Professional Faucet Installation
Our professionals can answer any of your questions regarding repairing an existing faucet or choosing a new one. We will help you choose what is best for you and your project.
Here are some tips on picking out that new sink or faucet.
Kitchen sinks are typically made from stainless steel, enamel-coated cast iron, solid surfaces and composites. For customers who choose solid surface counters like granite or engineered stone, Sowada & Barna Plumbing recommends a Stainless Steel sink because of its under-mount capability. Also if homeowners tend to be hard on sinks stainless steel is often the best choice. When shopping for a sink, keep in mind that lower-gauge stainless steel makes for a better quality sink.
Enamel-coated cast iron sinks still has a place in today’s kitchen. They are the prettiest of all the sinks. However, enamel can scratch and wear over time, which may not make this sink the best choice for people who are tough on sinks.
If cleanup is important, a Solid Surface sink that is an integral part of a countertop is an option to investigate. Solid surface sinks are much easier to clean and minor scratches can be buffed out, but the solid surface material is prone to chip.
Composite sinks are another option. New to the market , there are several types of composite sinks out there. Composite sinks are a lower price and have many colors to choose from, this sink might appeal to homeowners on a budget. However, polyester/acrylic sinks aren’t as durable as other sink options.
Whether you’re replacing an old faucet in an existing kitchen or selecting a faucet as part of a larger remodeling plan, there are a few questions to ask before the water starts to flow. Find the answers to your questions on how to choose a kitchen faucet.
Faucet Installation & Repair Tips by Sowada & Barna
- How Many Holes Are in Your Sink?
- What Kind of Handles Do You Want?
- What Kind of Sprayer Do You Want?
- What Do You Put in the Sink?
- Do You Want a Filter?
- What Style and Finish Do You Want?
If you’re replacing an existing faucet, choose a new one that requires the same number of holes in the deck of the sink as the one that’s being removed. One-piece faucets (with integrated handle and spout) need one hole for the handle / spout piece and usually require a separate hole for a sprayer.
Traditional faucets, with hot and cold taps, require three holes for the taps and spout, and a fourth for a sprayer. Other options, such as integrated sprayers and soap dispensers, can create other requirements.If you’re starting from scratch with a new sink, you can put any amount of holes you need in the sink to accommodate the faucet you want.
Typical kitchen faucets have either one handle that rotates directionally to choose a water temperature or two handles for mixing hot and cold water. One-piece faucets can have a handle that’s attached to the faucet unit or a handle that sits to the side (in the same position a traditional sprayer would be).
Traditional faucets can feature the classic look of the rounded X-shaped tap a more contemporary, cylindrical silhouette or an easy-access lever shape. Lever taps are often easiest to manipulate. They fit in well with the concept of universal design, an attempt to make living spaces as accessible as possible to people of all levels of physical ability.
Some newer models have sprayers integrated right into the faucet itself.
If you wash a large number of bulky pots and pans, choose a faucet with a tall, curved neck. You’ll have an easier time sliding big pots in and out of the sink and rinsing them thoroughly.
Many people choose to filter their tap water for drinking. There are a number of ways to install a filter, and some involve an attachment to the faucet itself.
A few faucets come with a built-in filtering mechanism. If you choose to filter, think about the volume of water you’ll use and maintenance requirements.
For a unified look, choose a style and finish for your new faucet that matches your kitchen cabinet hardware.
Some faucets mount from the top of the sink, while others mount from the bottom. If you’re hiring a professional, like Sowada and Barna Plumbing. to install your new faucet (perhaps along with a new sink), they’ll be familiar with both types..
There are four main types of faucet mechanisms: ball valve, ceramic disk, compression valve and cartridge. Which type your new faucet has won’t make a big difference in day-to-day use, but some are easier to repair than others.
Before making the final decision plan a trip to the local plumbing showroom to get a feel for how a sink and faucet will function.