The Complete Guide to Faucets
Complete Guide 1060 words
Everything you need to know about Faucets — from choosing the right type and buying smart, to installation, ongoing maintenance, and understanding costs.
Chrome
The most popular and affordable finish. Mirror-like shine, extremely durable, easy to clean. Shows water spots and fingerprints more than brushed finishes. Matches stainless steel appliances well. The safest, most timeless choice.
Brushed Nickel & Stainless
Soft, matte metallic finish that hides water spots and fingerprints better than chrome. The most popular upgrade finish. Warm tone complements both modern and traditional styles. Durable and easy to maintain.
Matte Black
Bold, contemporary finish that makes a statement. Hides water spots well but shows dust and dried soap. Pairs dramatically with white sinks and countertops. Powder-coated finishes are more durable than painted.
Oil-Rubbed Bronze & Specialty
Living finish that develops patina with use. Warm, traditional look. More expensive and less widely available. Polished brass is making a comeback. Specialty finishes cost 20-50% more than chrome.
Buying Tips
- Match your faucet finish to other hardware in the room -- cabinet pulls, towel bars, light fixtures.
- Buy all fixtures in the same finish at the same time from the same brand for consistency.
- PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) finishes are the most durable -- look for PVD in the product description.
- If you cannot decide, brushed nickel is the safest choice for any style.
View all Faucets buying guides →
Common Faucet Installation Mistakes
The most frequent faucet installation errors and how to avoid them.
Faucet Installation Overview
Everything you need to know about installing a new kitchen or bathroom faucet.
Replacing Shutoff Valves
How to replace old gate-style shutoff valves with quarter-turn ball valves.
When to Hire a Plumber for Faucet Work
Know the line between DIY faucet work and jobs that need a licensed plumber.
View all Faucets installation guides →
Cleaning Mineral Buildup on Faucets
How to remove and prevent hard water deposits from your faucets and aerators.
Monthly Faucet Quick Checks
A simple monthly routine to catch faucet problems early before they become expensive repairs.
Protecting Faucet Finishes
How to care for chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, and other faucet finishes so they last.
Winterizing Outdoor Faucets
How to prevent frozen pipes and burst hose bibs by properly winterizing outdoor faucets before the first freeze.
View all Faucets maintenance guides →
Faucet Installation Cost Factors
What affects faucet installation costs and what plumbers typically charge for the job.
Faucet Repair vs Replace
When to repair a dripping or malfunctioning faucet and when replacement is the better investment.
Long-Term Faucet Value
How to evaluate faucet purchases based on total cost over the fixture's lifetime.
Typical Faucet Price Ranges
What kitchen and bathroom faucets actually cost across budget, mid-range, and premium tiers.
View all Faucets cost guides →
