Bathroom Faucets

Traditional faucets use a rubber screw-down valve and a rubber washer to control the flow of water.  Newer ceramic disk valve faucets can be turned completely on or off with the flick of a wrist, but they are susceptible to mineral scale damage in hard water areas.  Bathtub and shower faucets often feature thermostatically controlled, anti-scald valves.  Hands-free faucets are more hygienic than traditional faucets because they rely on infrared sensors to control the water flow.

At one time, sinks had separate hot water and cold water faucets, but most faucets today have a single spout serviced by both hot and cold water lines.  Either two separate valves or a single lever may be used to control the flow of hot and cold water, thereby adjusting the temperature of the combined water flow.

Faucets are most often made of brass, then plated with a silver colored metal such as chrome or nickel or with a gold colored metal such as brass or even gold.  Some faucets, and especially faucet handles, have a baked-on enamel or epoxy surface.  Here are some pros and cons of these faucet finishes:

• Baked Enamel or Epoxy — These easy-clean coatings are available in a wide array of color choices.  However, they may chip or fade, and certain chemicals can cause discoloration.
• Brass — Antique, satin, or polished brass finished faucets present a classic, traditional appearance.  Titanium brass finishes resist corrosion, scratching, and discoloring.  However, standard brass finishes are subject to corrosion, tarnishing, and scratching.
• Chrome — Polished chrome is very hard and will not oxidize.  Matte chrome has a softer appearance, but both chrome finishes are durable and easy to clean.  Beware of chrome-coated plastic parts, on which the chrome may peel.
• Gold — Gold plate has a rich visual appeal, and high quality gold will not tarnish.  However, gold plate finishes are expensive, and their quality varies.  The gold can be damaged if the finish was not sealed by the manufacturer.
• Nickel — Faucets with brushed, matte, or polished nickel finishes are durable, and they offer an understated, classic appearance.  Nickel and similar metals can be quite expensive, and their quality does vary, depending on the faucet manufacturer.

This bathroom faucets consumer guide features a directory of selected bathroom faucet manufacturers and dealers plus a bathroom remodeling resource to help visitors find local bathroom installers and plumbers.

Bathroom Faucet Manufacturers

• American Standard
  
  Manufacturer of bathroom fixtures and faucets.
  www.AmericanStandard-US.com
• Kohler Bathroom Products
  
  This plumbing products manufacturer offers an extensive line of bathroom faucets and accessories.
  www.us.Kohler.com
• Grohe America
  
  Bathroom faucet brand used in custom homes and upscale remodeling projects.
  www.Grohe.us
• Delta Faucet
  
  Innovative faucet designs offer safety features and anti-tarnish finishes.
  www.DeltaFaucet.com
• Moen Bathroom Products
  
  Bathroom suites and collections for the sink, the shower, and matching accessories.
  www.Moen.com
• Chicago Faucets
  
  Commercial and residential faucets built to stand the test of time.
  www.ChicagoFaucets.com
• Price Pfister
  
  High-quality faucets for tub, shower, and lavatory applications.
  www.PricePfister.com
• Danze
  
  An impressive array of faucets, showerheads and accessories for bath, kitchen, or wherever you might want to add a little splash to your home!
  www.Danze.com
• Cifial USA
  
  Traditional, transitional, and contemporary faucet families with different styles and handle options.
  www.CifialUSA.com
• Brizo Bath
  
  Designer faucet collection featuring modern style and innovation.
  www.Brizo.com

Related Bathroom Sites

• Bathroom Sinks - bathroom sink designs and vendors.

Bathroom Faucets

Sink Faucets - Shower Faucets - Bathtub Faucets