As they say, looks aren’t everything but they do count. However, in terms of a faucet, functionality counts a lot and top-notch functionality with good looks becomes an advantage, especially for those wishing to have the best of both for their kitchens and bathrooms.
Choosing a faucet for either the kitchen sink or the bathroom sink is a tricky job. Numerous styles exist and at times, the most good looking ones at a bargain price tag just don’t work whereas the same price tag for a rustic one is a worthwhile long term investment.
The wide variety of taps in the market, especially in styles, materials, finishings and prices can overwhelm a lot of people. People don’t want a faucet breaking down in a few years, they want one that can last long. Here are some factors people should look at when they are in the market for a new faucet:
Looks are not the only thing
A lot of people choose faucets based on how good they look. This can be erroneous. It is true that looks are important but functionality matters too. Moreover, people can get a really nice looking faucet that also works well, is convenient and dependable for a long time.
All is not lost because keeping these practical considerations in mind, faucet designers, producers, retailers along plumbers have the following to say:
Do spend nicely but not beyond the bank
It would be wise for people to spend at least $70 for a bathtub (bathroom) faucet and approximately $100 for a kitchen faucet. A great faucet can be found for less but the likelihood of a low quality good looking one for a bargain price is high.
If people spend a lot more, they are either paying for a more stylish one or a faucet loaded with extra features instead of the needed durability or dependability.
Keep a look for the height and reach of the spout
Faucet spouts have varying heights and reach, and usually, people choose the one that looks the best. In case there is a shelf above the sink, the one with a tall spout simply won’t fit in very well.
With a three-bowl kitchen sink, a spout having a short reach might not extend well to all the bowls. A bathroom faucet with a short reach, when used on a bathroom sink, might cause people to inadvertently splash some water behind the spout when they wash their hands.
Select ceramic valves, they are drip-proof
If people wish to avoid having a faucet that drips, then they should get a ceramic one. Other kinds of shower diverter valve usually are free from dripping for quite some time, but they are often unable to match the long-term reliability ceramic offers. Faucets having ceramic valves usually cost almost the same as other faucets.
Some finishings can be tougher than others
The first rule about faucet finishings, choose one that matches nearby things, cabinet hardware, towel bars etc. because mismatches look really strange.
If people are planning to replace their existing hardware, then the choice of faucet finishings they have is wide open. A vast majority of them have either satin nickel, polished chrome or shiny bronze ones. Most of these finishings are durable and keep their looks for years. Yet, there are some that are more durable than others.
Chrome is the most durable finish available and is also among the easiest to clean. This is the reason it has been a hot favorite for public restrooms and commercial kitchens. If people need a heavy use faucet, they can always opt for a chrome finish one.
Nickel finishes are often labeled as brushed, satin or stainless steel. They also have a dull shine. Faucets of this kind are usually durable but are prone to having fingerprints smudged on them along with water spots. Hence, they are hard to clean.
Some of them have a coating that can significantly cut down smudges and stains, but that coating is not durable, and can either peel off, or be worn down.
Lastly, bronze faucets have a brownish tone, and are usually known as oiled or rubbed bronze. The surface however is an epoxy coating usually, instead of metal. This coating might look tough, but can however be chipped and scratched off easily in comparison to metal.
The number of holes in the sink should be counted
If people want to switch from two handles to one handle, then they must count the number of holes in the sink. A vast majority of sinks usually have three holes; of which one is for hot, one is for cold and the other right under the spout. There are some faucets with single handles which have a cover plate to hide the extra holes.
However, some single-handle faucets do not have those cover plates. Hence people should check the labels carefully. If people currently have a widespread bathroom faucet with two handles distant from the spout, then they cannot switch to a single-handle model.
For those who want a kitchen faucet with a pull-down sprayer mounted in the spout, there will be an empty sprayer hole. The solution is simple as all that is needed is the installation of a soap dispenser. The new faucet may even include one.
A single handle is quite convenient
Two-handle faucets have a good looking symmetrical pattern that suits a lot of bathrooms (especially traditional bathrooms). Yet, single-handle faucets have practical advantages as they are convenient, provide water temperature adjustment with ease and usually easy to clean too.
Pull-down sprayers are known to be much better
If people ever had a side sprayer (a spray handle present in the sink), then they have probably experienced leaks. They might also assume they have had more issues with a faucet-mounted sprayer, but that may not be the case.
Experts in plumbing and faucet production reveal that pull-down sprayers are much more reliable in comparison to old fashioned side sprayers.
Conclusion
It might seem a bit of a handful, but is surely helpful; these facts are proven and verified by experts to help you choose the right kind of faucet for either your kitchen, your bathroom or both.
