If you’re shopping for a new faucet, you might be asking: does the faucet come with a sink drain included? The answer is: sometimes. While many bathroom faucets are sold as packages that include a matching drain assembly, kitchen faucets usually do not come with drains. Knowing what’s included in your purchase is important to avoid unexpected extra costs or delays during installation.
Understanding Faucet and Drain Assemblies
A faucet controls water flow, while a drain assembly is the component installed in the sink basin that allows water to exit and connects to your plumbing. These are two separate parts, but in bathrooms they’re often sold together as a set for convenience and style consistency.
Bathroom Faucets and Drains
In most cases, bathroom faucets do come with a drain, especially when the faucet has a lift rod or pop-up drain mechanism. This ensures the drain matches the faucet finish (chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, etc.) for a uniform look.
Types of Bathroom Faucet Drains
- Pop-Up Drain with Lift Rod: Controlled by a small lever behind the faucet; included with most traditional bathroom faucets.
- Push-Pop Drain: Opens and closes by pressing down on the drain cover; sometimes included, sometimes sold separately.
- Grid Drain: Stationary with small holes, usually sold separately for vessel sinks.
Kitchen Faucets and Drains
Kitchen faucets almost never come with drains. Instead, the drain or strainer is sold separately and often comes with the sink itself. This is because kitchen sinks vary widely in size and design, and drains must match the sink’s drain opening (commonly 3.5 inches).
Kitchen Drain Options (Sold Separately)
- Basket Strainers: Standard for most kitchen sinks, often included with the sink purchase, not the faucet.
- Garbage Disposal Flanges: Used if you have a disposal unit installed.
- Deep Strainers: Designed for utility or bar sinks.
Why Drains Are Not Always Included with Faucets
- Customization: Homeowners may want to choose a different drain style than the faucet design.
- Different Applications: Kitchen and bathroom sinks use very different types of drains.
- Cost Control: Selling faucets and drains separately allows manufacturers to keep prices flexible.
- Compatibility: Drains must fit the sink’s drain hole size, which varies between sinks.
Costs: Faucet vs. Faucet with Drain
- Bathroom faucet with included drain: ₦25,000–₦80,000 ($80–$300 internationally).
- Bathroom faucet without drain: ₦15,000–₦50,000 ($50–$200 internationally); drain purchased separately ₦5,000–₦20,000 ($15–$50).
- Kitchen faucet: ₦30,000–₦120,000 ($100–$400 internationally), usually without drain.
- Kitchen sink strainer or drain: ₦8,000–₦25,000 ($20–$60 internationally).
How to Check if a Faucet Includes a Drain
- Read the product description carefully—manufacturers usually state if a drain is included.
- Look for terms like “pop-up drain assembly included” or “drain sold separately.”
- Check the box contents if shopping in-store.
- If buying online, review customer questions and reviews for confirmation.
FAQs
1. Do all bathroom faucets include a drain?
No. Most do, especially traditional models, but some modern faucets (like those for vessel sinks) are sold without drains.
2. Do kitchen faucets include a drain?
No. Kitchen drains are almost always sold separately or included with the sink, not the faucet.
3. Can I use any drain with any faucet?
No. Bathroom faucets with lift rods require a matching pop-up drain assembly. For vessel sinks, you need a push-pop or grid drain.
4. If my faucet doesn’t come with a drain, what should I buy?
Check your sink type. Standard basins use pop-up drains, vessel sinks use push-pop or grid drains, and kitchen sinks use strainers or garbage disposal flanges.
5. Is it better to buy a faucet with a drain included?
Yes, for bathrooms. It ensures a perfect finish match. For kitchens, it’s not necessary since drains are chosen based on the sink, not the faucet.
Conclusion
Not all faucets come with drains. Bathroom faucets often include a drain assembly, especially if they use a lift rod or pop-up design. Kitchen faucets, however, almost never come with drains—those are usually included with the sink or purchased separately. To avoid extra trips to the store, always check the product description before buying. This ensures you have everything you need for a smooth installation.