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Cold Only Faucet

Cold only kitchen faucets serve sinks that receive one supply line instead of a hot and cold pair. A standard mixing faucet blends water from two inlets, while single supply kitchen faucets use one inlet and one valve that regulates flow from the cold line only. With no hot side to plumb, these cold water faucet fixtures fit secondary sinks on islands, wet bars, and beverage stations, and they mount beside a main faucet as a dedicated drinking water tap. Most models install through a single deck hole, so confirm hole size, deck thickness, and connection type on the spec sheet before rough-in. To pair a cold-only unit with the main sink faucet, browse the full range of kitchen and bar faucets.


Cold Only Faucet Products

Products in this category are grouped by function, so each unit can be matched to its sink, water system, and application.

Bar and Prep Sink Faucets

Bar and prep sink faucets mount on secondary sinks used for rinsing produce, filling glasses, and cleaning bar tools. A cold-only model simplifies plumbing at an island or wet bar that has no hot supply. Pair them with compatible kitchen and bar sinks.

Drinking Water and Filtration Faucets

These faucets connect to under-sink water filtration and treatment systems, including reverse osmosis units, to dispense filtered drinking water. Inlet size and connection type vary by model, so check compatibility with the specific system before installation.

Chilled Water Dispenser Faucets

Chilled water dispenser faucets connect to an under-sink tank that stores and cools water for on-demand drinking. Some setups route water through a filter before the tank. Confirm the tank and faucet are listed as compatible, since connections differ between systems.

Single Supply Utility Sink Faucets

In garages, workshops, and laundry areas with only a cold line, cold only sink faucets provide a direct water source for rinsing and filling. Check the model's rating for the intended environment, since not every cold-only faucet is built for utility or outdoor use.

Supply Lines and Replacement Parts

A complete install also requires supply lines sized to the faucet inlet, plus shutoff valves where code calls for them. For maintenance, faucet parts and repair components such as cartridges, aerators, and O-rings restore flow and seal leaks.


How Cold Water Faucets Work and Where to Use Them

Single Supply Operation

A cold only faucet draws from one source: the cold supply stop, a filtration system outlet, or a chilled water tank. The handle opens a valve, often a ceramic disc or cartridge, that regulates flow to the spout. With no hot inlet, there is no mixing chamber and no temperature adjustment, which reduces the number of parts that need service.

Where to Use Them

Typical locations include island prep sinks, wet bars, beverage centers, and drinking water stations beside the main sink. Cold water kitchen faucets also work as kitchen faucets for cold water supply in remodels where running a hot line to a secondary sink is not practical. Utility and laundry sinks are suitable when the model is rated for that use. At a main sink, it can also supply filtered drinking water separately.


Key Specifications and Planning Steps

Mounting and Hole Size

Most units are deck-mounted through a single hole. Measure the sink or countertop hole and the deck thickness, then compare both to the ranges on the spec sheet. Review the kitchen faucet mounting options listed for each model, and confirm the minimum clearance from hole center to backsplash.

Supply Connection and Pressure

Inlet size and connection type, such as compression fittings, vary by manufacturer. Match the supply line to the listed inlet, and verify that water pressure falls within the operating range on the spec sheet. Pressure below that range reduces flow at the spout.

Codes and Certifications

Faucets that dispense drinking water in the US must meet federal lead-free requirements. Check each listing for certifications such as NSF/ANSI 61 and NSF/ANSI 372, plus ADA compliance where accessibility applies. Local plumbing codes may add requirements, so keep spec sheets and certification listings with the job file for inspection.


Choosing the Right Cold Only Faucet

Start with the application: drinking water, prep, bar, or utility. Next, confirm what the faucet connects to, whether a direct cold line, a filter, or a chilled tank. Compare cold water faucet styles, including spout height, reach, and handle type, against sink size and clearance. Then match the finish to the main faucet, since kitchen faucet finishes vary by model and cold water only faucets are often specified to coordinate with it. Finally, review the warranty terms and confirm that replacement cartridges are available for long-term service.


Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy a cold only faucet for a bar or prep sink, and what hole size should I check before ordering?

A cold only faucet for a bar or prep sink is sold through plumbing supply distributors and kitchen fixture suppliers, usually alongside kitchen and bar faucets. Before ordering, measure the sink or countertop hole and compare it to the hole size range on the product spec sheet.

How do I check whether a cold water only faucet is lead free and certified for drinking water before I buy it?

Review the product listing and spec sheet for lead-free compliance and certifications such as NSF/ANSI 61 and NSF/ANSI 372. Listings vary by model, so confirm them for each of the cold water only faucets under consideration rather than assuming they match.

What is the difference between a cold only faucet and a regular two-handle kitchen faucet?

A two-handle kitchen faucet connects to hot and cold supply lines and mixes them to set temperature. A cold only faucet connects to one cold line and uses a single valve, so it has no mixing chamber and no temperature control.

Can a cold only faucet connect to an under-sink filtration or reverse osmosis system, or do I need a different type of faucet?

Many cold-only models connect to under-sink filtration or reverse osmosis systems, but inlet size and connection type vary. Check the spec sheet for listed system compatibility. If the faucet is not listed as compatible, select a model designed for that system.

What spout and handle styles are available for cold only kitchen faucets, and how do I choose one that fits my sink layout?

Cold only kitchen faucets come in a range of spout heights, reach lengths, and handle types, such as lever or cross handles. Choose a spout that clears the basin and backsplash, and a handle that operates without contacting nearby fixtures. Compare the cold water faucet styles shown on each listing.

My sink only has a cold water line. What kind of kitchen faucet can I install on a single supply?

Install a cold-only model or other single supply kitchen faucets built for one inlet. These connect directly to the cold supply stop and regulate flow through a single valve. A standard mixing faucet requires both hot and cold supplies to operate as designed.

How do I check whether a cold only faucet is compatible with the water system under my sink before I connect it?

Compare the faucet's listed inlet size, connection type, and compatible systems against the outlet of your cold supply, filter, or chilled water tank. Filtration systems and chilled water tanks often name approved faucets in their installation guides, so check both documents before connecting.

What sink hole size and countertop thickness should I confirm before mounting a cold water faucet?

Confirm the hole diameter and maximum deck thickness listed on the faucet's spec sheet, then measure the sink or countertop to match. Thick stone countertops can exceed the range for some models, so check before drilling or ordering.

What supply connection does a cold only faucet use, and how do I match it to my existing supply line?

Connection size and type vary by manufacturer and model, and compression fittings are common. Check the inlet listed on the spec sheet, then select a supply line that matches it, using an adapter only where the manufacturer allows one.

Why does my cold only faucet have low water flow, and what should I check first?

Start by checking that the supply stop is fully open and the aerator is free of debris. If the faucet connects to a filter, a clogged cartridge can reduce flow. Then confirm that water pressure falls within the operating range listed on the spec sheet.

What is a cold only sink faucet used for in a home bar or prep sink setup?

Cold only sink faucets at a bar or prep sink supply water for filling glasses, rinsing produce, and cleaning bar tools without plumbing a hot line. Confirm on the product listing that the model is intended for bar or prep sink use.

Is a cold water only faucet suitable for a utility sink, and how do I tell if a model is rated for that use?

A cold water only faucet can serve a utility or laundry sink when the model is rated for that application. Check the listing for its intended use, materials, and environment, since faucets built for drinking water stations may not suit heavy utility use.

 How do I match the finish on a cold water faucet to my main kitchen faucet and cabinet hardware?

Note the finish name on the main faucet and cabinet hardware, then compare it to the finish options on the cold-only model. Kitchen faucet finishes can differ in tone between manufacturers, so compare product photos or finish samples side by side when possible.

What mounting options are available for cold only kitchen faucets, and how does a deck-mounted faucet install?

Deck mounting through a single hole is the most common option, and other kitchen faucet mounting options depend on the model. To install a deck-mounted unit, insert the shank through the hole, secure it from below with the mounting hardware, and connect the inlet to the supply line.

Do cold water kitchen faucets need a separate hole in the sink or countertop, and how far from the backsplash should it go?

Cold water kitchen faucets typically need their own hole in the sink deck or countertop, separate from the main faucet. Place it within reach of the basin and check the minimum clearance from hole center to backsplash on the spec sheet, since it varies by model.