Fixtures range widely in price, features
In his 25 years as plumbing inspector for Medfield, John Rose has examined a lot of faucets and showerheads.
And as manager of construction administration at R.W. Sullivan Engineering in Boston, Rose picks plumbing fixtures for homeowners and hospitals, among other clients. His top tip for finding the best faucets and showerheads?
"Take advantage of plumbing and fixture supply showrooms," Rose says, "versus the large chains like Home Depot and Lowe's."
Showrooms like Ferguson J.D. Daddario in Newton, says Rose, "generally carry a larger selection of models than chains," and "the staff takes the time to explain the differences among models."
Such help can make all the difference when prices for faucets and showerheads range from $45 to more than $6,000, and features can differ widely. Prices are driven by details such as finish (chrome or brushed nickel, for example) and features (standard kitchen faucets or those with add-ons like integrated carbonated water dispensers or pull-out sprayers).
"Some specialty faucets and showerheads require up to a four-week lead time," Rose says. "Showroom staff can help you plan ahead."
As with any plumbing fixture, faucets and showerheads should be approved by the Board of State Examiners of Plumbers & Gas Fitters. The board enforces Massachusetts's strict lead leach rules , which are among the nation's most stringent.
When choosing faucets for bath or kitchen, Rose advises purchasing only those equipped with ceramic disks, which now replace rubber washers in most showroom products.
"Unlike rubber washers, the ceramic disks don't wear out -- so these faucets will never drip," says Rose, who also serves on the board of directors of the New England Plumbing, Gas & Mechanical Inspectors Association.
At Ferguson J.D. Daddario, the most popular faucets and showerheads are made by Kohler Co., Grohe AG, and KWC Faucets Inc. Showroom manager Paula Mazzola notes that Delta, Symmons, and American Standard -- which make less expensive products -- are also top sellers.
Basic faucet design includes single lever versus dual lever. "Single lever faucets are very popular for their ease of temperature control," notes Rose.
But in bathrooms dual lever faucets are more popular than single, says Mazzola.
For the kitchen, some single lever products come with hand sprayers that pull out of the faucet. These sell for $200 to $1,000. Without pull-out sprayers, the single lever kitchen faucets cost $120 to $800.
As for showerheads, hand-held units are enjoying increasing popularity, says Rose, especially among aging Baby Boomers. These moveable showerheads generally cost more than their stationary counterparts. Symmons's Allura stationary showerhead, for example, sells for about $150, while its handheld version is $250 (this includes a sliding bar for easy height adjustment ). Swiveling mounts come standard with most hand-held showerheads.
Most showerheads can be purchased alone or in a set with a valve. Whether pressure-balanced or thermostatic, valves mix the water before it reaches the showerhead. Pressure-balanced valves ensure comfortable water temperatures when, for example, someone flushes the toilet. Thermostatic valves provide more exacting temperature control than pressure-balanced -- they also cost more.
The most popular showerheads these days are the so-called rain heads. Ranging from 6 to 14 inches across, rain heads are often mounted in the ceiling, notes Rose. "They look nice, but their spray patterns are non adjustable."
Mazzola says the rain showerheads are "very relaxing, but they're not good for shampooing." And the price? $400 to $6,000. "The bigger they get, the more they cost."
