Asked on Dec 16, 2015

Faucets & hard water

Rachel Z
by Rachel Z
My dad has been at his new house for about 5-6 years. We installed a new faucet when we moved in, but the water has eaten through it pretty badly. I will be moving back in with him in the next month or two.
What kind of faucet would be best? We have hard water that is like a 17 & above water hardness (very very hard water). He does have Culligan, but I need to upgrade it so that the system can handle the hardness (currently it doesn't).
I was thinking that maybe a plastic faucet would work since the water just eats right through them. If there's another option, I'd love to know!
  8 answers
  • Connie Connie on Dec 17, 2015
    I have never had issues with Moen or Grohe faucets, especially the top of the line recommended by plumbers. (sometimes the hardware stores sell the cheapest of these lines) Moen has a lifetime guarantee, and we have had no problem getting any issues resolved 5 or 10 years down the line. They do not cover the plumber visit after one year, should you need it, but the parts and actual faucet are replaced free for life.
  • John John on Dec 17, 2015
    I have found out over the years the more expensive faucets last longer because they use brass making them. Are you sure there isn't a way to put in new parts in the valves to stop the water leaking. Even new expensive replacements become subject to the hard water. In So. California due to the drouth the water company changed water mixing formulas and a lot of hard water damage is causing a lot of issues. I'm talking damage in houses in the thousands of dollars each. Putting in a soft water filter will help a lot.
  • Rachel Z Rachel Z on Dec 17, 2015
    I may see what I can afford...since we have no trouble with the plastic ones...those would be more in my price range. It's just hard when money is an issue and you have a problem like this.
  • Carol Cobb Carol Cobb on Dec 17, 2015
    Watch the clearance racks at the box stores for close outs. I find a lot of faucets, light fixtures etc at Goodwill and other thrift stores that was donated by people who moved in to a place and didn't like the faucets and changed out the finish. Make sure to examine what you buy.
  • Rosemary Kelly Rosemary Kelly on Dec 17, 2015
    Sometimes Habitat for Humanity ReStores have nice ones that get donated.
  • John John on Dec 18, 2015
    I understand being tight for money. Carol is right. After Christmas sales will be your best chance to get a new faucet and save money. I had to replace one of my bathroom facets and nearly fell over with the raise in prices for faucets over the twenty years since we put them in. We had just remodeled our kitchen 2 years ago, and last year a water line broke in the attic due to hard water and it cause the ceiling to fall down. Our new faucets only two years old are showing signs of the hard water, even though they are the upper side of expensive. If I could afford a water softener I'd put it in. Happy hunting.
  • Rachel Z Rachel Z on Dec 18, 2015
    We don't have anything like that here....very small area....not a lot here.
  • Aileen Aileen on Dec 26, 2015
    We have the same problem where I live - some of the hardest water in the country! My mum and dad have to replace the kitchen faucet every 5 - 7 years, there's no escaping it really. In my my own house too, we're coming up on year 5 and the faucet is not looking so good. Every house here has a water softener, which helps with some things and probably extends the life of some of the taps, but it's not a cure. I've never tried a plastic faucet, didn't even know they existed, but if you can find one, it's definitely worth a try. If you're in a small town with not many hardware store options, try checking out the the big box stores or any store that sells plumbing supplies on-line - there are often clearance items in addition to the items on sale. Also, let all your friends know that you're looking for a new (cheap) faucet - you never know who other people know! Other than that, I'm afraid that's one of the downsides of living in an area with hard water - You might want to start a piggy bank or savings jar and put your spare change in it, that way by the next time you need to replace it, you have a fund ready. Good luck!