Faucets

Materials
Faucets display an almost infinite variety of styles and finishes.

They can be purchased in polished chrome, polished and antique brass, polished and satin nickel, gold, acrylic enamels of various colors, stainless steel, copper and mix-and-match combinations. Kitchen faucets come in single lever, pullout spray, high arch, offset handles, and so on. Bathroom faucets offer a similar set of alternatives. It's impossible to describe all the options here. Our best advice is to visit the websites of our various manufacturers to get a feel for what you like and then come to our showroom and see them first hand.

With all types of faucets, look for quality.

Avoid lightweight faucets with plastic integral parts and those that use washers to control the flow of water. An Inexpensive unit may look as good as the more expensive ones, but it will not last as long. The money you save buying it will just go to the plumber who has to replace it in a few years. The best faucets offer effortless operation and a long-lasting finish.

Styles and Types
Faucets come in all shapes and sizes. Some things you need to consider when making your selections are:

1) the type of handles you prefer (one or two)
2) the style you prefer
3) the finish you want
4) the requirements of the sink or lavatory it will be installed in
5) how much you want to spend.

In the case of kitchen faucets, consumers have more options today than ever before.

Faucets should be chosen to complement the architectural theme presented by the cabinetry and appliances. Some models are reminiscent of an old-fashioned pump, while others appear to be an example of modern sculpture. But a sweeping contemporary model would look out of place in a Colonial kitchen.

Likewise, faucets should fit into the overall color scheme. Most people opt to match the faucet to the sink, but one should look beyond to the other elements to make sure they all go together.

Single-handle faucets have the advantage of practicality, but two-handled faucets tend to be more stylish. The spout's height and reach should be considered, and the sink that you choose to go with it affects these factors. The spout should be long enough to reach into a sink's multiple basins and high enough to provide ample working room. High arch or gooseneck spouts are convenient for large pots and shallower sinks, but can overwhelm a compact kitchen setting. Pullout sprayhead spouts have grown to be quite popular, but look for a retractable double-interlock hose that won't kink.

Some manufacturers sell faucet bodies and handles separately. This is done so that the homeowner can mix and match colors or finishes to suit their personal taste. However, if the buyer is not aware of this, he could buy an incomplete faucet thinking he was getting a bargain price, only having to go back to buy the rest of the faucet later.

The important thing you'll need to know when choosing a bathroom lavatory faucet are the design of the sink or countertop in which it will be mounted. You will need to know whether you need a single hole design, a 4 inch mini-spread or centerset, or an 8 inch widespread.

For tubs and whirlpools you'll need to know whether your installation calls for a wall-mount, a deck mount, and whether a handspray will be required.

Shower faucets should be discussed with your plumber or designer; today's styles are so varied and the options so great that it's vital to understand what effect is desired or what supply lines will be available in order to determine the specific valves that will be needed.

Please read our articles on shower valves. Don't order shower valves without a clear understanding of your requirements. In addition, since all controls will be in the same room, it's best if they match in color and style.

To protect warranty claims, keep a copy of your receipt. Many warranties apply only to the original purchaser and you have to be able to prove that you bought it.

Finish warranties vary greatly. For example, Newport Brass offers 33 different metal finishes in their line of faucets. As with most manufacturers, their PVD line carries a lifetime warranty on the finish; all others carry a 10 year warranty to original purchaser except for a few models that are intended to appear rustic by design. These have no finish warranty.

Some products carry two to five year warranties on various components, such as hoses. Many offer extended warranties on the faucet bodies, although this does not apply to what may be considered to be routine repairs. Other models carry full limited lifetime warranties. Please check with the manufacturer on any model you may wish to purchase.

NOTE: Many faucets require additional trim to complete the faucet or faucet handle set. By allowing you to chose your own handles and trim, you have greater choices in the design and appearance of your faucet. Also, different faucet manufactures and different faucet types are purchased differently. For example, when purchasing a Moen Inspirations faucet, you must select the rough-in valve, the faucet body, the faucet accent, and the faucet accent trim pieces. Other Moen faucets might only require a handle, or come complete. Delta faucets are purchased in a similar manner.

Be absolutely certain that you buy your faucet and sink at the same time and from the same source to make sure they are compatible. The sink must be drilled or have holes punched out to match the faucet you buy, and not all units will go together. Some specialty sinks require special faucets that match them. Cultured marble tops need faucets with a longer spout to fit correctly because of the setback. Never 'assume' that everything will fit, and always ask your salesperson to verify that they will work together.

Drains are included with bath faucets but not kitchen faucets. The drain and the basket strainer must be bought separately with kitchen faucets and they must match, so they should also be bought together.

Options to Consider
Try to anticipate your needs before you buy, but also don't forget to consider more practical matters. For example, highly polished fixtures are very attractive when kept clean and shiny, but they do tend to show water spots more readily. Lavatory faucets on 8" centers are easier to clean than those on 4", as are single lever faucets over two-handle units.

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