Newbie Kitchen & Bath Faucet Question

Hey Guys,

I've got a question of faucets. The brass & copper is pretty straightforward. The breakdowns are easy. I'm stumped on the white metals though.

Scratch test has them as being white and not plated brass.

Magnet says they're not magnetic.

Some pieces are stamped out of a sheet. Maybe non magnetic stainless ?

Some pieces are cast. They make up the valve body and faucet spout. Maybe they're higher end brushed nickel faucets ? What the heck to do with those ones at the yard ?

Any suggestions appreciated.

Grinder spark test. Some of them newer faucets can be tricky. Alot now are plastic and cast alum.

Edit.. Adding that the newer brass faucets, the scratch test dont work too good. I cant tell half the time until i hit it with the grinder and then a light yellow shows up. Must be less copper and more zinc in the newer brass faucets

The cast is likely zinc, the pressed is likely SS. If there is any question, ask the yard guys. They are usually helpful and will let you know how to tell. I will also say to tip the guys at the yard and they will be very grateful for the tip and will be very happy to help someone who appreciates their service.

A lot of faucets are also die cast instead of cast too

Thanks guys,

So the white cast is more likely a zinc / copper alloy of some kind.

I'll set it aside for when i bring it into the yard. Seems to be a common thing with the newer faucets these days. Probably best to let the buyer class it as they see fit and not mix it in with the brass.

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Originally Posted by hills

Hey Guys,

I've got a question of faucets. The brass & copper is pretty straightforward. The breakdowns are easy. I'm stumped on the white metals though.

Scratch test has them as being white and not plated brass.

Magnet says they're not magnetic.

Some pieces are stamped out of a sheet. Maybe non magnetic stainless faucet manufacturer?

Some pieces are cast. They make up the valve body and faucet spout. Maybe they're higher end brushed nickel faucets ? What the heck to do with those ones at the yard ?

Any suggestions appreciated.

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Hello, Would like to get some recommendations for a 4 inch center set bathroom sink faucet. I could go with either a single handle or two handles and would appreciate any recommendations for a brushed nickel finish in the $100.00 or less price range. About ten years ago a member of this group recommended the Gerber Viper toilet. I'm very happy with that toilet which works as well today as the day it was installed. Now, I am looking to replace a really old bathroom faucet and welcome any suggestions. Does anyone have any thoughts pro or con about Delta faucets?

Delta and Gerber have always been good names but i'm at a loss. The faucets are made very differently these days. Brass as a material to make a faucet with has been largely phased out now. What little brass you do find is lead free brass.

It used to be that they made a faucet that would last a lifetime. Nowadays ... they are made in such a way that they are easily replaceable. You use them for awhile and just toss them if they start to leak.

Best advise i think i could offer is to talk with one of your local plumbers that has a reputation for quality workmanship. They would know which ones to buy and which ones to avoid because they work with them on a regular basis.