Get a Handle on the Kitchen Faucet

An In-Depth Guide to Choosing, Installing, and Maintaining Your Kitchen Faucet

Kitchen faucets are often one of the most used fixtures in your home, so choosing the right one is an important decision. From sleek modern designs to traditional styles, today’s faucets offer a wide range of features, finishes, and innovations. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about selecting, installing, and caring for your kitchen faucet.

Choosing the Right Kitchen Faucet

When shopping for a new kitchen faucet, there are several factors to consider in order to find the best option for your space and needs.

Faucet Styles

Kitchen faucets come in 4 main styles:

Two-handle faucets – This traditional style has separate handles for hot and cold water. The handles are typically 4 inches apart.
Single-handle faucets – These have one lever that controls both hot and cold water. They take up less space and are popular in modern kitchens.
Touch faucets – These high-tech faucets turn on and off with just a tap anywhere on the spout or handle. They are very convenient but also more expensive.
Pull-down spray faucets – This style has a spray head that pulls down for added flexibility when rinsing dishes or cleaning the sink. The spray head retracts back into the faucet when not in use.

Consider the style that will best suit your kitchen’s configuration and that you find most convenient and easy to use.

Faucet Finishes

Kitchen faucets come in a variety of metal finishes, including:

Chrome – A shiny silver finish that has a clean, modern look. It may show water spots.
Stainless Steel – Has a contemporary vibe and hides fingerprints well. Can match stainless steel appliances.
Matte Black – A popular on-trend finish with an industrial feel. Finish may chip or scratch over time.
Bronze, Copper, Gold – Warmer metal tones that can provide a traditional or antique look. Keep in mind excessive water exposure can cause discoloration.
Nickel – Durable and easy to keep clean. Often found in brushed nickel which has a satin sheen.

The finish you choose is mostly a matter of personal style preference. Keep in mind your kitchen’s color scheme and what will complement your sink material and other fixtures.

Faucet Mounting

The vast majority of kitchen faucets mount directly to the sink or countertop with 1 or 3 holes needed to accommodate the faucet and handles/spray head. There are a few other less common mounting styles:

Wall-mount – The faucet is installed directly to the wall above the sink basin. Allows for an unobstructed sink workspace.
Deck-plate – Covers extra sink holes and allows you to install a faucet with less holes than your sink. Flexible but prone to clutter underneath.
Bridge – Connects together over the sink between two handle pieces. Creates a clean contemporary look.

Faucet Height

Standard faucet heights range from about 8 inches to 17 inches. When choosing, make sure your faucet:

Is high enough to allow clearance between the spout and backsplash/wall.
Is at a comfortable height for prepping and washing tasks.
Won’t splash out of deeper sinks. Over high faucets can cause splashing.
Has clearance underneath for a water purifying filter if desired.

Water Pressure

Pay attention to a faucet’s minimum and maximum PSI (pounds per square inch) requirements. Most household water pressure ranges from 40-80 PSI. If your water pressure is on the high or low side, look for a faucet rated for that PSI range.

High water pressure can damage a faucet over time while low pressure can affect water flow and washing ability. Call a plumber if you need help determining your kitchen’s water pressure.

Flexible Options

Look for swiveling or rotating spouts and pull-down/pull-out spray heads for increased flexibility when washing dishes or cleaning the sink area.
Extended faucet heights allow you to fill larger pots and containers.
Magnetic docking helps securely lock spray heads back into place.

Ease of Use and Convenience

Washerless valves reduce drips and leaks over time.
Touchless activation allows for hands-free use.
Soap/lotion dispensers keep these items within easy reach.
Integrated LED lights illuminate the sink area.
Motion-activated faucets turn on with a wave of the hand.

Water Conservation

To save water, choose a faucet with:

Low flow rates (1.5 GPM or less). Look for WaterSense certified models.
Aeration to reduce splashing.
Pause/slower activation to avoid overflows.
Automatic shut-off sensors.

Brand, Warranty, and Certifications

Look for trusted, reputable brands like Moen, Delta, Kohler. Many offer limited lifetime warranties on function and finish defects. Also look for certifications like WaterSense, ADA compliance, NSF, and lead-free materials.

Get Your Perfect Match

Be sure to choose a faucet that will properly fit your existing sink holes and configuration. Check if additional plumbing alterations will be needed for installation. Keeping these factors in mind will ensure you select the ideal faucet for your kitchen’s style and setup.

How to Install a Kitchen Faucet

Installing a new kitchen faucet is an achievable DIY project for many homeowners. Follow these steps for a successful faucet installation:

Step 1: Turn Off Water Supply Lines

Locate the supply lines under the sink that connect to the existing faucet. Turn off the hot and cold water shut-off valves by turning them clockwise. This prevents water pressure and leakage when removing the old faucet.

Open the faucet to relieve pressure and ensure water is completely shut off. Disconnect and drain the supply lines. Use a bucket or towels to catch any drips.

Step 2: Remove the Old Faucet

Use a faucet wrench or pliers to loosen and disconnect the supply lines along with the mounting nuts that hold the faucet to the sink. Remove the old faucet, taking care not to damage your sink. Clean away any old putty or accumulated gunk with light scrubbing.

Step 3: Prep the New Faucet

Read the manufacturer’s instructions. Place the faucet through the holes in your sink. Ensure any rubber gaskets or washers are in place below the faucet base. Hand tighten the mounting nuts below the sink to secure the new faucet initially.

Step 4: Connect Water Supply Lines

Hook up the hot and cold water supply lines to the corresponding faucet connections using threaded connections or quick-connect fittings. Make sure any O-rings are properly seated.

Leak check the connections – turn on the water supply and check above and below for any drips. Tighten if needed before proceeding.

Step 5: Final Installation Steps

From above the sink, use a faucet wrench to give the mounting nuts a final tightening. Don’t over tighten. Remove the faucet’s aerator tip and turn on the water supply. Flush the lines for a minute to rinse out any debris.

Turn off water, re-attach the aerator, and do a final leak check. Enjoy your new, easy-to-use kitchen faucet!

How to Repair Common Kitchen Faucet Problems

Kitchen faucets undergo heavy daily use. Over time certain problems can develop. Many basic faucet repairs you can tackle yourself without needing to replace the entire unit. Here are some tips for diagnosing and fixing common kitchen faucet issues:

Dripping Faucet

Potential Cause – Worn washers or valve seals. Mineral build-up or debris.

Fix – Replace old rubber washers with new ones of the same size. Carefully clean or replace any dirty or damaged valve seals. Use water-pump pliers to remove stubborn parts.

Leaky Handle

Potential Cause – Loose handle hub or worn gaskets inside the handle assembly.

Fix – Remove the handle and inspect inner hardware. Tighten the handle hub screw or replace worn out gaskets if needed. Replace the handle.

Low Water Pressure

Potential Cause – Clogged aerator screen or spray nozzle. Supply line blockage.

Fix – Unscrew and clean out aerator screen. Use needle-nose pliers to gently straighten any bent nozzle holes. Inspect and clean supply lines.

Loose Faucet Base

Potential Cause – Loose mounting nuts under the sink. Worn plastic washers or putty seal.

Fix – From below sink tighten the mounting nuts with pliers or faucet wrench. Replace old, hardened plastic washers. Reapply plumber’s putty around faucet base.

Leaking Around Base

Potential Cause – Damaged O-ring. Putty seal needs replaced.

Fix – Replace O-ring with exact size match. Remove old putty with putty knife. Reseal with new plumber’s putty.

No Hot or Cold Water

Potential Cause – Shut off valves closed. Diverter problem. Supply line issue.

Fix – Make sure hot and cold shut-off valves under sink are open. Clean or replace diverter if needed. Inspect supply lines for kinks or clogs.

Keeping Your Faucet Performing Like New

A properly maintained faucet will have a much longer lifespan. Follow these tips:

Wipe down regularly with a soft cloth to prevent mineral buildup. Avoid abrasive cleaners or chemicals.
Use a protective faucet cover during renovations to prevent damage from dust or debris.
Lubricate any O-rings yearly with non-petroleum grease.
Immediately repair any leaks or dripping to prevent future headaches.
Deep clean spray heads and aerator screens every 3-6 months.

Taking good care of your kitchen faucet will ensure it stays in top working condition for years of daily use.

What are the different types of kitchen faucet finishes to choose from?

When selecting a new kitchen faucet, the finish is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The finish plays a key role in the aesthetic, durability, and functionality of your faucet. Here are some of the most popular kitchen faucet finish options:

Chrome – A shiny silver finish that resists tarnish and corrosion. Provides a clean, reflective look.
Stainless Steel – A contemporary look, less reflective than chrome. Withstands fingerprints and water spots.
Matte Black – A modern, edgy finish gaining popularity. The muted look hides smudges.
Bronze – A classic, warm metal patina. Comes in dark antique to lighter brushed variations.
Nickel – A durable grey metallic finish available in brushed or satin. Stands up well to washing.
Copper – A soft, gentle finish that emits vintage or old-world charm. Ages naturally over time.
Gold/Rose Gold – Glamorous metals that bring luxury to the kitchen. Gold is polished while rose gold has a softer pink sheen.
Oil Rubbed Bronze – Dark brown color with a textured feel. Shows crafted antique appeal. Can mark easily.

Consider the look you want alongside practical matters like visibility of fingerprints and durability. This will ensure you select the ideal finish.

What are the benefits of a pull down sprayer kitchen faucet?

Kitchen faucets with pull-down sprayers have become a sought after feature in today’s kitchens. Here are some of the benefits this versatile faucet style offers:

Extended Reach – The hose allows you to pull the spray head down closer to the bottom of large pots or sinks.
Powerful Stream Setting – Helps rinse debris and heavy food residue off cookware with more pressure.
Adjustable Spray Patterns – Switch from concentrated jet spray to wide dispersed spray for more cleaning capabilities.
Retractable Hose – Allows you to return the sprayer head to its docked position with ease when not in use.
Pivoting Spout – Combining with a spout that swivels adds even more range of motion for convenience.
Flexible Solution for Cleaning – Maneuver the pull-down sprayer to access all areas of the sink and faucet.
Fits Any Sink – Handy for deep double bowls or oversized sinks that require extended reach.
Hygienic – Being able to point the sprayer directly where you need it helps rinse away bacteria or food debris.

The versatility of a pull-down sprayer makes it a very useful addition for busy kitchens. Just be sure to look for a securely retracting hose and durable construction.

What should I consider when choosing a finish for my kitchen faucet?

Choosing a finish is one of the most important decisions when buying a new kitchen faucet. Consider the following factors when selecting a finish:

Personal Style – Match your faucet finish to your kitchen’s overall design aesthetic. Mixing finishes can add visual interest.

Durability – How prone to scratching, tarnishing or showing water spots a finish is should factor into choices for heavy-use kitchens.

Easy to Clean – Finishes that resist fingerprints, smudges, soap buildup, and hard water deposits will stay looking cleaner longer.

Coordinate With Other Fixtures – Complement other metals and finishes used on cabinet hardware, lighting fixtures, and appliances.

Existing Sink Material – Some finish pair better with certain sink materials like stainless steel or enamel porcelain.

Lighting Amount – Darker oil-rubbed bronze works better in dim spaces than shiny chrome that can show glare.

Traditional or Contemporary – Traditional looks like antique bronze pair well in old-world kitchens, while contemporary matte black suits modern spaces.

Considering these factors will help narrow down your options and select the ideal finish to suit your kitchen.

What are the pros and cons of a touch sensitive kitchen faucet?

Touch sensitive kitchen faucets provide convenient, hands-free operation. But are they the right choice for your kitchen? Consider these pros and cons:

Pros:

Motion activation is very convenient and sanitary when hands are messy or full.
Allows for easy one-touch flow and temperature control.
Sleek, modern styling with advanced technological appeal.
Touch technology eliminates handles and knobs that can collect dirt and bacteria.

Cons:

More expensive than standard faucets.
Can be overly sensitive, activating water unintentionally.
Lacks tactile feedback of handle controls.
Needs battery pack or electrical outlet for power.
Repairs usually require specific manufacturer-made parts.

For many busy cooks, the conveniences of touch operation outweigh the downsides. But consider your needs, budget, and kitchen setup before deciding. Trying out an in-store model first can help determine if this tech-savvy faucet style is right for your home.

What are some tips for cleaning a kitchen faucet?

Regular cleaning keeps your kitchen faucet looking shiny and new while getting rid of built-up grime. Here are some effective cleaning tips:

Wipe down weekly with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Rinse and dry completely.
For stuck-on dirt or hard water stains, rub gently with a non-abrasive cleaner like baking soda. Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing.
Soak any removable parts like aerators or spray heads overnight in white vinegar to dissolve mineral deposits.
Use a toothbrush dipped in vinegar to gently scrub around any perforated areas and nozzle holes.
Run citrus fruit rinds over stainless steel to remove stubborn spots and restore shine.
Sprinkle on some dry baking soda, then scrub with a wet cloth. Helps remove soap scum.
For chrome finishes use rubbing alcohol applied to a soft cloth to remove water spots and smudges.
Don’t use harsh chemical cleaners, steel wool or abrasive scrubbers which can damage finishes.

With regular TLC and the right cleaning methods, your kitchen faucet will stay looking great for years of daily use.

How can I prolong the life of my kitchen faucet and prevent leaks?

Your kitchen faucet undergoes heavy use day in and day out. Follow these tips to keep it running smoothly and prevent leaks:

Clean spray head nozzles – Use a needle or pin to clear any clogged nozzle holes that can cause leaks.
Lubricate O-rings – O-rings should be greased once a year to prevent cracking and leaks.
Tighten connections – Check pipes, supply lines and mounting nuts for tightness to prevent drips.
Adjust sink strainer – Clogged drains can cause added pressure and wear on faucet parts.
Insulate pipes – Preventing freezing pipes reduces temperature damage and leaks.
Use faucet gently – Don’t let faucet bang down onto sink or yank spray head roughly.
Install water hammer arrestor – Helps absorb shock of quick water flow turn-off that can loosen pipes.
Replace washers – At