There are three reasons to replace the kitchen or Plastic Bathroom Faucet : if it fails and cannot be repaired, if the surface is worn and dented, or if you want to replace the old faucet with a more stylish faucet.

If you haven't bought a fixture for a while, you may be surprised by the wide variety of products. Prices range from approximately US$30 to more than US$400. The models are available in metal or plastic and come in various finishes.

If you plan to buy a new faucet to install an existing sink, then you must purchase the correct size model. This is determined by measuring the distance or distribution between the holes in the toilet or sink shelf. There are usually three holes: two for faucets and one in the middle for nozzles or plugs. Measure the distance between the center points of the outer hole.

Some sinks are only four inches wide. They require a device to mount the water outlet and faucet on a base. You must purchase new lamps to match this configuration.


After determining the size you need, please consider the material of the fixture. Inexpensive fixtures are made of plastic coated with thin metal. The low prices of these devices seem attractive, but the metal finishes are mainly decorative and wear out quickly.

Faucets with die-cast zinc alloy valve bodies are more durable, but also more expensive. These parts are plated with chromium or brass to protect zinc from corrosion, and they will wear well until the coating deteriorates; then they will begin to corrode.

Solid brass fixtures are the most durable and also the most expensive. Compared with fixtures made of other materials, they require less maintenance and are more resistant to corrosion caused by minerals in hard water. Solid brass fixtures may have chrome or nickel finishes. If not, they should have a proprietary lifetime finish (Delta Brilliance, Moen LifeShine, and Jado Diamond are popular finishes for brass fixtures).

Of course, if there is chrome plating, it is difficult to tell what any fixture is made of. The manufacturer should state on the package whether the faucet is all brass body, brass or chrome plated. Generally, you can judge the quality of the metal by the weight of the workpiece. Brass fixtures are heavier than faucets made of plastic or zinc alloy.

Surface treatment is very important, because it determines the appearance of the lamp and the ease of maintenance. Lamps with tin or satin finishes are easy to maintain because the matte surface can hide scratches, fingerprints and water stains. Lamps with shiny chrome and brass finishes are prone to water spots and soap film, so they must be polished frequently.


The handle configuration is another important option. Traditional lamps have two handles, one for hot water and the other for cold water. Many modern faucets have a handle for controlling hot and cold water. Some safety experts believe that single-handle faucets are safer in families with children. The handle can be left in cold water mode, so children who turn on the faucet will not be scalded by hot water. Although this is a good safety feature, it is not a substitute for lowering the thermostat setting on the water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

The shape of the handle includes a cross pattern, a round handle and a lever handle. The round knob has a stylish appearance and is suitable for modern design schemes, but it is difficult to grasp and turn. The lever handle is a better choice for elderly users or anyone who has difficulty operating a round knob.

Finally, consider the valve mechanism inside the faucet, because it will affect the price and reliability of the fixture. The compression faucet is the oldest mechanical device. Turning the handle will raise the valve stem inside the faucet. This will lift the rubber gasket from the valve port and allow water to flow through. The gasket will age due to exposure to hard water or over-tightening of the valve stem, but replacement gaskets are cheap and easy to replace.

Faucets with ball valves have a separate handle and an internal ball mechanism that can be turned to align with the hot and cold openings. Ball valves are durable and require less maintenance than compression faucets, but they have many small internal parts and are therefore tedious to repair.

The second sleeve faucet has a single unit, an ink cartridge that controls the water supply. Filter elements are used for single-handle and double-handle faucets. Repairing a leaking faucet requires opening it and replacing the entire faucet with a new part of the same configuration. This is a relatively simple task, but the cost of replacing ink cartridges is as high as $20.

Of course, there are many things to choose for faucets, but in fact, Plastic Kitchen Faucet is the same, so you can choose at the same time when choosing, whether it is a bathroom faucet or a kitchen faucet.