Faucets Guide

Faucets are the everyday fixtures that control water flow in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and outdoor areas. This exhaustive guide covers faucet types, popular brands, common issues, maintenance best practices, installation and replacement basics, cost considerations, and step-by-step how-to resources so you can choose, use, and care for the right faucet for your space.

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Types of Faucets Faucets Brands Common Problems How-To Guides Buying Guide Installation Maintenance Cost Guide FAQs Related Resources

Types of Faucets 4

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Faucets come in different styles and configurations that affect convenience, water control, and installation requirements. Use these type guides to match features (like pull-down sprayers or touchless activation) to how you actually use the sink.

Pull-Down / Pull-Out Kitchen Faucets

Flexible sprayer heads improve reach and cleaning. Great for busy kitchens and deep sinks.

Single-Handle Faucets

Control temperature and flow with one lever. Simple to use and common in kitchens and bathrooms.

Touchless Faucets

Hands-free activation improves hygiene and convenience. Ideal for kitchens and high-traffic bathrooms.

Two-Handle Faucets

Separate hot and cold controls. Popular for classic looks and precise temperature control.

Faucets Brands 41

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Brand matters for faucets because it influences finish durability, cartridge availability, warranty support, and long-term repairability. These brands are common choices with broad model lines and replacement parts support.

American Standard

American Standard offers a broad selection of kitchen and bathroom faucets at accessible price points, featuring solid brass construction and ceramic disc valves for drip-free performance. Their Colony and Delancey collections cover styles from traditional to contemporary.

Aquasource

AquaSource offers an affordable range of kitchen and bathroom faucets available exclusively at Lowe's, featuring basic chrome and brushed nickel finishes with WaterSense certification for water efficiency.

BLANCO

BLANCO's kitchen faucets feature pull-down sprayers, semi-professional designs, and their innovative SOLENTA-S Senso hands-free technology. Available in finishes that coordinate with SILGRANIT sink colors for a unified kitchen water place.

Bradley

Bradley offers a range of commercial faucets including touchless sensor-operated models, metering faucets, and the integrated WashBar technology that combines faucet, soap dispenser, and hand dryer in a single above-deck unit.

Brizo

Brizo's luxury kitchen and bathroom faucets feature distinctive designer aesthetics, patented SmartTouch hands-free technology, and the innovative Articulating Faucet with a multi-jointed arm for precise positioning. Collections like Litze, Kintsu, Odin, and Rook range from industrial chic to minimalist contemporary, with exclusive finishes including Luxe Gold, Matte Black, and Brilliance Polished Nickel.

California Faucets

California Faucets offers luxury kitchen and bathroom faucets in over 30 hand-applied artisan finishes, all made-to-order in their Huntington Beach factory. Collections range from contemporary to traditional, with options for custom finish matching to create a cohesive design throughout the home.

Caroma

Caroma faucets offer contemporary Australian design with WaterSense-certified flow rates and ceramic disc cartridges for long-lasting, drip-free performance.

Chicago Faucets

Chicago Faucets offers the widest range of commercial faucets in the industry, from manual and metering to sensor-activated touchless models. Their modular design philosophy means any component can be replaced in the field without removing the faucet, dramatically extending product life. Popular in healthcare (antimicrobial handles), education, and government facilities.

Danco

Danco is the #1 source for faucet repair parts including replacement cartridges, handles, seats, springs, aerators, and repair kits compatible with Delta, Moen, American Standard, Price Pfister, and other major brands.

Danze

Danze offers stylish kitchen and bathroom faucets with ceramic disc valves, modern and transitional designs, and coordinated collections. Their Parma, Amalfi, and Antioch lines cover contemporary to traditional aesthetics at mid-range price points with WaterSense-certified flow rates.

Delta

Delta faucets are found in more American homes than any other brand, featuring patented technologies like Touch2O (touch-activated), Touch2O.xt (proximity sensing), ShieldSpray for kitchen cleaning, MagnaTite magnetic docking for pull-down sprayers, and Diamond Seal valve technology with a lifetime no-drip guarantee. Collections span from traditional (Cassidy, Victorian) to contemporary (Trinsic, Essa) with extensive finish options.

Elkay

Elkay kitchen and bar faucets complement their sink lines with pull-down, pull-out, and bar/prep configurations. Their Avado and Explore collections offer modern designs with features like forward-only lever handles.

Fisher

Fisher manufactures commercial faucets, pre-rinse assemblies, and spray valves for foodservice, healthcare, and institutional applications. Their pre-rinse units are a fixture in commercial kitchens across America, featuring heavy-duty stainless steel construction, interchangeable spray valves, and WaterSense-certified low-flow options.

Franke

Franke kitchen faucets are designed to complement their sink systems, featuring pull-down sprayers, semi-professional styles, and filtered water dispensers. Their integrated water filtration faucets combine hot/cold and filtered water in a single unit.

Gerber

Gerber kitchen and bathroom faucets feature ceramic disc valves and solid brass construction for professional-grade durability. Collections range from traditional to contemporary styles with matching accessories.

Glacier Bay

Glacier Bay faucets are Home Depot's entry-level option for kitchen and bathroom faucets, offering basic ceramic disc valve technology, WaterSense certification, and modern styling at the lowest price points. Available in single-handle, two-handle, pull-down, and pull-out configurations.

Grohe

GROHE kitchen and bathroom faucets feature StarLight chrome finish (10x harder than industry standard), SilkMove ceramic cartridges for smooth operation, and SpeedClean anti-lime technology. Collections like Essence, Eurosmart, and Concetto span contemporary to transitional aesthetics. GROHE Blue and Red systems deliver filtered, chilled, sparkling, or boiling water directly from the faucet.

Hansgrohe

Hansgrohe faucets feature EcoSmart water-saving technology (up to 60% water savings), QuickClean anti-lime silicone nozzles, and Select push-button operation. Collections like Talis, Focus, and Metris cover contemporary to transitional styles. Their ComfortZone raised spout design provides more room in the sink.

Kohler

Kohler faucets span every price point and style, from the contemporary Simplice to the transitional Artifacts and traditional Devonshire collections. Technologies include Vibrant PVD finishes (2x harder than chrome), ProMotion flexible braided hose, MasterClean sprayface, DockNetik magnetic docking, and Touchless response with ReadyLock installation.

Kraus

Kraus kitchen faucets feature commercial-style designs like the Bolden and Artec Pro, plus pull-down models like the Oletto. All faucets use ceramic cartridges, include Reach technology for extended range, and come with Docking and Secure-Snap magnetic docking systems.

Krowne

Krowne manufactures commercial faucets including deck-mount and wall-mount kitchen faucets, pre-rinse assemblies, glass fillers, and pot fillers for restaurant, bar, and institutional applications. All products feature heavy-duty brass construction and NSF certification.

Mirabelle

Mirabelle kitchen and bathroom faucets with ceramic disc valves and coordinated collections in contemporary and transitional styles.

Miseno

Miseno kitchen and bathroom faucets at value price points with ceramic disc cartridges and multiple finish options.

Moen

Moen is the #1 faucet brand in North America with an extensive lineup spanning every style and price point. Kitchen faucets feature MotionSense touchless activation, Power Clean high-pressure spray, Reflex flexible hose system, and Duralock quick-connect installation. Bathroom faucets include single-handle, widespread, and centerset configurations. The Duralast cartridge provides smooth, drip-free operation backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

Newport Brass

Newport Brass manufactures luxury solid brass kitchen and bathroom faucets, shower fixtures, and bath accessories. Every piece is handcrafted in the USA and available in 30+ artisan finishes including PVD, living finishes, and custom options. Collections range from traditional to contemporary with matching accessories for coordinated bathroom and kitchen design.

Niagara Conservation

Niagara produces water-saving showerheads, faucet aerators, and flow restrictors designed to reduce water consumption without sacrificing performance. Their Earth showerhead line delivers satisfying spray at 1.25-1.5 GPM.

Oxygenics

Oxygenics manufactures water-saving showerheads and hand showers using patented oxygen-infusion technology. Their fixed-mount, handheld, and combo showerheads deliver a powerful spray experience at reduced flow rates. The RV and marine lines are designed for mobile applications where water conservation is critical.

Peerless

Peerless manufactures budget-friendly kitchen and bathroom faucets with Delta-engineered ceramic disc valves and reliable performance. Kitchen faucets include pull-out, pull-down, and side-spray configurations. Bathroom faucets include centerset and single-handle options. All faucets carry a limited lifetime warranty.

Pfister

Pfister manufactures kitchen and bathroom faucets at accessible price points with the Pforever Seal ceramic disc valve. Kitchen faucets include pull-down, pull-out, and the Xtract series with built-in GE water filtration. React touchless faucets activate with a wave of the hand. Bathroom faucets include widespread, centerset, and single-handle options in coordinated collections.

ProFlo

ProFlo kitchen and bathroom faucets at value pricing with ceramic disc cartridges for reliable drip-free performance.

Project Source

Project Source kitchen and bathroom faucets at Lowe's lowest price points for basic residential plumbing needs.

ROHL

ROHL manufactures luxury kitchen and bathroom faucets, shower fixtures, and accessories through the House of Rohl family of brands. Collections include Italian-made Lombardia and Campo, British-made Perrin & Rowe, and Canadian-designed Riobel. Available in 20+ artisan finishes with coordinated bathroom and kitchen accessories.

Signature Hardware

Signature Hardware kitchen and bathroom faucets in vintage-inspired and contemporary collections with coordinated accessories.

Sloan

Sloan sensor-operated commercial faucets, soap dispensers, and hand dryers for commercial restrooms.

Speakman

Speakman sensor and manual faucets for commercial restrooms, plus emergency eyewash stations and safety showers.

Symmons

Symmons commercial and residential faucets with Temptrol technology for consistent performance in high-use environments.

T&S Brass

T&S Brass manufactures commercial foodservice faucets, pre-rinse units, glass fillers, dipperwell faucets, and plumbing accessories for restaurants, hospitals, and commercial kitchens.

TOTO

TOTO bathroom faucets and accessories with sleek Japanese-inspired designs.

Vigo

VIGO kitchen and bathroom faucets with pull-down sprayers and contemporary styling.

Waltec

Waltec kitchen and bathroom faucets in chrome and brushed nickel for residential and commercial applications.

Waterstone

Waterstone handmade luxury kitchen faucets, pot fillers, bar faucets, and filtration faucets in over 30 custom finishes, all made in Murrieta, California.

Common Faucets Problems 6

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Most faucet problems start small—drips, low flow, stiff handles—and can waste water or damage cabinetry if ignored. These guides help you diagnose the cause quickly and choose the right fix.

Dripping Faucet

One drip per second wastes over 3,000 gallons a year. Usually a worn cartridge, washer, or seal -- straightforward DIY fix that stops the waste and the noise.

Leaking Under the Sink

Leak can come from supply lines, shutoff valves, faucet connections, drain, or P-trap. The cabinet hides it, so it often goes unnoticed until damage is underway. Finding the exact source is step one.

Loose Handle or Spout

Handle wobbles, spins, or feels loose? Spout rotates when it should not? Almost always a loose set screw, worn adapter, or deteriorated O-rings. Ten-minute fix, often costs nothing.

Low Water Pressure

Could be a clogged aerator or partially closed valve (five-minute fix), or a failing PRV, corroded pipes, or municipal issue. First step: is it one fixture, one area, or the whole house?

Noisy Faucet (Whistling / Hammering)

Whistling, screaming, chattering, or banging -- each sound has a specific cause. Whistling means restriction. Chattering means worn washer or cartridge. Banging when it shuts off is water hammer. Match the sound to the fix.

Sprayer Not Working

No flow, weak flow, or will not switch modes? Clogged diverter valve, kinked hose, mineral buildup in the head, or cracked hose. Diverter is the most overlooked cause and the most common fix.

Faucets How-To Guides 7

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These how-to guides cover common faucet maintenance, repair, and upgrade tasks without going too deep on the pillar page. Use them to navigate to step-by-step instructions tailored to your faucet type and brand.

How to Choose the Right Faucet

Everything you need to pick the right kitchen or bathroom faucet -- hole count, mount type, finish, valve technology, and features that actually matter for your sink and daily use.

How to Clean a Faucet Aerator

The 10-minute fix for low faucet pressure that most people overlook -- remove, clean, and reinstall your faucet aerator to restore full flow and fix uneven spray.

How to Fix a Leaky Faucet Base

Fix water pooling around your faucet base -- replace worn O-rings, tighten loose mounting nuts, or reseal a cracked base plate on single-handle and two-handle faucets.

How to Install a Kitchen Faucet

Remove an old kitchen faucet and install a new one from start to finish -- disconnect supply lines, pull the old faucet, mount the new one, and connect everything leak-free.

How to Replace a Faucet Cartridge

Replace a faucet cartridge to stop drips, fix stiff handles, and restore temperature control -- covers Moen, Delta, Kohler, and other major brands with the tricks for stuck cartridges.

How to Replace Faucet Supply Lines

Swap old supply lines for braided stainless steel -- the single best preventive measure against under-sink water damage, and a 20-minute job that could save you thousands.

How to Replace a Kitchen Faucet

Swap out an old kitchen faucet in about an hour. Covers single-hole and three-hole installations, supply line connections, and leak testing.

Faucets Buying Guide

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A faucet is a daily-use fixture—small feature differences can have a big impact. These buying topics help you compare finishes, features, compatibility, and long-term repairability.

Choosing a Faucet Finish

Compare chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, and more for durability, cleaning, and style.

Compatibility (Hole Count & Sink Setup)

Make sure the faucet matches your sink/ countertop hole configuration and mounting style.

Feature Comparison

Sprayers, touchless, filtration, swivel range, and more—what matters for your routine.

Budget & Installation Costs

Understand typical faucet price ranges plus what installation may cost depending on complexity.

Faucets Installation & Replacement

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Faucet installation is usually straightforward, but tight spaces, corroded fittings, and old shutoff valves can add complexity. These guides outline the process and help you decide when to call a plumber.

Installation Overview

What to expect when installing a new faucet, from shutoff to final leak checks.

Replacing Shutoff Valves

Old or leaking stop valves can cause headaches—learn the signs and replacement options.

Common Installation Mistakes

Avoid leaks and loose fixtures by following best practices for mounting and sealing.

When to Hire a Plumber

Know when corrosion, inaccessible shutoffs, or code issues make professional help worth it.

Faucets Maintenance

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Simple habits like cleaning aerators and checking for small leaks can keep your faucet operating smoothly and protect your cabinets from water damage.

Monthly Quick Checks

Spot early leaks, loose handles, and mineral buildup before they become bigger problems.

Cleaning Mineral Buildup

Remove scale from aerators and spray heads without damaging finishes.

Protecting Faucet Finishes

Prevent scratching and discoloration with finish-safe cleaning and care tips.

Winterizing Outdoor Faucets

Prevent frozen pipes and burst lines by properly shutting down and protecting exterior faucets.

Faucets Cost Guide

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Faucet costs vary based on brand, finish quality, features, and installation complexity. Use these cost guides to plan a realistic budget.

Typical Faucet Price Ranges

From budget to premium faucets—what you get at each tier.

Installation Cost Factors

Labor costs depend on access, shutoff condition, and whether plumbing updates are needed.

Repair vs Replace

When it's worth repairing a faucet vs upgrading to a new, more efficient model.

Long-Term Value

How warranty, parts availability, and cartridge design affect total cost of ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my faucet keep dripping?

A dripping faucet is usually caused by a worn cartridge, washer, or seal. Replacing the cartridge or internal seals typically resolves the issue, but identifying the correct part depends on brand and faucet type.

How do I know what faucet cartridge I need?

The easiest method is to find the faucet model number (often under the sink or on the manual) and match the cartridge to the manufacturer’s parts list. If that’s not available, the cartridge shape and brand markings can help identify it.

Can I replace a faucet without replacing shutoff valves?

Often yes—if the shutoff valves work properly and don’t leak. If the valves are stuck, corroded, or leaking, it’s a good time to replace them to avoid future failures.

What causes low water pressure at the faucet?

Low pressure is commonly caused by a clogged aerator, debris in the cartridge, partially closed shutoff valves, or supply line restrictions. Start by cleaning the aerator and checking the shutoffs.

Do touchless faucets require special plumbing?

Most touchless faucets install like standard faucets, but they require a power source (battery pack or outlet) and sometimes have extra components under the sink. Always confirm clearance and power options before buying.

How long do faucets last?

A quality faucet can last 10-20 years. Lifespan depends on water quality, usage, maintenance, and whether replacement parts remain available.