水龙头选购及安装技巧

Before You Buy

Follow these steps to avoid unexpected pitfalls on installation day.

1.Settle on a sink first. Its size, 形状, and features will determine where the faucet should be mounted and how much “reach” the spout should have. Look for this information on manufacturers’ websites.

2.Shop in person if possible. Visit home centers and kitchen showrooms to see faucets on display. Make sure handles turn easily and features like pull-out and pull-down spouts work comfortably for you.

3.Measure the spout’s height. There are no hard-and-fast rules, but ideally the spout will be tall enough to clear your deepest pot but not so tall that water splashes everywhere when it hits the sink’s bowl.

4. Check clearances. Make sure there’s enough room behind and beside the faucet to clean around the body and to use the handle without scraping your knuckles.

5.Choose the accessories early. Order extras, like a soap dispenser or separate sprayer, with the faucet, and add a hole in the countertop or sink for them.

What’s It Made Of?

Brass is the most popular option. It’s durable and easy to cast, and companies offer a wide variety of models and finishes. Some have sprayer heads made of plastic, so they weigh less and stay cool to the touch (not to mention they’re cheaper to make); other parts might be made of zinc. Do your research so that you know what you’re buying.

Stainless steel is another good, though expensive, 选择. Not to be confused with stainless-steel finishes applied over brass, 实心不锈钢水龙头不需要单独的表面处理. 一些公司应用透明保护涂层来抵抗水渍和指纹.

塑料或锌水龙头是最不耐用的. 从外面看, 它们看起来与 ro220501BNm 黄铜水龙头没有什么不同. 区分它们的最好方法就是把它们捡起来; 塑料和锌很轻, 虽然黄铜有很大的分量.

正确的阀门类型

控制水流和温度, 今天的水龙头使用插装阀，将所有工作部件封装在一个单一的零件中, 易于更换的装置 (意味着无需更换垫圈). 有些阀门由塑料或金属制成, 但最好的有一对超硬的, 超光滑陶瓷盘很少泄漏且不受硬水沉积物的影响. 唯一的缺点: 圆盘很脆，如果碰到任何碎片就会破裂, 因此，请确保在安装水龙头之前冲洗供水管道. 插装阀因水龙头品牌和型号而异; 如果您需要更换一个, 直接从制造商处订购.

低端灯具

黄铜通常与铅制成合金，以便更容易铸造. 根据法律, 在美国销售的水龙头. 不能包含超过 8 领先百分比, 但铅会污染水龙头体内的水几个小时以上. (运行水龙头几秒钟即可将其冲洗掉。) 加利福尼亚州和佛蒙特州颁布了更严格的标准: 一个 “最大加权平均值” 不超过 0.25 百分比.

饰面如何应用?

电镀
最常见的 (和最古老的) 方法. The faucet is dipped in a bath of dissolved metal that adheres to the surface when a current is applied. 专业版: Offers a durable, long-lasting finish. Con: Plating is susceptible to harsh cleansers.

物理气相沉积 (物理气相沉积)
The faucet is placed in a vacuum and bombarded with metallic ions that bond to the surface. 专业版: Results in a very hard, tough finish that doesn’t need a clear coat. Con: More expensive than other application methods.

Powder-Coating
The faucet is sprayed with a dry powder that cures when exposed to heat. 专业版: Results in an even, thick finish layer.Con: Not as durable as PVD or electroplating.

Installation Tips

561200CH

New faucets are so easy to put in that you barely need tools to do it.

1. Remove the old tap without damaging counters or cabinets. It’s tempting to loosen rusted-on nuts by applying heat with a propane torch, but a heat gun or hair dryer would be safer. Remove the nuts with water-pump pliers or a basin wrench.

2. Skip plumber’s putty if you have stone counters. Putty, often used to form a seal between the faucet base and the countertop, contains oils that can stain the stone. Most modern faucets have an O-ring in the base and don’t require a sealant.