Factors to Consider When Buying a Faucet

Factors to Consider When Buying a Faucet

The faucet is an integral part of your home. It helps you take care of basic tasks like washing dishes, cleaning and self-care, and it adds a stylish design element to the room. Faucets are available in a huge variety of styles, materials and finishes, making it easy to find one that matches your décor, complements your sink and countertop, and fits your budget. The number of choices can be overwhelming, however. Fortunately, understanding what factors are most important will help you narrow down your options and make the right choice.

While the majority of buyers purchase faucets based on appearance alone, style is not the only factor to consider. In fact, the most important consideration is functionality and durability. A well-designed faucet can stand the test of time and withstand daily use for years to come. Faucets are also designed to meet certain water-saving standards, which can save you money and contribute to a greener household.

Before you head to the showroom or start browsing online, decide what features are most important for your kitchen. For example, do you want a tall or short spout? If you have a double-handle faucet, how do you prefer to control temperature and flow? And do you need a wall-mounted or pot-filler faucet? If you’re remodeling your kitchen, determine how many holes are already pre-drilled in your sink and countertops to ensure that the new faucet will fit.

The first thing to look for is a faucet material that matches your sink and countertop. Faucets are made of different metals including brass, bronze, nickel and stainless steel. Each has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. For example, nickel is durable and affordable, but it stains easily. Bronze has a warm, traditional appearance and is easy to clean, but it is less durable than nickel. Brass faucets contain a small amount of lead, which is hazardous to your health. The good news is that recent regulations have reduced or eliminated lead in most faucets.

Once you’ve determined your preferred material, think about the finish. Chrome and brushed nickel are modern and classic, while bronze has a more rustic appeal. Matte black and brushed stainless steel are popular, too. A black finish matches a wide range of paint colors, while bronze works best with off-white, gray and tan shades.

Once you’ve decided on the material and finish, you can select a faucet with additional features. For example, water-saving models are becoming increasingly common. You can also find models with a touch sensor, which allows you to turn the faucet on and off with your finger. Some even offer a “voice activation” feature, which allows you to control the faucet with your voice. If you’re concerned about environmental concerns, you can choose a faucet with an Eco-Select or WaterSense label. These models meet EPA standards and will save you money on your utility bills while helping the environment.

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