A bridge kitchen faucet pairs two separate handles with a horizontal bridge that sits above the sink deck. The spout rises from the center of the bridge, giving the faucet a distinctive, traditional look. The design often includes a matching side spray, which adds a separate spray head mounted through its own hole in the counter or sink.
What makes a bridge faucet different
Unlike a single‑handle faucet where hot and cold mix inside one body, a bridge faucet routes water from each handle up into the bridge and then down through the spout. Many bridge faucets come with a side spray that connects to a diverter assembly underneath the sink. The diverter sends water to the spray head when you squeeze the trigger, and back to the spout when you release it.
Because the handles sit on separate valve bodies, the faucet requires two mounting holes plus a third hole for the side spray if one is included. This layout influences the sink or countertop you choose, so checking the hole configuration early is important. Our sink hole configurations guide explains common setups.
Deck hole spacing and side spray placement
Every bridge faucet model has its own required center spacing between the two handle holes. Newport Brass’s installation sheet for its 9452‑1 bridge faucet with side spray lists a center spacing range of 8 inches to 9‑11/16 inches. The document also recommends a deck hole diameter of 1.25 inches and states that the side spray hole should be at least 4‑3/4 inches away from the nearest faucet mounting hole. These numbers apply to that specific model; your own faucet may have different requirements, so always consult the instructions that come with it.
Moen’s installation sheet for its two‑handle kitchen faucet (INS919G) shows a similar layout with separate holes for the faucet body and the side spray hose guide. The sheet illustrates how the hose guide gasket and mounting nut secure the side spray escutcheon to the sink deck, and it provides different nut orientations for thin and thick decks. Again, these details are model‑specific and should not be treated as universal rules.
If you are replacing an existing faucet, measure the distance between the centers of the two outer holes and compare it to the range allowed by the new bridge faucet. The kitchen faucet types overview can help you understand how bridge models compare to other styles.
Installation steps and diverter connections
Newport Brass recommends installation by a professional plumbing contractor for its 9452‑1 model. The instructions note that petroleum‑based plumber’s putty will void the warranty and suggest clear silicone sealing materials instead. If the faucet is mounted to a stainless steel rim, an under‑mount support such as a piece of wood roughly 1/2 inch thick should be used.
The diverter assembly is a key part of the side spray connection. Newport Brass’s guide shows a quick‑connect adapter with an o‑ring that threads onto each shank and is torqued to 6‑12 lb‑ft. The diverter then attaches to the adapters, with the cold block going to the cold side of the faucet. If the cold block is installed on the hot side, the faucet will have no flow. The side spray hose drops through the escutcheon and threads onto the diverter. The manufacturer also notes that the faucet can operate without the side spray by capping the side spray connection on the cold block with a 1/4‑18 NPSM or 1/4‑18 NPT thread cap.
Moen’s INS919G sheet reminds installers to shut off the water supply before removing an old faucet and to open the faucet handle to relieve water pressure. The instructions show attaching flexible supply lines (not included) to the faucet shanks and then to the shut‑off stops. For models with a side spray, the hose weight is installed onto the spray hose, and the quick‑connect adapter is pushed onto the faucet body until a click is heard. A tug downward confirms engagement. The side spray hose then pushes into the adapter until it clicks. For installations without a side spray, Moen provides a hardware plug and lubricant to seal the opening.
Handle alignment may need adjustment after installation. Newport Brass describes loosening the adapter screw, rotating the cartridge adapter one tooth (18 degrees) at a time, and rechecking alignment until the handle sits correctly. A small gap between the handle and the bonnet prevents metal‑to‑metal contact.
Because bridge faucets connect to drinking water, any replacement parts or supply lines should meet the current lead‑free definition. The U.S. EPA explains that the Safe Drinking Water Act defines “lead‑free” as a weighted average of 0.25 percent lead calculated across the wetted surfaces of pipes, fittings, and fixtures, and 0.2 percent for solder and flux. Local plumbing codes apply, and hiring a licensed plumber is wise for new supply lines or any work inside walls. For more on what to check before you start, see our faucet measurements guide.
Caring for the finish
Kohler’s homeowners guide for faucets advises using a soft, dampened sponge or cloth and never an abrasive material such as a brush or scouring pad. The guide recommends wiping surfaces clean and rinsing completely with water immediately after applying any cleaner, and not letting cleaners soak on the surface. It also suggests trying a cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire faucet.
The same guide warns that cleaners containing abrasive cleansers, ammonia, bleach, acids, waxes, alcohol, or solvents can damage the finish and will void the warranty. The ideal cleaning technique, according to Kohler, is to rinse thoroughly and blot dry any water from the surface after each use. While the guide is specific to Kohler products, similar gentle cleaning habits help preserve the appearance of bridge faucets from any manufacturer. Our faucet maintenance page covers general upkeep in more detail.
Lead‑free materials and drinking water safety
Older chrome‑plated brass faucets can be a source of lead in drinking water, according to the U.S. EPA. The agency states that in homes without lead service lines, the most common problem is brass or chrome‑plated brass faucets and plumbing with lead solder. Current regulations require plumbing products that carry drinking water to meet the lead‑free definition. As of September 2023, manufacturers and importers must certify that their products comply with the lead‑free rule.
The EPA also notes that lead is a toxic metal that can be harmful even at low exposure levels, and that no safe level of lead in a child’s blood has been identified. If you live in an older home and are unsure about the materials in your existing faucet, you can have your water checked for lead. The agency recommends using only cold water for drinking and cooking, and regularly cleaning the faucet aerator to remove any trapped particles. These steps are especially relevant when installing a new bridge faucet that connects to existing supply lines. For a broader look at how bridge faucets fit into the kitchen faucet landscape, visit the bridge faucets category page and the main faucet types section.
Frequently asked questions
Do all bridge faucets need a side spray hole?
Not necessarily. Some bridge faucets are sold without a side spray, and manufacturers like Newport Brass note that the faucet can operate without one by capping the side spray connection. Moen’s instructions also include steps for a no‑side‑spray installation using a hardware plug. Check your model’s specifications to see if the side spray is optional or required.
Can I install a bridge faucet on a stainless steel sink?
Yes, but Newport Brass’s installation sheet for its 9452‑1 model recommends using an under‑mount support, such as a piece of wood roughly 1/2 inch thick, when mounting to a stainless steel rim. This helps stabilize the faucet. Always follow the mounting instructions that come with your specific faucet.
How do I clean a bridge faucet without damaging the finish?
Kohler’s homeowners guide suggests using a soft, damp cloth or sponge and avoiding abrasive pads or harsh chemicals. Rinse the faucet thoroughly after cleaning and blot it dry. Try any new cleaner on a hidden spot first. These gentle methods work well for most bridge faucet finishes.
For more on choosing and installing bridge faucets, see our bridge faucets category page.
