How Long Does a Faucet Last?

Three Deciding Factors

There are three deciding factors to take into consideration when answering the question, “How long should a faucet last?” The first factor is the quality of the workmanship and materials. Cheaply made faucets are notoriously delicate and can stop functioning well (or stop working completely) in a matter of months, but generally after the first year. The second factor is its category – residential or commercial. As mentioned above, commercial faucets tend to have longer lifespans. We’ll explore why a little later on. The third and final factor is the care the faucet receives. It goes without saying that a faucet that has been neglected or abused or even cleaned improperly won’t last as long as one that has been cleaned and maintained well.

1. Is the faucet built from quality materials?

We’ve listed this factor first because it truly is the most important when deciding how long a faucet should or will last. Look for faucets made from brass parts. Although stainless steel is another good material and quite common for parts, it is not as good as brass for longevity. However, if the choice is between stainless steel and plastic, definitely choose the faucet with metal parts over plastic ones. Brass is a heavy, rust-resistant alloy metal made from mainly zinc and copper. It’s corrosion-resistant as well, which means it holds up to water dense in minerals, especially calcium and magnesium. Central Brass’ Slow-Close Single Handle Basin Faucet 0357H is the perfect example of a faucet made to last because of its materials. If your housing project or home is in an area with hard water, you’ll want to choose a faucet made of brass. Stainless steel also holds up nicely, and a faucet made from stainless steel parts will last many years, just likely not more than 10. For faucet discs, look for ones made from ceramic over any other material. Ceramic discs help a faucet’s handle glide smoothly, use after use.

2. Is the faucet made for commercial or residential use?

Commercial faucets will generally last longer (all other factors being equal). They are made for heavy, sustained use. In this way, the second factor is similar to the first – commercial faucets last longer because they’re made with better materials. However, they’re also designed differently. Residential faucets tend to prioritize aesthetics and commercial faucets tend to prioritize utilitarianism. Interestingly enough, some design features that were meant to be purely useful, such as an exposed coil in a commercial kitchen faucet, have become a sought-after look. You’ll see this in the Olympia Single Handle Pre-Rinse Spring Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet K-5090 from the i2 collection. In this faucet, the look of the coil has been refined to create a truly gorgeous, powerful, and long-lasting commercial-grade kitchen faucet perfect for residential use.

3. Has the faucet been cleaned and cared for properly?

Or, if you’re shopping for a faucet now, will the faucet be cleaned and maintained properly? Although we’ve listed this factor last, the answer to how long a faucet should last can change entirely based on this one question. Without proper care, and most certainly with abuse, a faucet’s lifespan will be shortened by years. Cleaning a high-quality faucet is not usually a difficult task – most faucets with quality PVD coatings can be cleaned and sanitized with concentrated steam or with gentle soap, water and a soft, clean microfiber cloth. Take a look at our article on how to clean a faucet for more tips. The secret lies in staying away from chemical cleaners and bristles or dirty rags that will harm the faucet. Not abusing a faucet takes only common sense for an adult, but will need to be taught to children, who will need reminders. Instructing them to not force a handle and turn the faucet off after each use is a good place to start. This is one of the many reasons that sensor faucets like the beautiful and sturdy Central Brass Single Hole Deck Mount Electronic Sensor Faucet 2098-AC are useful in places where the faucets will be used by children most often. 

The Warranty Says it All

On a final note, a faucet’s warranty is a fantastic indicator of how long a faucet will last. Those with excellent warranties tell a purchaser that the company that created them stands behind their faucets and knows that they are made well. Pioneer and the Pioneer family of faucets, which includes Central Brass commercial products and Olympia residential products, have top-tier warranties. Find out more about Pioneer’s warranties on the faucet warranty page. 

Wrapping it All Up

As a trusted supplier of faucets and fixtures for over 100 years, Pioneer, Central Brass, and Olympia are here for you. Embrace the benefits of quality, product availability, and shipping speed by partnering with Pioneer. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your project is in good hands and transform your project or home with these beautiful and exceptionally durable faucets and accessories. All are backed by a best-in-the-industry warranty, are easy to install, and will stand the test of time.

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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.

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