When renovating or replacing faucets, are you overwhelmed by the choices between brass, stainless steel, and zinc alloy? Some say stainless steel is clean, others say zinc alloy is cheaper, and while Brass Bibcock seems more expensive, it's always recommended. Is it really worth the money compared to other faucets?
Let's start with the most worrying question – how long will it last? Zinc alloy faucets are cheap and look shiny, but after a year or two, the paint will peel, spots will appear, and the valve stem may even crack, leading to annoying leaks. Stainless steel faucets, while made of stainless steel, are prone to water stains in ordinary models, and the welds may rust over time. Brass Bibcock is different. Copper itself is corrosion-resistant and oxidation-resistant. Better brass faucets have a thick chrome plating, so they'll still look shiny even after ten or eight years, and the valve stem won't easily loosen.
Health is the bottom line when it comes to faucets for drinking water. Plastic faucets are a different story; they can release harmful substances at high temperatures. Ordinary stainless steel faucets, if made of substandard materials, may contain heavy metals. Brass Bibcock is different. Copper ions have natural antibacterial properties, killing bacteria like E. coli in the water – a proven effectiveness. This makes it safe for homes with children and the elderly.
Leaking faucets are most often due to sealing problems. Zinc alloy is brittle and can crack easily with excessive force; stainless steel is rigid but the joints can loosen over time. Brass Bibcock is exceptionally flexible, allowing for more precise manufacturing and a better fit with the valve core and sealing ring. Unless installed roughly, it's unlikely to leak for five or six years.
Whether it's old iron pipes in an old house or PPR pipes in a new house, Brass Bibcock is compatible. Brass faucets are easy to weld and polish, making them convenient for installers to adjust. Even if the pipes are slightly crooked, they can be aligned by polishing the joints. Stainless steel faucets, on the other hand, are difficult to weld and have limited adjustment space. In older houses with irregular pipes, installation can be particularly difficult. Anyone who has renovated an older house knows how hard it is to find a compatible faucet. Brass Bibcock makes this so much easier.
