There are so many websites full of product reviews out there. When I was putting this one together, I wanted to do something more than just the usual review site. Instead I’ve tried to do a little more for you than just tell you what’s bad or good about a specific faucet. This is why I’ve included the information page you’re now looking at.
If your kitchen faucet starts giving you problems, it’s tempting to just blame the manufacturer or to assume that the faucet is just worn out with time and needs to be replaced. Both these assumptions may be true in many cases, but if your faucet is acting up, why not look at the information here and see if you can do something to fix the problem? It’s probably cheaper than buying a new one right away, or even calling the plumber!
Installation
I hear this one all the time. We Americans love to do things for ourselves, and we’d rather take on another DIY project than pay a professional to do something for us around the home. The thing is, too many people dive into these projects head-first without properly studying the instructions, and sometimes they miss something important along the way that comes back to haunt them later.
The best advice I have to offer is this: don’t rush. Double-check that you have every tool you need close at hand before even thinking about starting the installation process. If you’re not sure you understand the instructions, try doing an Internet search, or speak to someone at the manufacturer’s technical department. Many of these are excellent, and the staff will happily answer all of your installation questions.
Leaks
Everyone hates leaks! In fact, this is probably the biggest reason that people decide to look for a new kitchen faucet.
There are many different kinds of leaks. Maybe the faucet is always wet near the spout’s base. Or in some cases the constant drip drives you crazy. Or maybe when you turn on the faucet, water comes out somewhere that it’s not supposed to. Before you decide to take on the task of buying and then installing a brand-new faucet, here are some things you should check out.
There are two main causes to all these leaking issues. The first is a worn-out O-ring that needs replacing. These rings don’t last forever and may need replacing more than once during the life of your faucet. Another possibility is that some other part is worn out, in which case you need to replace it. Take a look at the manual that came with your faucet (if it’s still kicking around). In most cases, a visit to your hardware store can solve the problem and get rid of the annoying leak.
Drop in Water Pressure
Is your water pressure dropping suddenly every time you turn on the faucet? If so, there are mineral deposits built up on the inside. You can take most faucets apart (if they’re of modern construction) to get rid of the lime-scale build-up. If the water where you live is very hard, it’s best to stay ahead in the game and do this chore on a monthly basis. An ounce of prevention pays off!
Of course it’s also possible that the water supply to your house could be at fault, but in this case you’ll notice low pressure in other parts of your home besides the kitchen faucet. If this is the case, I’d advise you to cave in and bring in a plumber.
Rust and Other Signs of Wear
If you’re starting to see rust on your faucet, you need to be careful. If it’s visible on the outside, in all likelihood the inside is getting pretty rusty too. This is not good for your water quality.
Other signs of wear might include spray heads and levers that are hard to move, or the finish getting a bit scruffy-looking. If your faucet is at this point it’s probably best to replace it, but I still think it’s worth your while to call a plumber first and see what he says.