Choosing the right material for a kitchen faucet valve can be difficult. While copper was traditionally used, many modern materials that are more environmentally friendly are now available. For example, cross-linked polyethylene or PEX has been the material of choice for over 20 years. It's cheaper than copper, easier to install, and less prone to freezing. Here are some tips to help you choose a kitchen faucet valve. Consider your options carefully to choose the right valve for your home.
Choice for most high quality faucets
First decide on the material of the valve insert. Many high-end faucets use a stainless steel valve core. However, this material is prone to rust and can pollute the water. Ceramic valve cores are also available. Ceramic is the most expensive material, but also the most durable and hard-wearing, making it a smart choice for most high-end faucets. Copper is also a popular choice, but it tends to collect scale and dirt. Copper coils are also prone to scale and rust, and the overall cost isn't prohibitive.
Go for a textured finish
Another option is to choose a textured surface. These faucets look great and are easier to install. A clear polymer coating is applied to a brass surface but is not as durable as PVD or electroplating. Regardless of your choice, a new kitchen faucet is easy to install. If you have a rusted faucet, you can use a heat gun or basin wrench to loosen the nuts.
Ball valves are a popular option
Ball valves are also a popular option because they are almost indestructible. Most manufacturers use stainless steel and brass for their ball valves, but these can wear down over time from friction. It's not uncommon for the seals to wear out, but replacing them is easy enough for any do-it-yourselfer. Replacing a ball valve cartridge takes 10 minutes. This way you can easily replace it if you find problems or need to fix it.
Ceramic cartridges are another option, but one that can cause problems for the user. Ceramic cartridge discs are very tight and can become sticky. A water-insoluble lubricant coats the discs, but friction between them can scour away the lubricant, resulting in a harder faucet valve. Ceramic discs will likely last longer. And if you're concerned about the durability of the material, a ceramic disc is probably your best bet.
The materials used in nivito kitchen faucets vary depending on the type of faucet. Standard materials are brass, plastic, zinc and stainless steel. Brass is the most common choice, but stainless steel and zinc-brass fittings are also available. Note, however, that some stainless steel faucets have plastic spray heads that are cool to the touch. Zinc-brass faucets are also available with zinc-based spray heads.
