How to Install a Kitchen Sink

Prepare for the New Kitchen Sink

Before you begin this project, read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow all local building codes. If you’re not comfortable installing a kitchen sink or related components (faucets and garbage disposers)

Measure your existing sink. If your new sink has different dimensions and drain location than the unit it will replace, you may need to modify the countertop opening and / or plumbing.

Good to Know

For best results, make a drawing of your old sink with all measurements including distances from the sink wall to the drain center to use as a shopping aid and reference. Or you can remove your old sink,

Remove the Old Sink

Before you begin, snap a picture of your plumbing configuration. This serves as a handy reference if you’re having trouble reassembling the plumbing later.

Turn off both the hot and cold water supply lines. The shutoff valves typically are in the cabinet below the sink or in the basement. If you cannot find them, turn off the main water line to the house.

Things For Anyone Who Spends Basically All Their Time In The Kitchen

Heavy-duty cleaning wipes that’ll remove sauce and grease splatters with ease.

These wipes are non-abrasive so they’re safe to use on smooth surfaces like car exteriors.

Promising review: “I have a small kitchen, and everything tends to get an oily, greasy film on it very quickly. I don’t have a tile backsplash or a range hood, and my fridge is right next to my stove, so the paint on the wall and the textured fridge get pretty disgusting. The tiniest little oil splatter seems to cover my whole kitchen. When these wipes arrived yesterday, I attacked my kitchen with them. They worked amazingly well! I didn’t realize how much grease was really sticking to everything until I saw how disgusting the wipes were getting. Luckily, they’re huge, so I was able to cover a lot before a needed a new one

A compact binder for collecting all your favorite recipes (from grandma’s secret casserole to that perfect cinnamon bun recipe you got off the internet)

This ring binder comes with 25 4″x6” recipe cards, 50 clear plastic sleeves, and nine tab dividers with categories.

Promising review: “I don’t have too many recipes (since I’m not the best cook lol), so I was looking for a really cute recipe book just to keep my favorites! They supple a handful of stylish note cards that match the binder to input your recipes, which I really liked. Also, it is a really cute decoration to display in your kitchen, too!”

A cushy floor mat to save your feet from standing on the cold, hard kitchen floors for hours during food prep

Easy Ways To Organize The Space Under Your Kitchen Sink

When you walk into our studio space through the side door, the first thing you see is the kitchen on your left. If you look to the right, you’ll see small room that we use primarily for storage. Because that storage room is conveniently located right across from the kitchen, we had been storing most of our cleaning supplies in the storage room rather than in the kitchen itself.

That meant that the space under the kitchen sink was going largely unused. It wasn’t really an issue until recently, because over the past year the storage room has been filling up with appliances, tools, blog projects, etc. So we decided it was high time to move our kitchen cleaning supplies to the space under the sink where they rightly belonged!

But as we started moving items into the space under the sink, it occurred to us that we needed to think about some storage solutions to keep it from becoming a mess. So today I’ll be sharing the steps a few of the tips we used to organize our under-the-sink storage space, in hopes that some of you might find them useful as well!

Tension Rod

We put up an inexpensive tension rod near the top of the cupboard to hang our sprays, cleaners, and scrub brushes. Getting spray bottles up off the bottom of the cupboard freed up a lot of space for other items! If you have larger/heavier spray bottles to hang, you may need to invest a few more dollars to get a sturdier tension rod.

Plastic Bins

The most important thing about under-the-sink storage is ensuring that things are waterproof. Not that you should be expecting a leak, but things happen and it’s much easier to keep things clean if they can’t get soggy or waterlogged.

Kitchen Sink Organization Ideas

Near and Dear

It’s important to have everything you use frequently within easy reach so you’re not wasting time at the sink. Keep sponges, scrubbers and soap organized with a sink caddy. These little time-savers can straddle the sink divider, sit above the sink or even be used on the side of the sink with suction cups.

Out to Dry

A drying rack is a helpful tool to save yourself time in the kitchen. If you have space, an in-sink rack is helpful as water drains right into the sink. If you’re pressed for space, a countertop drying rack is a great solution. Be sure to choose one that is angled or has a spot for draining into the sink. Some compact styles can be stored below the sink when not in use.

Below Deck

Resist the urge to allow the cabinet below your sink become a dumping ground! Utilize over the door cabinet hooks and racks to keep towels and cleaning tools tidy. Gliding drawers are ideal for cleaning supplies — the items stored will be easy to access. Or, choose a caddy for cleaning supplies if you’ll need to take them to other areas of your home.

Use It Up: The Kitchen Sink Drink

Once upon a time I was throwing away veggies like it was my job. It would kill me; I’d spend money on lovely, organic or local vegetables, and find myself chucking them into the trash in a week because I let them go to hell in a crisper-basket.

Then, I started making green smoothies. Now, I can’t tell you the last time I pitched produce. Why? Because I’m drinking every last scrap. AND, enjoying it. These drinks are not nose-plugging-nasty-chug-it-down-before-you-yak kind of tonics. They’re what I like to call elixirs of life! And small pores! And gut shrinkage! And every other thing a whole darn head of cabbage could probably cure

This weekend’s Use It Up Recipe is a drink. Not unlike when I talked about drinking bok choy, but this particular blended wonder was literally every color in the rainbow — AND — everything but the kitchen sink. Oh, and did I mention delicious? (or without sweetener of any kind??) My kids drank it, my husband drank it…and yep, even the puppy drank it..

Truly, how else could you eat the same amount of raw kale and purple cabbage? Without choking it down as though someone had a gun to your head?! Think about it.

The whole premise of “green” smoothie making is to do 60% veggies — the majority of the drink — but then sweeten with 40% fruit. So, essentially, you don’t even realize you’re drinking greens. Plus, unlike juicing, smoothies allow you to keep all the fiber and roughage, so these potent beverages keep you full in addition to packing a nutrient punch.

What Is Hydrojetting? And When Do You Need It?

What is hydrojetting?

Hydrojetting is the process of using a high-pressured flow of water to scour the interior surfaces of the plumbing pipes, removing scale, grease and other debris that’s built up inside the pipe walls over time. As opposed to rodding, where a plumber uses a tool to power a hole through the buildup, hydrojetting achieves a comprehensive cleaning of the pipes.

If you’re noticing recurring clogs in your home’s plumbing system, it’s time to call a reputable plumber to the scene. In many cases, clogged drains and problems with water pressure indicate more serious problems inside the plumbing pipes. An expert plumber should know the best course of action to take, and when to implement hydrojetting as a solution.

How Does Hydro Jetting Work?

Our process of hydro jetting is fairly simple.

• First, we use a small camera to inspect the pipes that we will be cleaning out to ensure that they can withstand the force of the hydro jet.
• We then insert the hydro jet hose (which is connected to a tank of water) into the pipe or cleanout.
• When we feel the hose is inserted well, we turn on the machine and let the water pressure from the hydro jet do it’s job.

Overall, we do recommend this method of clearing out your water pipes vs. the traditional drain snake method, if it’s possible in your specific situation. It is generally a safe and extremely effective process.

What can be removed with hydro jetting?

For residential work, hydro jetting can remove sand, silt and scale build up as well as hair clogs and other residues that build up on the walls of the pipes. Routine hydro jetting should be done on restaurants to remove grease and food particle build up. This type of service can completely clean pipes of residual build up in ways that snaking can not.

Snaking out pipes only breaks up the clogs but leaves build up remaining on the interior walls. Hydro jetting is also environmentally friendly, no harsh chemicals are needed.

Hydro jetting should be done by a professional plumbing contractor. The high pressure could damage lines if they are not properly inspected first. Quality plumbers are trained in the use of the system and know what to look for to prevent damage and thoroughly clean the entire system.

When should I use a hydro jet?

When you have a clogged line, the first line of defense is a plunger or a plumber’s snake. When those methods don’t work, the hydro jet is the next best step. Roots in the sewer lines and other clogs are sometimes more than a snake can handle, but the hydro jet can attack these clogs with no problem. Hydro jets can also be used for maintenance to clean out drains before a clog becomes a problem.

Benefits of Hydro Jetting – Is it Worth It?

No matter how durable you may think your sewer lines are, chemical drain cleaners should only be your last option, as they can do more harm than good not just to the pipes but even to the environment. Not to mention, it needs to be handled carefully to avoid injury. And yes, this also includes the non-corrosive type.

Snaking, on the other hand, can some time to do. Even if there are a handful of different methods present when it comes to snaking a drain, all of them are time-consuming compared to hydro jetting. And, not all of them can completely fix the issue.

Hydro jetting is the most recommended method of plumbers for various reasons, such as:

• It does not really fail – because of the adjustable water pressure, there is a guarantee that pipes of all sizes will be unclogged. Plumbers can easily change the water pressure until the blockage gets completely dislodged.

• It is also for proper maintenance – since water is used, your sewer lines get cleaned at the same time that blockages are being broken down. This is not something that snaking can do, as snaking a drain still leaves residues on the pipes that can eventually create another blockage.

• It does not harm the environment – because it only uses water and does not involve harsh chemicals, hydro jetting is completely safe for the environment.

• It can be used for all sorts of sewer lines – due to the use of professional equipment, most would think that hydro jetting should only be done to commercial structures. The fact is, it can also be done in residential homes as well. Hydro jetting is versatile and can adapt to all sorts of sewer lines in both residential and commercial settings, especially with the different nozzles that can be used.

• It is hygienic – we know for a fact that sewage contains the nasty stuff we would never touch with our bare hands. With hydro jetting, the chances of the plumber getting into contact with them is lessened, as there is less time needed to unclog the sewer line. Hydro jetting gets the job done faster than snaking.

• You actually get to save some money – despite hiring the services of a plumber, hydro jetting will actually help you save money in the long run. This is not just a remedy but also a preventive maintenance measure. Since it cleans the sewer lines, potential issues are also eliminated early, and even completely if you get it regularly done.

• It is a time-saver – snaking a drain takes a chunk of your time, but this is hardly the case for hydro-jetting. Among all the non-chemical-based methods of fixing a clogged pipe, hydro jetting works the fastest.

From all these, it is not hard to see why hydro jetting is a favorite of plumbers when it comes to unblocking pipes.

HOW SHOULD I KNOW IF HYDRO JETTING OR SNAKING IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR DRAIN CLEANING

HOW SHOULD I KNOW IF HYDRO JETTING OR SNAKING IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR DRAIN CLEANING

When you have a clogged drain, you probably are only worried about getting it resolved quickly, regardless of the method used. This is why many homeowners rely on chemical drain cleaners to corrode clogs and quickly get the drains moving smoothly again.

HOW DOES HYDRO JETTING WORK

Hydro jetting is a popular choice because it’s fast, effective and completely safe for your drains. Using a high-pressure water jet, technicians can quickly clear out years of hardened debris from your drains. The water jet is also powerful enough to smooth the inner texture of the pipe, which gets rid of any porous patches that form clogs. This prevents future clogs before they start.

WHAT IS SNAKING

Snaking refers to using a cable with an auger-like blade attachment to chew and digest simple clogs. The technician will insert the cable into the drain and feed it through until they feel resistance. When they feel resistance, that indicates the clog has been reached.

WHEN SHOULD I USE A PLUMBING SNAKE

Snaking is best reserved for simple or one-off clogs. Emergency clogs are often cleared with snaking because it’s quick and efficient. Snaking is not ideal in situations where the drains are overly dirty or if there is an abundance of hardened clogs in the pipe. These circumstances are best suited for hydro jetting. Hydro jetting is also preferred when there is a recurring clog because the water jet works better at permanently repairing the situation

DIY HYDRO JETTING

Many home plumbing repairs are safe to DIY with little to no experience. Unfortunately, hydro jetting is not one of those services. The high-pressure water jets are dangerous to use if you do not have the right experience or training.

WARNING SIGNS YOUR PIPES NEED HYDRO JETTING SERVICES

Slow Draining Pipes

This may seem like a no-brainer, but homeowners often fail to recognize a growing problem because a drain might literally drain progressively slower over time. A slow draining pipe may be a localized plumbing problem or suggest a bigger issue.

Noisy Drain Pipes – Screeching, Hissing, Gurgling and Ticking

Your drain line should not sound like a horror movie. Sounds mean air in the system that shouldn’t be there. It’s not a rattlesnake in your home. These unusual sounds might be a clogged or blocked vent stack. The vent stack is an often forgotten component of a plumbing, sewer and drain system. It is a pipe that extends to the roof, from the sewer system, releasing noxious gases and keeping water pressure moving freely out to the sewer line

Bathroom or Kitchen Sink Drain Smells Bad

Bad smells generally mean something is not good. Sometimes it’s your teenager’s gym shoes. Sometimes you forgot to take out the trash. Sometimes it’s your plumbing. If you’re lucky, the problem is something as simple as an empty P-trap. The P-trap keeps a moisture barrier, preventing odor from coming backing into the home. Perhaps you were on vacation and the moisture in the trap evaporated in the summer heat

Water Bill Increases

Not likely related to your drains, but definitely a sign you have another plumbing problem, so we feel it’s necessary to tuck this in here… When it comes to potential plumbing issues, your water bill might be the first sign that something is wrong. You might not have funny noises or really notice any low water pressure or other symptoms. At least not yet. But, if your water bill is jumping up, it is probably a good time to have a licensed plumber come and do a plumbing inspection on your whole system, from point of use to the sewer line on the street

Old, Deteriorating Plumbing Pipes

Older homes for instance, near Heritage Park, are more likely to have problems with older, deteriorating pipes compared to newer communities like Carmel Valley. Your home has supply lines and drain lines. Sewed of PVC, copper, cast iron, brass or steel – or a combination of these. Most metal pipes have a life span of up to 80 years with brass and cast iron even going up to 100 years. PVC pipes max out at approximately 40 years, with many needing to be replaced 25-30 years in or sooner

Hydro Jetting Basics: How This High-Powered Option Cleans Sewer Pipes

What Does Hydro Jetting Mean?

Hydro jetting powerfully solves the most stubborn obstructions, efficiently and effectively eliminating all debris in the sewer lines and leaves them clean as new.

How Does Hydro Jetting Work?

The hydro jetting system consists of a large water tank, high pressure hose, high strength nozzle, and a pressurization unit. Together, they force water through drainage pipes at a high rate of pressure, typically between 3,500 and 4,000 psi.

Can Hydro Jetting Damage Pipes?

At Apollo Home, we perform a video camera evaluation before cleaning to determine the exact issue and pinpoint its location. This can be especially beneficial for larger roots which may require snaking or power rodding before cleaning.

What is Power Rodding?

For blockages deep in a drainage system, too far down for traditional remedies, power rodding is a powerful tool for licensed plumbers. Power rodding has been around longer than hydro jetting, and many professionals still use it.

Prevent Major Plumbing and Sewer Problems with the Apollo Care Plan

For homeowners in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, the Apollo Care Plan is a great investment. Membership includes seasonal tune ups of your heating and cooling equipment as well as annual evaluations of your electrical and plumbing systems.

An Introduction to Hydro Jetting

WHAT IS HYDRO JETTING?

Hydro jetting uses a specialized hose and nozzle to shoot water through your pipes at a force of around 1500 psi on average (although that number can rise to 5000 psi), which is one reason you need a skilled plumber to do the job.

HOW HYDRO JETTING WORKS

The plumber accesses your plumbing and sewer system via a cleanout, which is an opening specifically designed to grant easy access to the system. He or she then inserts the camera, passing it through the pipes to determine the location and severity of the blockage (or blockages). The camera also measures distance, allowing effective placement of the nozzle.

BENEFITS OF HYDRO JETTING

Hydro jetting is one of the safest, most effective means of clearing blockages from your plumbing and sewer systems. Compared to mechanical drain cleaners, the risk of damage is much lower, particularly for older pipes. And, it cleans pipes much more thoroughly while dramatically reducing the chances of reoccurrence

A WORD OF CAUTION ABOUT HYDRO JETTING

Hydro jetting is safe and effective when performed by an experienced plumber. In the hands of a novice, though, the likelihood of complications increases dramatically, particularly when the blockage is the result of tree roots.

All About Hydro-Jetting and Why You Need It

What is Hydro Jetting?

If you’ve lived in your home for a while and noticed clogs keep recurring, it’s a sign. Hydro jetting can help. If you’re not sure what that is, hydro jetting is the method of using a high-pressure stream of water to clean the inside surfaces of plumbing pipes

Why Should You Hydrojet?

Whether you’ve built a new home, are buying an existing home, or have lived in your house for years, your sewer drain needs to be cleaned from time to time. Otherwise, you could be in for a costly wake-up call in the form of a broken line. A compromised line caused by toilet paper and waste solids creating a dam and backing up into the house is also a possibility

Very Effective

You can handle a minor clog with a plumbing snake, but for a severe clog, it is too much. With hydro-jetting, there isn’t a clog that can withstand the force of that powerful blast of water. It completely opens the line, clearing all the debris and buildup, and scouring the inside of the pipe clean.

Cost Savings

Of course, hydro-jetting will cost a little more than your regular drain cleaning services. Yet, in the long term, it will save you money. This method clears the entire pipe, eliminating problems for years into the future, and that saves you time and money without a doubt

Sanitary

Sanitation is crucial in every home. With traditional cleaning techniques, there is a possibility that debris and sewage will invade and affect your home. With hydro-jetting, that prospect is brought down to zero. The speed and efficiency of this method will prevent any possible contamination

Top Tips to find the perfect Kitchen Faucets for your Home

Two-Handle Kitchen Faucets

And for those looking for the ultimate in terms of a classic kitchen faucet, a two-handle design is likely the best choice. Whilst unable to match up to its counterparts for speed and efficiency, the reliability and attractive design of these faucet types provides balance against those negatives. Again, two-handle kitchen faucets aren’t restricted to areas with traditional decor; they are increasingly available in an array of attractive modern designs with many different handle types that are both stylish and simple to use.

Single-Handle Kitchen Faucets

If you’re looking to maximize space in your kitchen sink area, and thus limit the amount of kitchen faucet parts present, then a single-handle faucet could well be your preferred option – their design allows for both water temperature and volume to be controlled by a single lever. Representing one of the first widespread modern faucet advancements, these kind of kitchen faucets offer simple functionality and minimalistic, stylish aesthetics. They’re also widely available in an impressive variety of contemporary and traditional designs.

Pull-Down & Pull-Out Spray Kitchen Faucets

Perhaps the most convenient options for the preparation of meals and for cleaning up after the fact, pull-down and pull-out kitchen faucets incorporate a separate spray feature which distinguishes them from traditional faucets. Between the two types, pull-down faucets tend to offer a higher spout and greater flexibility in terms of flow; spray, stream and a flow pause are delivered by different pull-down faucets, with controls in-built into the spray attachments for ease of use. By contrast, one of the biggest criticisms of pull-downs is their more complicated profile in comparison with a standard faucet – they need to accommodate a flexible hose and hold the spray head securely in place when not in use. That said, manufacturers have more recently accounted for these factors, with pull-down faucets now usually designed to avoid the issue of slipping shower heads.

Touch Control Kitchen Faucets

The very most contemporary type of kitchen faucet, those incorporating touch technology, are ever growing in popularity. These styles of faucets offer easy usability, operational via a simple touch to switch them on and off, with most designs including an LED light to indicate their status. At the forefront of innovation, you can find a wall mount kitchen faucet with touch technology as well as standard freestanding designs. And whilst both kinds are currently available at relatively premium prices, they can prove a good long-term investment, given that they greatly conserve water by activating flow only when absolutely necessary. Touch control kitchen faucets are typically simple to install, and as they usually work on battery power, can be added without the need for an electrician.

Selecting a Kitchen Faucet with the right functionality

When looking at how to replace a kitchen faucet, or at simply investing in a brand new component, many people will initially base their search purely on looks. But whilst appearance is undoubtedly an important element, what good is your faucet if it doesn’t have the correct functionality to operate to full effect in your kitchen? First and foremost then, you should think about the specific features and functions of your prospective kitchen faucets to ensure they match up with your specific preferences and requirements.

How to Choose the Right Faucet for your Kitchen

Designing and remodeling kitchens can be one of the most rewarding and trying home projects you’ll take on. From paint colors to countertops and cabinetry, there are choices to be made at every turn. Finding the right faucet for your kitchen is no different, and with so many styles to choose from, we’ve created an easy guide to help you narrow down the best faucet for your design. Read on for tips to find the best faucet for your style, budget, and performance needs.

Installation Types: 1-4 Faucet-Hole Installs

Deck-Mounted Faucets (faucets mounted on the sink) are a popular choice for those who love options and lower costs. These mounts are generally easier to install and offer more features and styles. Many sinks come with 1-4 pre-drilled mounting holes, and most deck-mounted faucets come with decorative deck plates (escutcheon plates) that will cover any hole you don’t need, allowing you the option for double-handled or single-handled sinks with or without built-in soap dispensers and sprayers. Before you begin choosing the right faucet, it’s important to check the plumbing on your current sink and count the pre-drilled holes it has.

Single-Hole Installation: For those who appreciate clean lines and spacious countertops, single-hole installations offer the convenience of a faucet that takes up the least amount of space. These fixtures are an all-in-one faucet that come with a single handle for water adjustment and the option of an attached, pull-out sprayer.

Three-Hole Installation: Three-hole faucet mounts come with two primary options: a single-handled faucet with accompanying side sprayer, or a two-handled faucet. Both of these options make a more prominent design statement with a larger fixture to catch the eye. These faucet styles have maintained their popularity over the decades, and when keeping costs in check, many homeowners choose to upgrade their faucet with a fixture that uses the already-existing holes.

How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Faucet for Your Kitchen?

Buying Considerations

Going head first into buying a kitchen faucet can be a costly venture for the unprepared. Beyond the pitfalls that could lead to you calling in a plumber, is getting it installed only to see it’s not really what you want. The kitchen faucet decision should be treated with care since you’re dropping so much on one item. Every kitchen has its own little theme so tailoring your wants and needs to a specific type is vital in the search, as what your neighbor has may be completely different than what you need. Below are some of the main considerations when looking for a kitchen faucet that you can use efficiently. After reading the 5 sections you should have a better overall idea of what it is that would work best in your kitchen, and you may even get some ideas for some of your friends. Don’t be afraid to spread the word or even do some Christmas shopping! There is always someone that could use a great kitchen faucet.

How to Install Faucet?

Install FaucetTake a good look at the area that you will be installing your new kitchen faucet into. Is there a faucet already there that needs to be replaced? Is this a completely new build that doesn’t have the hoses in place? And do you have a specific theme?

What Type of Sink Do You Have?

This may come as a surprise to some people, but there is a variety of kitchen sink types other than stainless steel. Stainless steel makes up the bulk of the industry and is clearly the leader. It is installed in more homes than all the other sink types combined, a statistic that won’t be changing anytime soon.

What Design Does Your Kitchen Sink Suit?

The design of a kitchen faucet will come into play when deciding if you are comfortable with the two lever or single lever system. As a reference, the two lever system is considered to be dying out, as the advantages of having it have been trimmed down to simply being able to use if one of the handles go out.

What Styles Should Prefer?

This is one of a more pleasing parts of choosing a kitchen faucet when it becomes all about matching it with your décor. Starting with modern, this is the style that has been most associated with the kitchen faucets that use motion detection. In a kitchen that ha all of the bells and whistles, why skip the kitchen faucet? The transitional style has a blend of both modern and traditional aesthetics, making up for the lack of technology with some of the most standout finishes available. Transitional styles usually have the most prominent finishes. Traditional isn’t as bland as it sounds and gets its inspirations from a lot of European kitchens in style.

How to Pick a New Kitchen Faucet

Mounting Styles

Sink-mounted faucets. There are many different kitchen faucet and sink designs, but they are not always compatible. If you are working with an existing sink, check how many mounting holes it has. New faucets come in one-, two-, three- or four-hole varieties.

Deck-mounted faucets. With these the faucet mounts directly to the countertop and not the sink. If you are installing an undermount sink, you have the option of mounting the faucet directly on the countertop. When installing a deck-mounted faucet, make sure to allow more than a finger’s width behind the faucet for cleaning.

Handle Options

Single-handled faucets. A single-handled faucet rotates directionally, usually providing the ability to regulate flow with an up-and-down motion and temperature with a side-to-side motion.

Double-handled faucets. These usually require a minimum of three holes for installation. The wide variety of handle options makes this kitchen faucet design more customizable.

Materials and Finishes

Chrome, nickel, brushed nickel, polished brass, oil-rubbed bronze, white, black and stainless steel are some of the standard finishes and colors. Keep in mind that finishes from different manufacturers may not be exactly the same. It is a good idea if you are planning to buy a faucet to purchase any accessories such as a hand spray or soap dispenser from the same collection to ensure a good match.

HOW TO BUY A KITCHEN FAUCET

To find the perfect kitchen faucet, tap into the details

Though their most practical application is to provide hot and cold water, kitchen faucets play a large role in a kitchen’s design. There are so many to choose from. The styles and costs vary wildly. Simply put, one faucet does not fit all!

Though investing in a kitchen faucet may seem overwhelming. The right information makes it much easier. Here are some practical how-tos for you to consider while buying a new kitchen faucet.

What materials are kitchen faucets made of?

Typically faucets are made of products that avoid corrosion. Brass and stainless steel are most common, but less expensive models are also made of a zinc alloy. Faucet finishes these days are unlikely to flake or tarnish and commonly come in brass, nickel, pewter, gold. The sky is really the limit though. Titanium and epoxy coatings will maintain the finish even longer.

Which faucet material is the most robust?

Brass is by far the best material to invest in. Ideally, both the body and the controls of the faucet should be made of brass.

Which faucet finish is the easiest to keep clean?

Brass, nickel and pewter most readily hide fingerprints and smudges. Chrome is the most difficult to keep visibly clean.