Tell me how to buy a bathroom faucet

[mattkime]

As best I can tell they all do the job, its just how 'stylish' or expensive they are.

Shopping for faucets is boring. I don't need a design statement. I'm happy with pleasant but forgettable - like other bathroom items.

[Dennis S]

I've been looking. Here's what I know:

• Delta seems to be the "Toyota" of the industry.
• There seems to be a point where they have a feel of metal rather than plastic. I haven't found it but it seems to be well-over $100
• There is not much choice for the one-handled ones. Lots of them look like the ones in an Exxon bathroom
• I am always open to something that's low-priced getting the job done, but I have heard several stories of a cheap one being a bad idea
• You basically hav a choice of chrome, stainless, brushed nickel, and darker bronze
• Make sure it includes the mechanism that raises the stopper
• There are lots to choose from on Amazon

[steve...]

When I bought mine, I was thinking easy to clean, easy to keep clean. Nothing fancy with crevices for dirt to get into.

I'm also a fan of the single lever style that you can turn on and off with your elbow, if necessary.

[clay]

buy a quality brand like Delta. Avoid knockoff brands that you've never heard of.

[NewtonMP2100]

.....the only experience has been with Farrah.....Faucet......

[Markintosh]

Installing bathroom faucets is absolutely zero fun. Unless you have a one piece vanity top that comes off of the cabinet, it means you're crawling into the bathroom cabinet and playing contortionist while you remove the old faucet and install the new.

• You'll nee a decent headlamp, and water will likely drip into you eyeball, so wear some sort of eye protection.

• You'll come out with at least one busted knuckle and a back ache from the edge of the cabinet hitting you right about L3.

• It's not a job you'll be wanting to redo anytime soon because you cheaped out. Pay for something better now.

• Whatever finish you choose today will suddenly become the plague 6 months from now and your wife will want you to change it again. Our contractor originally put in gold/brass everything. We've been slowly but surely changing everything out to brushed nickel. My wife has already noted that the cool kids are putting in oil rubbed bronze.

• Pay attention to sink size versus spout size. Cheaper faucets have shorter spouts that look silly if you have a larger new sink.

[rgG]

Look at how the hot cold leads attach to the spout.
This is the part that will have me cussing like a sailor.
There are now faucets that have a quick connect system that is a lot better.
This is more of a problem if you have a two handle set up, which all my old sinks were.
Also get a faucet that has an easy to replace cartridge.
Basically pick a mid range faucet from a reputable manufacturer and read the reviews.
Single leaver are easier to install.
Double handles look more traditional, if that matters.

[wurm]

Markintosh pretty much nailed it. Methinks he's done this before. I'll just add that you'll probably end up with bruises in places you never even knew you had. The good news is they'll heal.




Eventually.

[Dennis S]

Some have a finish that supposedly won't show water spots. I don't know how well they work in real life.

[Ombligo]

Just keeping it simple - I go to ebay, search for Kohler bathroom faucets, select new and buy it now options, sort by lowest price including shipping, then pick the one I like.

Why eBay? because many contractors and plumbing houses clear out their extras on it at lower prices.
Why Kohler? heavy-duty brass construction that will last a lifetime. I have not had similar experiences with Delta, Price-Pfeister, or Moen - all seem to like plastic where none belong.