| Shopping for a new faucet? A few things to consider | | | | style before you get it installed. Now while each of |
| So the old kitchen or bathroom faucet is about to | | | | you is off checking to see what finish your door |
| give up the ghost? Leaking more water when turned | | | | hinges are, Ill began work on item #3. |
| off than when on? Handles wobble? Maybe | | | | 3. Shape and style are a big decision. There |
| you’re just tired of looking at it and jealous of | | | | are hundreds of different styles and shapes. The high |
| your neighbor’s newly remodeled kitchen and | | | | arcing faucet used to be just for bar sinks, but now |
| just want something new? With the economy the | | | | are common place in kitchens and bathrooms |
| way it is today most of is can’t afford new | | | | because they are easier to use. Easier to fill a pot, |
| granite countertops and stainless appliances but we | | | | easier to get several little hands under to wash, and |
| can take on a few simple do it yourself projects and | | | | in my case easier to pile more dirty dishes under |
| give your kitchen or bath a new look. Before you do | | | | them before having to wash them. Contemporary |
| that you need to make some simple decisions as to | | | | design has taken on the look of something from |
| what you want as opposed to what to have had. Do | | | | the “Jetsons” and are truly beautiful. If |
| you like the function of what you have now? Or | | | | country is your style there are even faucets now |
| would you rather go to a single lever? Don’t like | | | | that imitate the look of the old well pump handle that |
| the shape, the look, the finish? All of these things are | | | | was a permanent fixture in old kitchens. So look |
| just the starting point. | | | | online, go to the big box stores, BUT DON’T |
| On a point by point basis let’s look at the | | | | BUY THERE!!!! Touch feel, turn the knobs, pull the |
| decision process: | | | | handles and makes basic decision as to what works |
| 1. Single lever or two handled? Maybe | | | | best for you. |
| you’ve always had a two handled faucet in the | | | | 4. In the kitchen, the latest innovation is the |
| kitchen and don’t know how much easier it is to | | | | pull down sprayer. The sprayer is actually the spout |
| fill a pot or work with food by having one hand free. | | | | of the fixture as opposed to the separate sprayer |
| Inversely you have worked for years to make your | | | | mounted on the side. Some people find the new |
| home have that country look or maybe you live in a | | | | style wonderful others would rather have a sprayer |
| 100 year old treasure and the single handled faucets | | | | separate from the faucet function. It’s a matter |
| just don’t fit your style. Either way the decision | | | | of taste, style and functionality. Again play with them. |
| making process begins with that decision. Oddly | | | | If you have a neighbor, with a pulldown, go and use |
| enough there is a large selection of both old | | | | hers. If still in doubt go to one of the many forums (I |
| fashioned and extremely contemporary faucets | | | | follow over 30 per day myself) and ask the question. |
| available in both single and double handles. So | | | | If 10 people give you answers you will get 10 totally |
| don’t let that be the arbitrator. Decide what you | | | | different opinions so think it over for yourself. |
| really like and want. The investment in a good quality | | | | 5. Cost is based in several factors, first of |
| faucet can be expensive and should be a long term | | | | course is where you buy it. Look for price gurantees |
| investment, so know what you want before you | | | | and the best customer service. The primary cost |
| buy. | | | | factor, though, isn’t where you buy it but what |
| 2. Finish or color, bright chrome? Polished | | | | is made of, how its made and to great extent where |
| nickel? Satin finished nickel? Oil rubbed bronze? Blue, | | | | its manufactured. Faucets can be made of brass, |
| almond, white, black? Yep there are fixtures available | | | | plated steel, stainless steel or even plastic. The |
| in many different colors and finishes. Being the | | | | internal working parts can also have a major effect |
| current owner of an almond model I have to tell you | | | | on cost but also on durability. Plastic washers |
| that I thought it was the greatest things since grits | | | | won’t last as long as brass, so you must |
| (yeah Im from Georgia where grits are great) but | | | | research and examine your choice and make sure |
| now with the advent of stainless steel appliances and | | | | that you choice is made of quality materials. |
| new counter top colors and materials the almond just | | | | 6. Now you’ve read all of this, |
| looks dirty. Although I have no 6th sense or crystal | | | | you’ve planned your trip to the big orange |
| ball I have the same sense about the | | | | store(but didn’t buy), you’ve bugged your |
| “trendy” colors of today. I saw a question | | | | neighbors, you have read all 30 of the forums and |
| on a forum the other day asking “should we | | | | have made your decision. Go online and search the |
| match the faucets to the light fixtures or to the door | | | | many great internet plumbing supply businesses such |
| handles and hinges?” Well my answer was which | | | | as the one I represent. |
| are you likely to change first? The light fixture or the | | | | 7. HAPPY SHOPPING and while |
| hinges on the door? So In my humble opinion choose | | | | you’re checking out websites or talking to |
| a finish you like and will be happy with as long as the | | | | customer service reps let them help you really dress |
| door hinges and not a trendy color that will be out of | | | | up your bath or kitchen with a new light fixture. |