Fixing or Replacing Kitchen Faucets

Moved into new house to discover the kitchen and bar faucets could use some maintenance, if possible, or to be replaced. We're having a hard time finding a manual and parts for the faucets, and so may need to replace. The aerator screens on each faucet are almost falling out, and spray button the kitchen faucet is broken. The lever is also a little funny, like it needs to be tightened (it kinda flops around, but doesn't leak). It seems like these should be cheap and easy fixes if we could find parts. Help?

You have to take the handle off to get at the meat of the problem. It's probably worn gaskets inside that you can't see. I'd opt for spending a couple of bucks on replacement parts and try to fix it yourself. If no luck there, then go ahead and replace it.

We don't know who makes good faucets though, and there are so many makers! We're not looking to be penny wise and pound foolish, but we don't know the difference between a Kohler and a Grohe, or a Hansgrohe, which is apparently a different company. We want to buy quality that will last years and will be easy to find parts for. Is Grohe good? Is Kohler cheap? Can you get parts for a Moen? We really have no idea. Can you tell us?

Easy answers

Doing your own faucet repair may seem daunting, but once you learn the basics, modern faucets are pretty easy to fix. In fact, the hardest step is usually finding the right replacement parts. You can get parts for all of those, in places as mundane as Amazon or even Home Depot. Those are all fairly well-regarded brands. If you aren't 100% sold on the features of the faucet you have, and you can afford to do so, replacing the thing is probably a better use of your time than DIY repairs.

Most manufacturers have both cheap and expensive faucets, and a great number of them can be 'upgraded' by changing out internals-switching plastic parts for brass and periodically replacing rubber parts. Kohler is the best brand, in my opinion, in terms of quality. Check out American Standard's website. They probably have troubleshooting guides on there. Faucets are all basically built the same with only one or two variations on how they work...at least that has been my experience with them.

FYI, I have replaced and repaired several faucets and the time to replace a faucet has always been shorter than the time to repair a faucet. However, the cost of repairing a faucet is tiny compared to replacement (except for the Delta in my office for which I have replaced the valve units twice in 7 years and at this point, the cost of valve units is nearly the cost of the faucet).

As I've answered before, most high-end faucet manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty. Mine's a Pfister Marielle and I love it, not just for the way it looks, but for the fact that when it breaks, Pfister sends me replacement parts for free with a minimum of hassle. It only takes a phone call. Obviously I can't speak to how well the other makers honor their warranties. All things considered, if I were you I'd go with a new one that is a combination of features and style you prefer, from the manufacturer with the best warranty service.

Plumbing supply specialists are also a good source of repair parts. If you’re having trouble finding parts, call the manufacturer of your faucet for help. From an elegant pull out gooseneck kitchen faucet to a high-end commercial pull-down, American Standard the faucet that's right for your kitchen. The kitchen faucet is the centerpiece of a beautiful and functional kitchen. With drip-free performance, tough finishes to resist scratching and tarnishing and hundreds of styles to choose can help turn even the most casual cook into a master chef.