The faucet is worth 20$ or 100$ just by looking at these six points.

The faucet production process has become more mature, and the country has also formulated corresponding standards. Although the scale of each enterprise is different, the appearance of the faucet is different, but the production cost of similar products is basically similar. At present, the prices of faucets sold on the market vary greatly. The prices of similar products from different companies range from more than 100 yuan to more than 1,000 yuan.

The same faucet, why is there such a big price difference?

Let us analyze and analyze from the perspective of the process of the faucet.

1. Appearance

The outer surface of the faucet is generally chrome-plated. The coating of the product has specified process requirements, and after a certain period of salt spray test,

No corrosion within the specified time limit. In the case of sufficient light, you can put the product in your hand and observe it at a straight distance. The surface of the faucet should be as bright as a mirror, without any oxidation spots or burn marks; and there should be no pores, blisters, and no leakage of plating. , The color is uniform; there is no burr or grit by hand; when you press the surface of the faucet with your fingers, the fingerprints will spread out quickly and the scale will not adhere easily.

The surface of some faucets adopts methods such as gold plating, bronze plating (imitation gold plating), and gold imitation electrophoretic paint. The surface of the faucet coated with electrophoretic paint or bronze is often corroded quickly, and it is difficult for non-professionals to distinguish the three, but the general warranty card will indicate the relevant requirements of the faucet surface.

2. Material

The main component shell of the faucet is generally made of brass material, and has been cleaned, turned, pickled and impregnated, pressure tested, polished and electroplated. Some manufacturers choose zinc alloy instead to reduce production costs. The handle, decorative nut, and the switching valve of the triple bathtub faucet are basically made of brass, zinc alloy, and ABS engineering plastics; the wall cover is made of copper, stainless steel, and plastic; the connecting nut and the eccentric joint, the spout shell are made of brass, the above parts It is recommended to use brass material.

The plating quality of the products made of brass can be guaranteed, and the corrosion resistance time is longer. The higher the brass purity, the better the plating quality, and the less likely the surface plating layer is to corrode. The zinc alloy electroplating quality is poor and the corrosion resistance is not good, and the price of ABS plastic is the cheapest, and the electroplating quality is poor. Methods such as weight estimation, minor surface scratches and surface plating quality can be used for identification.

Brass is heavier and harder, zinc alloy is lighter and softer, and plastic is lighter and softer. However, the national standard does not allow the use of zinc alloy materials for parts that are in direct contact with drinking water.

3. Function

Faucets come in various styles and functions. According to their purpose, they are generally used for washbasins, kitchen sinks, bathtubs, showers, and bidets. According to the function, there are general, induction, constant temperature, etc. For example, the sensor faucet has the function of automatically sensing the water output. When you reach the water outlet of the faucet, water will flow out. It is convenient, sanitary and more suitable for public places (high-end) toilets.

4. Spool

The valve core is the heart of the faucet, and the ceramic valve core is the best valve core. Products with better quality use ceramic valve cores, which have the characteristics of strong wear resistance and good sealing performance. Generally, they can be used for more than 300,000 to 500,000 times; low-end products mostly use copper, rubber and other seals, which have a short service life. But the price is low.

5. Surface

Pay attention to the gloss of the surface of the faucet. It is better to have no burrs, pores, and no oxidation spots when touched by hand. The main body of high-quality faucet is generally made of copper. After molding, grinding and polishing, the surface is plated with acid copper, nickel and chrome (three-layer electroplating); ordinary products are generally only nickel-plated and chromium plated (two-layer electroplating). The coatings of regular products have specific process requirements, and pass the neutral salt spray test, and there is no corrosion within the specified time limit. Therefore, the high-quality faucet products have tight structure, uniform coating, smooth and delicate color, and can keep the brightness as new after long-term use.

6. Handle

Gently turn the handle to see if it is light and flexible, and whether it is blocked. Check the various parts of the faucet, especially the main parts, whether they are tightly assembled, and there should be no looseness.