If you spend much more, you’re paying for extra features or style rather than basic reliability or durability. This refers to the distance from the center of one hole to the center of the farthest hole on the other side. Known as Zamak (or Zamac), these alloys are comprised of zinc, copper, magnesium and aluminum in varying degrees, creating a relatively low-quality metal faucet. Other types of valves are usually drip-free for years, but they can’t match the long-term reliability of ceramic. Purchase the sink too soon, and you're stuck with the configuration originally selected. You'll also need 3/8 compression couplings to join the water lines to your existing plumbing and to the plumbing on the faucet. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Once you've figured out what type of mount and installation will best work in your situation, you can move on to the size and reach of the faucet. Spout Reach: How far will the faucet spout reach into the tub? But in the world of kitchen faucets, 18 inches are considered compact, an ideal size for smaller kitchens. This is especially so in areas with hard water - mineral deposits will wear plastic components sooner and more severely than metal. How far should a kitchen faucet reach? When looking for a pull spray faucet, take extra care to read listings and reviews carefully. But the surface is a coating (such as epoxy) rather than metal. If your faucet gets heavy use, it’s your best bet for long-term toughness. Most people choose a faucet based on looks alone. It is important to make sure the faucet’s spout will effectively reach the entire sink and that the size of the spout works with the size of the sink and with the overall kitchen … Looks are important, but you can usually get the look you want without compromising on convenience and long-term dependability. Kitchen faucets have one or two handles or levers. Watch the spout height and reach. Forios has managed to create a high flow kitchen faucet that will get half the job done by itself. It should have a long enough tap to reach over the sink — ideally with the spout above the center of the bowl — and the tap should have a minimum of 1-inch clearance above the sink rim. If the faucet is for a new sink (and won't be mounted on the wall), hold off on the sink until you find the faucet you want. If you're only replacing the faucet, you'll largely have to abide by the existing installation. What Is a Water Softener and How Does It Work? Most single handle faucets will require only one hole, while two-handle faucets will require two or three. Make a note of the measurements you take. ADA-compliant faucets will be labeled as such, adhering to the various specifications regarding range and ease of operation. If you’ve ever had a “side” sprayer (a spray handle mounted in the sink), you’ve probably had dribbles or leaks. Kitchen faucets have come a long way. First, there are practical matters. Compression faucets utilize rubber washers that degrade fairly quickly, leading to leaks and poor performance. In efforts to eliminate lead, some manufacturers have started to use PEX inside their faucets - which appears to be the exception to the "avoid plastic" rule. While metal alloy faucets can be a serviceable - if short lived - option for those on a tight budget, plastic faucets should be avoided. Pro Tip: Whatever the mount type or faucet, make sure there's enough room behind/around the handles to allow their full range of motion. Bronze faucets have a brownish tone and are often called “oiled” or “rubbed” bronze. 6 Ways You Can Unclog a Toilet Bowl Without a Plunger, Expert Tips for an Easy Faucet Installation, The Toilet Plunger Has FINALLY Been Redesigned, This Is What People Used Before Toilet Paper Existed, Here’s Why Old Houses Have a Random Toilet in the Basement, 5 Toilet Paper Alternatives That Will Definitely Clog Your Pipes — And 2 Things That Won’t, PEX Supply Pipe: Everything You Need to Know. This is where the great faucets are separated from the merely "good" ones. The Premier Online Plumbing Supplier Since 1995, Same day shipping for in-stock orders processed by 7pm EST M-F, click any link below to jump directly to that section, - Lew Wallace (1827-1905) American author. High-arc (aka "gooseneck") faucets are typically 8 or more inches tall: ideal for those regularly handwashing large pots and pans, or who simply want more space to work with above the rim of the sink. With a three-bowl kitchen sink, a spout with a short reach may not extend to all the bowls. If the wall behind your sink is an outside wall and you live in a cold winter climate, you should probably go another route: water supply pipes in outside walls can easily freeze when temperatures drop. You might get a great faucet for less, but it’s more likely that you’d get a low-quality faucet. To make sure it’s proportional, start with the spout’s reach – how far the spout extends over the sink. Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, and has been the most commonly used faucet material for some time. 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