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How Long Are Faucets and Shower Heads Supposed to Last?
The fixtures in the bathroom and kitchen receive daily use in most homes. In a busy home, a conveniently located faucet may be used dozens of times in a single day.
Trying to save money during installation by using low-cost fixtures will only lead to a short lifespan and the expense of replacement after just a few years. But all kitchen and bathroom fixtures eventually need replacement. Even with the highest quality materials, faucets and shower heads wear out over time. Keep in mind that the lifespan of any given fixture varies depending on its quality, frequency of use, maintenance efforts, and water hardness.
Kitchen Faucets
When built with solid brass materials and other sturdy construction features, modern kitchen faucets can easily last 10 to 15 years. However, they’ll need new aerators and likely at least one cartridge replacement along the way to keep them working that long without leaking. After 15 years of looking at the same faucet, it’s fine to simply want a new style or a different set of features, such as a pull-down sprayer. Few kitchen faucets will last much longer than 20 years, even with maintenance, since they’re generally used multiple times a day.
Bathroom Faucets
Bathroom faucets can last almost indefinitely with proper maintenance, especially those in guest bathrooms that are rarely used. They’ll need mineral removal, aerator cleaning to keep hard water from building up, and eventually new cartridges to prevent leaking.
The key to keeping bathroom faucets working for as long as possible is buying quality construction. Solid metal materials are essential since plastic and resin get fragile over time and eventually cracks or chips. However, even working bathroom faucets should be replaced any time the style of the bathroom is substantially changed so that they match the rest of the décor.
Shower Heads and Tub Spouts
Shower heads are easier to maintain than other bathroom fixtures because most are easy to remove for descaling.
With mineral deposit removal on a regular basis, most shower heads will last as long as they don’t crack from water pressure or being dropped. Tub spouts tend to last about 20 to 25 years at most before rust or mineral deposits on the valves make them wear out and begin leaking. Replacing both the spout and plumbing hardware makes more sense than trying to install an old spout over new plumbing.
Keep any bathroom updated and on-trend with the help of Kingston. Explore the many collections of matching faucets, shower heads, and other fixtures for a cohesive look for any room. Put together the best kitchen and bathroom designs from our collection.
Shop Kingston Today
For homeowners interested in adding a fresh coat of paint to their kitchen or bathroom, the perfect place to begin is by shopping Kingston. Here, homeowners can access the highest quality in kitchen and bath products. From new kitchen sinks to upgraded bathtubs, there is something to match any homeowner’s design preference. Shop Kingston today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do kitchen faucets usually last?
Kitchen faucets typically last between 10 and 15 years when built with durable materials like solid brass and properly maintained. Regular cleaning, aerator replacement, and cartridge maintenance can help extend the lifespan of the faucet.
How can you extend the lifespan of faucets and shower heads?
Regular maintenance such as removing mineral buildup, cleaning aerators, and replacing worn cartridges can significantly extend the lifespan of faucets and shower heads. Water hardness, frequency of use, and fixture quality also play important roles in how long these fixtures last.
