Choosing Faucets for Housing by Region | Location Matters
How to choose a kitchen faucet and how to choose a bathroom faucet generally come down to price, quality, and design as these are the main considerations of most multifamily housing professionals and homeowners. But what about location? Does where you live or where the housing development will be make a difference in faucet choice? Absolutely! It may surprise you to find out that location should also be a key consideration in faucet choice. This expert guide will give you tips and pointers enabling you or your company to choose the right faucet for the right geographical location in the United States.
Understanding the Water Hardness Scale
The USGS (United States Geological Survey), a federal agency under the Department of the Interior, makes water hardness data available to the public. When looking up water hardness (mineral content) in data provided by the USGS, know that it’s based on dissolved calcium carbonate measured by mg/L (milligrams per liter which is also parts per million or PPM). The harder the water, the harder the water is on a faucet. Hard water causes mineral build-up inside of faucet parts, and spotting and wear on faucet finishes.
Soft = 0 -60 PPM
Moderately Hard = 61 – 120 PPM
Hard = 121 – 180 PPM
Very Hard = 190 + PPM
The Best Faucets for Southern U.S. States
The high mineral component (hardness) in the water in most southern states and the relative high humidity are the two most important factors when choosing a faucet for a home or multifamily build in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. The PPM rating varies quite a lot, but only from moderately hard to very hard. Of all the southern states, Texas wins the hardness competition, coming in at 150 to 350+ PPM. Not far behind is Alabama with water that rates 120 to 180 PPM and then Florida (100 to 300 PPM), Kentucky (100 to 180 PPM) and Louisiana (also 100 to 180 PPM). The rest of the southern states have water that rates somewhat lower.
Combine this hard water issue with high humidity and a risk of salt corrosion in coastal areas, and the answer is clear; in general, the best faucets for Southern US states are those that have sturdy, solid brass construction, or at the very least, stainless steel. Avoid thin metal coating on plastic construction, which is quite common. A PVD-coated finish will help a great deal. We recommend the Olympia Single Handle Pre-Rinse Spring Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet Model# K-5070, a beautiful semi-professional kitchen faucet that comes in chrome, PVD-coated brushed nickel and matte black.
The Best Faucets for Western U.S. States
Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada and California are generally considered to make up the Western U.S. (depending on who you ask, of course). These states battle drought and lack of water concentrates minerals. This means that these states have hard water issues as well. Arizona, Nevada, and Utah top the charts with 200 to 350+ PPM. On top of this, arid conditions mean that water conservation is extremely important. For faucets of all types that will be used in western states, look for faucets with solid construction, great aerators that provide a more powerful spray with less water, and coated finishes. Skipping matte black finishes, on which water spots are more pronounced, is our insider tip. We recommend the Olympia Single Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet Model# K-5060 in modern, shiny chrome for a tough faucet, that will power-off food and stand up to hard water.
The Best Faucets for Northeastern U.S. States
Next we have states in the northeastern region: Pennsylvania, New York, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. The rock in this region tends to be hard, such as granite, and so not easily dissolved. Therefore, the water is generally soft. As a comparison, Pennsylvania has the hardest water with a rating of 60 – 180 PPM, much softer than what we’ve seen in the other regions covered so far. This is great news for faucet choice, as the water isn’t likely to wear down faucet parts as quickly. However, these states do have to contend with freezing water, which is a vital consideration for overall plumping choices. In older homes, such as those built pre-WWII, counter space in bathrooms especially can be at a premium, so faucets with a smaller footprint are popular. For this situation, we recommend the new Pioneer Single Handle Bathroom Faucet Model# 3MT1823. The knurled handle, small footprint and tall neck are perfect for New England’s homes.
The Best Faucets for the Midwest U.S. States
The Midwest is made up of North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. These states get their water mainly from mineral-dense aquifers and limestone geology is prevalent, so hard water is once again a consideration for faucet choice. Kansas and Indiana have the hardest water with a rating of 150 to 350 PPM. Illinois and Michigan have the softest at 60 to 180 PPM each. The rest fall in between. These states also deal with freezing temperatures, so it’s a double whammy, as they say. Kitchen faucets, bathroom faucets, and all other types of faucets need to be very tough. Choose solid brass or stainless steel construction and get a coated finish. Aerators tend to clog here, so choose a faucet with an easily replaceable aerator. Filtration systems help, especially in rural areas where well water is common. We recommend the Pioneer Two Handle Lavatory Faucet Model# 3CB110. Its price is very reasonable for its solid construction, great looks, and beautiful available finishes. Plus, its style is transitional which looks just as much at home in a modern bathroom as one with a more traditional farmhouse look.
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.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: AI training with this protected original content is prohibited.
We’ll Save You Money and Time
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.
Popular Products from Pioneer and the Pioneer family:
