When choosing a faucet, pay attention to the material (preferably H59 copper or 304 stainless steel), the valve core (ceramic core is durable), the surface finish (uniformly shiny) and the functions (such as pull-out, constant temperature), as well as the matching of the sink hole position and water pressure. Ensure smooth hand feel and smooth water flow, avoid poor-quality plastic/zinc alloy and rough coating. Pay attention to the interface specification (4/1/2 inch is mostly used) and the quality of the bubbler to ensure health and safety as well as long-term use.
I. Check the material
Copper (preferred): High-quality fine copper (such as H59 copper) has good corrosion resistance, antibacterial properties, and a long lifespan.
304 stainless steel: Lead-free, extremely corrosion-resistant, pollution-free, but difficult to process and expensive.
Not recommended: Zinc alloy, plastic. They are prone to rust and release heavy metals, which is not healthy.
II. Check the valve core (the "heart" of the faucet)
Ceramic valve core: Wear-resistant, good sealing, smooth opening and closing, it is the mainstream choice and has a long lifespan.
Ball valve core: Strong corrosion resistance, suitable for areas with poor water quality.
Note: Avoid old-fashioned rubber valve cores.https://www.toilet-fittings.com/videos-53963107-modern-304-stainless-steel-single-hole-installation-kitchen-and-bathroom-faucet-cold-and-hot-dual-pu.html
III. Check the surface finish
Electroplating: Bright, without bubbles or flaws, uniform color; quickly disappears after fingerprint pressing is ideal.
Others: Sandblasting, painting processes also need to be evaluated; high-quality electroplating can effectively prevent corrosion.
IV. Check the functions and details
Interface: Confirm whether the water pipe interface is G1/2 (4 inches) or G3/4 (6 inches).
Flow: Whether the water flow is smooth, whether the adjustment of cold and hot water is smooth (recommend 30° up and down, 90° left and right).
Bubble remover: High-quality bubble remover can soften the water flow and save water.
Kitchen faucet: Consider pull-out type and design higher than the faucet, which is convenient for cleaning.
Size: Ensure it matches the hole position of the washbasin (single/double holes) and the size of the sink.
V. Brand and certification
Well-known brands: Grohe, Moen, Hansgrohe, Nine-Mo, Kohler, TOTO, etc.
Note: Be cautious of the "pure copper" promotion. The national standard is copper content of 59% yellow copper, not 100% pure copper.
VI. Purchase suggestions
I. Look: Gloss, flatness, whether there are burrs.
II. Touch: Whether the feel is smooth, whether the switch is smooth.
III. Test: Cold and hot adjustment, water flow size.
IV. Ask: Valve core, material, interface specification.