Struggling With Hard Water? Discover The Best Kitchen Faucets Here

If you live in an area with hard water, you know the havoc it can wreak on faucets and plumbing. The mineral deposits left behind can cause anything from stains and spots to reduced water flow and early wear. When it's time to replace your kitchen faucet, finding one that can withstand hard water is crucial.

We've tested and reviewed all the top brands to find faucets that resist corrosion, mineral buildup, and all the other problems caused by hard water exposure. Read on to discover the best kitchen faucet options for hard water available today.

What Makes Hard Water Hard on Faucets?

To understand why hard water can destroy faucets prematurely, it helps to know what's in it. Hard water contains a high concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium. These minerals have a hard time dissolving, so instead they are left behind wherever the water flows - including in your faucet.

Mineral Deposits

Over time, the minerals in hard water accumulate inside the faucet and on external surfaces. This leads to chalky white scale buildup. Hard water deposits also corrode metal components like brass fittings. The constant exposure to minerals eats away at the metal, causing pits and wear.

Potential Damage

The scale and corrosion caused by hard water can lead to a variety of functional and cosmetic issues with faucets, including:

• Surface defects like spotting, staining, and cloudiness
• Restricted water flow due to mineral deposits inside
• Dripping or leaking as internal seals and parts wear out faster
• Pitting, erosion, and premature aging of fixtures

Clearly, a faucet installed in hard water needs to be built to withstand this challenging environment.

Key Factors for Hard Water Faucet Durability

When choosing a kitchen faucet for hard water, focus on models designed to resist damage. Use these criteria to select fixtures that can handle years of mineral exposure.

Construction Materials

Look for faucets made of materials that hold up to hard water rather than corrode and wear prematurely. We recommend:

• Stainless steel resists corrosion and rust.
• Brushed nickel also has a highly durable finish.
• Avoid fixtures coated in polished brass, chrome, and other finishes that degrade over time.

Also make sure the interior components are high-quality and built to last.

Water Flow and Pressure

Turn on the faucet and check that water comes out in a steady, smooth stream. Avoid faucets that require you to crank up the water pressure just to get an adequate flow. Excessive pressure can damage plumbing down the line.

Height

Check that the faucet has a high enough arc to allow you to easily wash dishes and perform other kitchen tasks underneath. But it shouldn't be so high that it obstructs your ability to use the sink normally.

Low Maintenance

Since hard water faucets need frequent cleaning, opt for a straightforward, low maintenance design. Seek out faucets with a simple construction and few small crevices where mineral deposits can accumulate. The easier it is to keep your faucet clean, the longer it will last.

Special Features to Look For

Certain faucet features go the extra mile when it comes to handling hard water.

Sprayer Types

Both pull-down and pull-out faucet sprayers can withstand hard water if well-constructed. The key is choosing a high quality faucet where the sprayer mechanism operates smoothly and reliably. Avoid low-end models where the sprayer is likely to require frequent repairs.

Water Filtration

Opt for a faucet with built-in water filtration. This provides an added layer of protection by filtering out minerals and sediments, resulting in cleaner water flowing through your faucet.

Single Lever Handle

A single handle faucet uses a ceramic disk or cartridge to control both water flow and temperature. This style tends to require less maintenance and repair than traditional two-handle faucets with rubber seats and springs.

Brands Proven to Withstand Hard Water Conditions

We have scoured manufacturer testing data, customer reviews, and conducted our own hands-on testing to find faucet brands that excel in hard water environments. Here are our top recommendations:

Brizo

Brizo's high arc pull-down kitchen faucets combine spot-resistant finishes with durable ceramic valves and drip-free docking systems that stand up to hard water rigorously.

Moen

Moen faucets feature corrosion-resistant finishes and innovative Spot Resist technology that prevent mineral buildup and stains on the surface.

Delta

From the Brilliance stainless collection to the Trinsic pull-down faucet, Delta's extremely durable fixtures help prevent hard water damage.

Kraus

Kraus kitchen faucets have ultra-durable finishes plus high-performance ceramic valves that hold up even in the toughest water conditions.

Proper Care and Maintenance

To keep your hard water faucet in good working order:

• Clean frequently to control mineral deposits. Give the faucet a weekly once-over with a soft cloth, mild cleaner, and warm water to remove any buildup.
• Read the manufacturer's recommendations for appropriate cleaners and care.
• Consider installing water softeners to give your faucet a break from the constant hard water exposure.

With proper, gentle care your faucet can thrive for years even in hard water environments.

Replacing a faucet damaged by hard water is annoying and expensive. Save yourself future hassle by investing upfront in a durable, hard water-resistant kitchen faucet designed to handle mineral exposure. Focus on sturdy materials like stainless steel and solid construction. Bonus features like pull-down sprayers, built-in filtration, and single lever handles also enhance performance and longevity.

This guide has provided you with our expert tips for choosing the best kitchen faucets for hard water conditions. Invest in one of the top-rated brands we recommend and take steps to properly care for your faucet. This will help ensure it continues performing like new for years to come, without damage from hard water exposure.