đźš° Faucets Guide
Faucets are the everyday fixtures that control water flow in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and outdoor areas. This exhaustive guide covers faucet types, popular brands, common issues, maintenance best practices, installation and replacement basics, cost considerations, and step-by-step how-to resources so you can choose, use, and care for the right faucet for your space.
Types of Faucets
View All Faucets TypesFaucets come in different styles and configurations that affect convenience, water control, and installation requirements. Use these type guides to match features (like pull-down sprayers or touchless activation) to how you actually use the sink.
Pull-Down / Pull-Out Kitchen Faucets
Flexible sprayer heads improve reach and cleaning. Great for busy kitchens and deep sinks.
6 min read Learn more →Single-Handle Faucets
Control temperature and flow with one lever. Simple to use and common in kitchens and bathrooms.
4 min read Learn more →Touchless Faucets
Hands-free activation improves hygiene and convenience. Ideal for kitchens and high-traffic bathrooms.
7 min read Learn more →Two-Handle Faucets
Separate hot and cold controls. Popular for classic looks and precise temperature control.
4 min read Learn more →Faucets Brands
View All Faucets BrandsBrand matters for faucets because it influences finish durability, cartridge availability, warranty support, and long-term repairability. These brands are common choices with broad model lines and replacement parts support.
American Standard
Solid performance at accessible price points with many common fit-and-finish options.
Learn more →Brizo
Luxury fashion-forward faucets from the Delta family with SmartTouch and Articulating technology.
Learn more →Delta
Known for dependable cartridges, wide model selection, and strong availability of replacement parts.
Learn more →Grohe
German-engineered faucets with StarLight chrome and SilkMove cartridge technology.
Learn more →Kohler
Premium styling and finish options with a broad selection of coordinated bathroom and kitchen fixtures.
Learn more →Moen
Popular for smooth operation, strong warranties, and a large lineup of kitchen and bathroom faucet styles.
Learn more →Pfister
Subsidiary of Spectrum Brands. Known for lifetime warranty coverage and React touchless technology.
Learn more →Symmons
Commercial-grade faucets with Symmons temptrol technology for consistent performance.
Learn more →Common Faucets Problems
View All Faucets ProblemsMost faucet problems start small—drips, low flow, stiff handles—and can waste water or damage cabinetry if ignored. These guides help you diagnose the cause quickly and choose the right fix.
Dripping Faucet
Often caused by worn cartridges, washers, or seals. Small drips can waste significant water over time.
4 min read Find solutions →Leaking Under the Sink
May involve supply lines, shutoff valves, or faucet connections. Address quickly to prevent cabinet damage.
5 min read Find solutions →Loose Handle or Spout
Typically caused by loose set screws or worn mounting hardware—easy to fix with basic tools.
3 min read Find solutions →Low Water Pressure
Commonly from clogged aerators, supply issues, or debris in the cartridge—especially after plumbing work.
5 min read Find solutions →Noisy Faucet (Whistling / Hammering)
Can indicate high pressure, worn parts, or water hammer. Fixes range from aerators to arrestors.
6 min read Find solutions →Sprayer Not Working
Kitchen sprayers may fail due to diverter issues, kinks, mineral buildup, or a damaged hose.
5 min read Find solutions →Faucets How-To Guides
View All Faucets GuidesThese how-to guides cover common faucet maintenance, repair, and upgrade tasks without going too deep on the pillar page. Use them to navigate to step-by-step instructions tailored to your faucet type and brand.
How to Choose the Right Faucet
Match finish, configuration, and features to your sink layout and usage patterns.
8 min read Read guide →How to Clean a Faucet Aerator
Improve flow and remove mineral buildup by cleaning or replacing the aerator screen.
5 min read Read guide →How to Fix a Leaky Faucet Base
Diagnose base leaks from worn O-rings, loose mounting nuts, or seal issues.
8 min read Read guide →How to Install a Kitchen Faucet
Overview of removing an old faucet, connecting supply lines, and sealing the new fixture.
12 min read Read guide →How to Replace a Faucet Cartridge
Stop drips and restore smooth handle movement by replacing the cartridge or valve core.
9 min read Read guide →How to Replace Faucet Supply Lines
Upgrade or replace supply hoses to address leaks, corrosion, or installation compatibility.
7 min read Read guide →Faucets Buying Guide
A faucet is a daily-use fixture—small feature differences can have a big impact. These buying topics help you compare finishes, features, compatibility, and long-term repairability.
Choosing a Faucet Finish
Compare chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, and more for durability, cleaning, and style.
6 min readCompatibility (Hole Count & Sink Setup)
Make sure the faucet matches your sink/ countertop hole configuration and mounting style.
6 min readFeature Comparison
Sprayers, touchless, filtration, swivel range, and more—what matters for your routine.
7 min readBudget & Installation Costs
Understand typical faucet price ranges plus what installation may cost depending on complexity.
5 min readFaucets Installation & Replacement
Faucet installation is usually straightforward, but tight spaces, corroded fittings, and old shutoff valves can add complexity. These guides outline the process and help you decide when to call a plumber.
Installation Overview
What to expect when installing a new faucet, from shutoff to final leak checks.
7 min readReplacing Shutoff Valves
Old or leaking stop valves can cause headaches—learn the signs and replacement options.
8 min readCommon Installation Mistakes
Avoid leaks and loose fixtures by following best practices for mounting and sealing.
6 min readWhen to Hire a Plumber
Know when corrosion, inaccessible shutoffs, or code issues make professional help worth it.
5 min readFaucets Maintenance
Simple habits like cleaning aerators and checking for small leaks can keep your faucet operating smoothly and protect your cabinets from water damage.
Monthly Quick Checks
Spot early leaks, loose handles, and mineral buildup before they become bigger problems.
4 min readCleaning Mineral Buildup
Remove scale from aerators and spray heads without damaging finishes.
6 min readProtecting Faucet Finishes
Prevent scratching and discoloration with finish-safe cleaning and care tips.
5 min readWinterizing Outdoor Faucets
Prevent frozen pipes and burst lines by properly shutting down and protecting exterior faucets.
7 min readFaucets Cost Guide
Faucet costs vary based on brand, finish quality, features, and installation complexity. Use these cost guides to plan a realistic budget.
Typical Faucet Price Ranges
From budget to premium faucets—what you get at each tier.
6 min readInstallation Cost Factors
Labor costs depend on access, shutoff condition, and whether plumbing updates are needed.
6 min readRepair vs Replace
When it's worth repairing a faucet vs upgrading to a new, more efficient model.
5 min readLong-Term Value
How warranty, parts availability, and cartridge design affect total cost of ownership.
5 min readFrequently Asked Questions
Why does my faucet keep dripping?
A dripping faucet is usually caused by a worn cartridge, washer, or seal. Replacing the cartridge or internal seals typically resolves the issue, but identifying the correct part depends on brand and faucet type.
How do I know what faucet cartridge I need?
The easiest method is to find the faucet model number (often under the sink or on the manual) and match the cartridge to the manufacturer’s parts list. If that’s not available, the cartridge shape and brand markings can help identify it.
Can I replace a faucet without replacing shutoff valves?
Often yes—if the shutoff valves work properly and don’t leak. If the valves are stuck, corroded, or leaking, it’s a good time to replace them to avoid future failures.
What causes low water pressure at the faucet?
Low pressure is commonly caused by a clogged aerator, debris in the cartridge, partially closed shutoff valves, or supply line restrictions. Start by cleaning the aerator and checking the shutoffs.
Do touchless faucets require special plumbing?
Most touchless faucets install like standard faucets, but they require a power source (battery pack or outlet) and sometimes have extra components under the sink. Always confirm clearance and power options before buying.
How long do faucets last?
A quality faucet can last 10-20 years. Lifespan depends on water quality, usage, maintenance, and whether replacement parts remain available.
Related Faucets Resources
Sinks
Learn how sink material, bowl depth, and hole count affect faucet selection and installation.
Explore →Shutoff Valves
A guide to stop valves, common failure signs, and when replacement is recommended.
Explore →Water Filtration
Explore under-sink filters and faucet-mounted systems for better tasting water.
Explore →Leaks
Find leak detection and repair resources to prevent water damage throughout your home.
Explore →