Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Find a Good Plumber?
For the proper installation of our products, it is important to use a skilled plumber or professional installer.
A competent plumber is essential for maintaining the functionality of your showers and faucets. Look for qualities such as reliability, punctuality, strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, proper licensing, experience, commitment to quality workmanship, and fair pricing.
Plumbers can vary significantly in their skills, experience, reliability, and fees.
Seek a licensed, professional, competent, experienced, and ethical plumber for your needs.
Consult with relatives, neighbors, friends, and coworkers for recommendations on trustworthy and competent plumbers.
If your thermostatic shower system requires servicing, inquire about the plumber’s familiarity and experience working with thermostatic shower systems.
Additionally, check online reviews and verify their license and insurance.
Stay vigilant to ensure they prioritize your best interests and avoid unnecessary product and service overselling.
Ask about their service fees, such as trip charge and hourly rates. Consider obtaining multiple quotes before finalizing your decision on a plumber.
How do I increase the water flow from my shower head?
New shower heads have a flow restrictor to conserve water. To increase the water flow, remove the flow restrictor:
- Unscrew the swivel connector from the top of the shower head.
- Turn the swivel connector upside down.
- Push a screwdriver through the swivel connector to pop out the small, round, plastic flow restrictor.
Why are there pin holes in my faucet spout?
Pin holes in a faucet spout are usually the result of dezincification, which is the removal of zinc from the brass alloy. This is due to salt solutions, brackish water, mildly acidic solutions, or poorly grounded plumbing systems. When the zinc is removed, copper within the alloy is redeposited to the affected areas. The redeposited copper is weak and porous.
If your faucet spout is pitted, you will need to replace the spout.
Why is the metal finish deteriorating on my faucet’s spout, handles, and aerator?
The metal finish of your faucet may deteriorate from years of wear and tear, abuse, and chemical corrosion.
Unfortunately, it is not practical to repair the deteriorated metal finish, so you will need to replace any parts of your faucet that are deteriorated.
Why is the polished brass metal finish tarnishing or peeling?
Traditional polished brass finishes were coated with a clear coating to inhibit tarnishing. Over time, this clear coat may be broken or scratched by wear and tear, abuse, or chemical corrosion, causing the finish to tarnish or the coating to peel.
Unfortunately, it is not practical to repair the clear coat, so you will need to replace any parts of your faucet that are tarnished or scratched.
What is PVD?
Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) is a highly technical process in which a solid metal is vaporized within a vacuum and deposited atom-by-atom onto a metal product or surface. This process forms an ultra-thin, bonded metal layer that improves the appearance, durability, and/or function. Such thin-film coatings can change the properties of the surface of a component, including the color, wear resistance, or friction coefficient.
Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) is one of the finest methods for creating brilliant, long-lasting permanent coatings — and is an environmentally-friendly process.
How is PVD metal finish different from traditional clear coating?
Our PVD metal finishes are more durable than traditional clear coating. Our PVD finish faucets are guaranteed to never tarnish, corrode, or discolor. We have tested our PVD finishes against more than 100 common household cleaners. The brilliance of the PVD finishes will even withstand prolonged exposure to hard water or salty sea air.
What can I use to clean my Polished Brass PVD or Satin Nickel PVD faucet?
In general, any cleaning product that can be used on chrome can be used on PVD finishes.
Before using a cleaner, read the instructions, contents, and cautions before using it.
As with any decorative surface, with proper care, your faucet will retain its shine for years to come.
The PVD finish of our faucets does not require the extraordinary effort needed to maintain most fine decorative finishes.
Do not use pads or sponges that are not recommended for cleaning polished surfaces. Review the usage instructions of scour pads or scrub sponges, before using them on your faucets.
Caution: Many cleaning pads or sponges with a green fibrous surface (such as Scotch-Brite™ heavy duty scrub sponges) contain microscopic mineral particles that can scratch nearly all decorative and polished surfaces, including the finish on your faucets.
Rinse any strong cleaners off immediately after use, to maintain the luster of the PVD finish.
Mild scrubbing with fine steel wool (0000 grade) can remove built up dirt or water stains.
Water spots can be wiped off with a soft cloth dampened with water or glass cleaner.
How do I re-attach a ceramic button to a faucet?
To re-attach a ceramic button, use a two-part epoxy adhesive that is strong, waterproof, clear, and quick drying, such as Gorilla epoxy adhesive.
Should I hire a plumber to install a faucet, shower, or cartridge?
Our faucets and shower systems are precision-made products and we recommend that a qualified plumber install and service them.
If you are installing a thermostatic shower system or replacing a thermostatic cartridge, we recommend using a qualified plumber who is skilled and has experience working with thermostatic shower systems.
Failure to use a qualified plumber can result in damaging the product or causing water leaks within your home.