According to current Chinese standards for bathroom products, such as "Ceramic Disc Sealed Faucets" (GB18145-2014), there are clear classification criteria for hot and cold basin faucets. These standards often use the term "double-handle mixing basin faucet."


This means that, at the professional standard level, the official name for "separate hot and cold basin faucet" should be "double-handle mixing basin faucet."


What are the key points for installing a hot and cold basin faucet?

    • Separating the hot and cold outlets: hot on the left, cold on the right. This is an internationally recognized installation standard.

    • Hole Spacing Standard: Common basin hole spacing is 100mm or 150mm, which must match the specifications of the hot and cold basin faucet.

    • Seal Selection: Use heat-resistant and wear-resistant seals to ensure long-term stability of the hot and cold basin faucet.

    • Water Pressure Requirements: Hot and cold basin faucets require high water pressure balance; excessive differences can affect the user experience.


What are the advantages and disadvantages of hot and cold basin faucets?

Advantages of Hot and Cold Basin Faucets:

    • Adjustable water temperature at any time, providing high comfort.

    • Versatile appearances, adaptable to different decor styles.

    • Mature technology, easily replaceable accessories.


Disadvantages of Hot and Cold Basin Faucets:

    • More complex to install than a single-cold faucet.

    • Higher water pressure requirements.

    • Some elderly people may need to adapt to the operation method.

basin faucet

Let's get back to the original question—"What is a separate hot and cold basin faucet called?"

From an industry and professional perspective, the standard name for this type of product is a double-handle mixing basin faucet, or simply a double-handle hot and cold basin faucet.


This is the most accurate and professional answer for consumers.


In daily life, people often refer to it as a "separate hot and cold basin faucet." While this is common knowledge, understanding and mastering its formal term in a professional context can help avoid misunderstandings when purchasing, installing, and even maintaining it.


Thus, a hot and cold basin faucet is more than just an ordinary bathroom fixture; it's a fundamental piece of infrastructure that's crucial to a comfortable home experience. Understanding it and its nomenclature is like mastering a piece of professional knowledge about the details of life.


Does Higold support wholesale and ODM orders?

Yes, Higold specializes in ODM services. Our professional R&D team develops more than 20 new kitchen sink designs every year, meeting diverse market needs. International buyers can purchase in bulk at wholesale prices, request customized ODM designs, or choose from existing models. As a reliable Chinese supplier, Higold offers competitive quotes, promotional deals, and timely delivery for global partners.

Get the latest price? We will reply as soon as possible (within 12 hours)