Expert: Sharon McCarthy - 7/1/2009

Question
I am remodeling my bathroom and need to replace the faucet in my tub area.  The faucet is currently a 2 handle(hot and cold).  My question is, is it smart(I like the looks) to convert to a single handle or should I stick with the 2 handle.  The room is pretty much bare and access to the copper is easy at this time.

Thank you

Answer
Dear Mike,

  The conversion from a two-handle to a one-handle will require a little more moving around of copper pipes and fittings, but if you have the wall open and you like the looks of a single-handle, go for it! Really not a big deal. You'll have to cut into the copper anyway.

  I have my favorite brands, actually make that BRAND of faucet and that is Delta. After 26 years of working on just about every make of faucet, Delta is tops in my opinion.

  Kohler is very good but they tend to change parts quite frequently, meaning you often have to go hunting for parts at plumbing supply stores that carry Kohler products. The hardware stores would have to add a room for all the Kohler parts ever made.

  Moen is one to steer clear of entirely. Moen used to be near the top in quality, but no more. Very sad. Every time I hear their ad on TV, Moen, buy it for looks, buy it for life...I laugh. Also, the cartridges in all Moen faucets require special and very costly tools to remove.

  There are others, like Price Pfister and American Standard, all OK, but they have been changing parts al lot recently and again, can now be hard to find.  Please please avoid Grohe or anything European, parts are not only hard to find but also very expensive.

  Delta faucets still use the exact same parts that they've been using for over 50 years. Also, some of the higher end models are still made in the USA. A rarity.

  If you go to the big box stores, you'll only find the common models of all brands. Delta, like the rest, have other models that have more style, and of course cost more. If you want to see the whole array, check out Expo, Great Indoors, or go to a Design Center.

  Also look for plumbing supply stores that have showrooms, or call and ask if they have the Delta [or whatever brand you pick] catalog. Or go to the manufacturer's websites. Have fun with your project!!  sharon