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.
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.

One point of note: Most lavatory faucets to include the drain, but most kitchen faucets do not.

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.

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.

Warranties

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.

Exterior Faucets
Hose Bibbs Sillcock Frost-Free