How to Avoid Finish Damage When Servicing Faucets

Common Causes of Finish Damage During Cleaning

It may surprise you to learn that the most common, and avoidable, cause of finish damage is the use of harsh cleaners while cleaning up after an installation or repair. Cleaners containing bleach, ammonia, or solvents gradually break down faucet finishes. Abrasive powders and scrub brushes can strip coatings, dull PVD, and scratch plated surfaces. Matte black and brushed finishes are especially vulnerable, often showing spots and discoloration more quickly than other finishes. For this reason, gentle cleaning with finish-safe products is essential. Another layer of protection against accidental damage is to choose a faucet with a hardy finish. For example, the Olympia i2v Single Handle Lavatory Faucet L-60210-MB offers a durable coating built for long-term performance.

Hard water worsens the problem, causing buildup in pipes and aerators that demands more frequent cleaning. To avoid damage to faucets, clean them with mild soap, warm water, and microfiber cloths or soft sponges without netting. Even better, loosen grime with a steam cleaner without making contact with the faucet, then wipe with a clean, soft cloth.  

Transport and Storage

Improper storage and transport of faucets and parts are among the most overlooked causes of damage. Plumbers often store bulk parts in workshops or storage rooms, where stacking or unwrapped storage can cause scratches. Moving fixtures without protective wrapping often leads to scuffs and scratches. This can be avoided by keeping parts wrapped and stored securely to prevent drops or scratches during transport. Moisture in storage facilities accelerates rust and corrosion, particularly on finishes without protective coatings. Climate-controlled storage or even simple dehumidifiers can make a significant difference in protecting stored faucets from unseen environmental damage. It’s also helpful to choose faucets with strong rust-resistant PVD finishes like the Olympia i2v Two Handle Lavatory Widespread Faucet L-7422. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Transport and Storage

Improper storage and transport of faucets and parts are among the most overlooked causes of damage. Plumbers often store bulk parts in workshops or storage rooms, where stacking or unwrapped storage can cause scratches. Moving fixtures without protective wrapping often leads to scuffs and scratches. This can be avoided by keeping parts wrapped and stored securely to prevent drops or scratches during transport. Moisture in storage facilities accelerates rust and corrosion, particularly on finishes without protective coatings. Climate-controlled storage or even simple dehumidifiers can make a significant difference in protecting stored faucets from unseen environmental damage. It’s also helpful to choose faucets with strong rust-resistant PVD finishes like the Olympia i2v Two Handle Lavatory Widespread Faucet L-7422. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Tools and Tightening

Now we’ll cover a more obvious area of potential damage – when using tools. Using the right tool during faucet repair is essential to prevent damage. Many plumbers still rely on traditional pipe wrenches, but their metal-on-metal grip damages finishes. This can be dangerous to a faucet’s finish, since metal-on-metal contact often causes scratches. Rubber-padded pliers and wrenches provide a safe grip that prevents scratches, preserving the faucet’s finish. Don’t forget to keep them clean. For added protection, nylon strap wrenches can tighten bolts without marking the surface. 

Even with the right tool for the job, a plumber can cause damage through inattentiveness. Overtightening parts while installing and servicing a faucet can easily cause finish damage that may be apparent right away, or after some time. Excessive force chips plating around joints and handles, leaving the finish weakened and prone to corrosion. Overtightening stresses seals and joints, cracking the finish and reducing both appearance and durability A cracked finish allows moisture to seep in, causing corrosion beneath the surface. Once corrosion sets in, it spreads quickly and can require costly replacements that careful handling would have prevented.

Wrapping it All Up

Protecting faucet finishes is essential for extending product lifespan, reducing costly replacements, and maintaining professional service quality. With the right tools, gentle cleaning practices, and preventative care, builders and plumbers can preserve both function and appearance. By following these steps, faucet finishes remain durable and attractive, reducing service calls and extending product life.

Pioneer, Olympia, and Central Brass

With more than a century of combined expertise, Pioneer, Olympia, and Central Brass design faucets that make protecting finishes easier from the start. Their collections feature advanced PVD coatings that resist scratches, corrosion, and everyday wear, reducing the risk of service-related damage. From single-handle bathroom faucets to versatile kitchen and laundry models, each is engineered for long-term performance with finishes that resist service-related damage. These brands show that high-quality finishes withstand installation and servicing while retaining appearance and performance. This helps lower long-term costs for builders and property managers.

There are many ways to the same destination. This saying applies to multifamily housing builds just as much as to anything else in life. The ultimate goal is save as much money as possible while delivering a great finished project – that’s simply showing smart business sense. But, finding a one-off deal or sacrificing quality isn’t the only way to get a healthy ROI. We have a better way.

Pioneer works with professionals every day to develop specification packages and plans that save our valued partners both time and money, sometimes in surprising ways. It’s our goal to ensure your project meets or exceeds its expected outcome. We want to get to know you and your company and show you how we can save you money.  Please reach out via our website form or call us at (800) 338-9468.