I have had Moen faucets in my home for 31 years. I replaced them all at 27 years. I also re-used one for a garage faucet. The water here is very hard. I replaced handles and cartridges in the showers. Good to go.
Really appreciate quality tools and supplies. Thank You for also explaining the parts breakdown regarding how to know what contributes to quality components in a faucet.
Excellent video and information Jim, I don’t trust the neighbor kids for information I always check with the little old lady down the street 😂. Take care and have a great weekend 🇺🇸
If you want a cheaper but reliable brand I would also recommend Moen. They are very easy to fix and replacement parts are for free. Ussually no problems in the first 15 years. Many rental units use this brand because of its seamless operation and easy of repair.
I only buy and install the big name brands that have lifetime warranty and have been around for decades. Oftentimes its Delta. They aren't always all brass, and usually aren't, but if I call or email them for parts they always send them to me free! Yes they cost 2 to 4 times as much as the no-name or weird named Amazon and eBay stuff, but I can get parts and they're free to my door!
Any feedback for American Standard? I've started switching from Moen to American Standard (previous house we installed all Moen....now in our current house we are buying American Standard faucets/shower kits).
Good luck getting parts for those faucets plus upfront costs. MOEN AND KOHLER purchased from a supply house not big box store are my favorite. Moen has lifetime warranty on faucets plus finish
guitar1301, every faucet has a lifetime warranty but what does lifetime mean? I used to install lots of Moen and Delta faucets and repaired a lot of them. They have the best parts and easy to repair. When the workmanship of the faucets are so cheaply built and falling apart, I quit using them. Kohler is an excellent company and they make good brass faucets but they are trying to compete with the cheaper brands. I always worked in custom built homes, not the track homes.
@@TheGrumpyPlumber My (new) 25-year-old track home came with Moen faucets including in the shower & bathtub. Over the years, I have gotten four free flow control cartridges mailed to me after a phone call with them. I have yet to replace it, but 2 years ago I got a free replacement kitchen faucet from them. The hard water in AZ was more than it could take, and it leaked a tiny bit when turned on. So Moen's faucets and lifetime warranty seems pretty good to me. Was I one of the lucky ones, or did they make them better 25 years ago?
GG&T, you have excellent taste in quality faucets. Jado, last I heard, has pulled their fixture line from the US due to our led free laws. I have not had any problem getting their parts.
Hey Jim....you're the best. Look forward to your next video, you save us money. Have you seen Nebia? Had a phenomenal rollout, looking for 100K on Kickstarter. Went to a Ba-zillion in a quick minute. Ready audience. It's a mist, think the grocery store produce section. It's a really refreshing shower. Seen it?
I really love the videos but on this one I will say I've had moen and delta from the 2 major box stores and they were the more expensive ones but in my first house they were in for 10 years with no problems. 2nd house 4 years no problems. I just moved into this house and I'm remodeling it so we will see what the boss picks out for it but I have actually been trying to use more local supply houses even if it is for the same things. So who knows what we will get?
Hi Jim Thank you for your videos. Will you explain the different options available or when it comes to replacing your sewer main? I need to replace my cast iron main and the gardener says to do a pipe burst instead of digging it up and laying down ABS. Cheers!
eweokel10, that’s called pipe trenching. They can only do that on a straight pipe. If there are any turns, they will have to dig it up. That job is expensive $20-50K. Make darn sure to get a solid price before they start. (I wouldn’t recommend a National drain cleaning company to do it). If it’s not very deep, dig it up and put a new pipe in. That’s the only two ways I know to do it. Research the pricing but the trenching system is the way to go. You may have an easier job and it might not cost as much where you live.
Hey Jim! I am missing being schooled by you on the plumbing projects I have already screwed up! I sure would love to see another video. I hope you are well!
wingedstar, Kohler is a good company. They make expensive and they make cheap. All new faucets must have a one gallon per minute flow rate. It doesn’t matter what state you live in.
Thanks was wondering ... BBB rating on how they keep their customers happy 1. Newport Brass gets an A+. 2. Grohe gets an A-. 3. I think you need to take Hansgrohe off the list they get an F. What's really odd is none of them are BBB accredited. Why?
Hi Jim, I have to replace my electric water heater soon, I would love any advice about installing it. Also, can you do a video on how to check the water pressure at your home? Thanks Jim, I value your advice and look forward to your videos. I bought three turbo tank cleaner because your recommendation but can’t use it because I don’t have the clearance to use it - bolted safety bar is in the way.
Kimberly J, any electric water heater is good but install it so you can work on it. Make sure you have clearance to remove and replace the elements. You need to change the drain on the new heater with a 3/4” full port ball valve with a hose adaptor. Let me explain how to check water pressure. I buy a 200 lb. pressure gauge with a 1/4” iron pipe thread. Get an adaptor that goes from 3/4” female hose by 1/4” female iron pipe. The hardware store can make that up for you because you can’t buy it that way. The best way to test your water pressure is at the drain on the water heater. Screw the pressure gauge to the hose thread on the drain. Open up the valve and that will tell you the water pressure in the whole house.
I realize this is probably a mute point/question, but are any faucets made in America by chance including the afore mentioned as well as Delta or Moen etc?
Steven Pendley, I honestly don’t know. Kohler use to make their faucets in the USA but I don’t know if they still do. I do know their toilets are now made in Mexico.
Okay, thank you. I’ll see what I can find out. Whatever I find I’ll post back and let people know if they are interested. I’m in the market now and that’s the route I’d like to go, but I understand that may just not be possible.
Hey Jim - appreciate your channel. I’ve managed to save a few bucks because of it. Do you have any brand suggestions for claw foot tub shower conversion faucets? My generic faucet needs replacement and I’m having trouble finding offerings from the major brands. Thanks again!
PenKnife Records, the valve on the bath tub is a 3 and 3/8” center valve which a lot of good quality manufacturers quit making about fifty years ago. Now most of the valves are made of plastic. There might still be a company out there called “Central Brass “ that made these faucets with a brass body. Check and see if Gerber or Price Pfister still makes them. Last I knew, they were using those bath tubs half buried in the yard with a Blessed Mary statue inside.
Ha! That, sir, is exactly where this tub should be. Alas, the previous owner framed and tiled the tub and I’m not quite up to task of a complete remodel yet. Looks like my search continues.- I appreciate your response, Jim.
I got a very good, authentic looking claw foot tub faucet that bolts through from the front end from a place called Sign of the Crab; heavy solid brass with ceramic disc washer parts and white ceramic knobs. It has the shower pipe fitting, a very elegant high goose neck spout and does not drip. It is so superior to the piece of crap tiny little faucet the Harry Homeowner do it yourselfer installed it's like night and day.
I have a 4 year old home. Today, after a plumber tapped into the main water line for a sprinkler system I’m getting brown water along with dirt when it i turn the water to hot. I called the plumber back and he said all he did was tapped into the main line. My setup is - Main line into a water softener then to the water heater. Would really appreciate some help.
Fong Cha, it sounds like you have a problem with the water softener. Did they disconnect it and hook it back up incorrectly? Possibly the fill tube in the softener broke. If it’s material from the softener, it will look like tiny brown beads that are slimy. That will confirm it’s the softener. I believe the problem is the softener unless it’s been bypassed. If none of those things, drain the heater and refill it.
Advise please. I need a 50 gal nat. gas water heater with direct vent. Outside wall, in the garage. What brand do you recomend? AO, State, BW, RHEEM? Willing to pay for the best.
Productive Cough, I don’t recommend a direct vent water heater when you can put in an on demand tankless heater like the Navien brand that is a direct vent. Cost wise, the Navien might be a little more expensive, but you should get twice as much life out of it. You have the perfect situation for an on demand tankless heater.
Do you think Newport brass is worth the $ it’s at least double the coast of the grohe also I’m replacing a ladylux grohe I wasn’t happy with the pull out sprayer (it leaked multiple times) was considering a separate sprayer but there’s very limited options what’s your thoughts on the sprayer? Thanks
I have a Ladylux kitchen faucet. I’ve had it for 18 years. I’ve changed the head once and the hose once. I find that a lot of times they are not installed properly. I like Newport Brass but I don’t love the kitchen faucet as much as I like Grohe. When I find a leak, it’s either where the hose is connected to the head and it just needs to be tightened well, or a leaky hose. They have changed the hose style.
? I am finishing up my home renovation, and I installed Toto Drake 2 toilet, turn it on today tank sweating like me running and marathon, any help or trick to stop it, don’t want my brand new tile floor ruined, thank you for the help
Wayne Hoch, the best thing you can do is add a tempering valve that mixes hot and cold water to the tank. This sweating is not the problem with the toilet but caused from cold water going into the tank and the air temperature that makes condensation on the tank. I haven’t seen a problem like that in a long time because I don’t live in that type of climate. When I lived in Michigan we would buy the toilet tanks with factory installed liners. This helped a lot. Do not buy a liner kit because they don’t work and they don’t last. Your best solution is buying that tempering valve for toilets.
Once upon a time I recommended Delta , but in my opinion they are of less quality than years ago . A lot of plastic and many assembled in USA from Global materials. Tub and shower Monitor series is still good in my opinion. But Many of the old 2 handle have been replaced by no lead plastic waterway faucets and the cartridges Appear to like Allen Co.
Online customer, hybrid water heaters have the same tank as a regular heater. Water heater manufacturers make one tank. They either put a 6 year warranty or a ten or twelve year warranty. Hybrid heaters probably use different parts for more efficiency and more insulation. Having a hybrid heater does not mean the heater will last any longer. An on demand heater seems to have a much longer life.
I have a Grohe gooseneck kitchen faucet and love it but all of a sudden the gooseneck is wobbly when I swing it back and forth. It is not the base just the gooseneck. Is it shot or can it be repaired???
@terimartin291, I’m going to give you the phone number to Grohe….18004447643. They will probably tell you what part you need and where to get them in your area. They will ask for the model number and you’re not going to know it so describe the faucet in detail and that should help. If you grab ahold of the spout down near the body, pull it and it will come off. That’s where the parts are that need to be replaced. Hope this helps.
B Miller, usually by the brand name. If they are a good quality faucet they will have a solid brass body. A Moen, Delta, some American Standards will have plastic stems in them.
I have had Moen faucets in my home for 31 years. I replaced them all at 27 years. I also re-used one for a garage faucet. The water here is very hard. I replaced handles and cartridges in the showers. Good to go.
Really appreciate quality tools and supplies. Thank You for also explaining the parts breakdown regarding how to know what contributes to quality components in a faucet.
Excellent video and information Jim, I don’t trust the neighbor kids for information I always check with the little old lady down the street 😂. Take care and have a great weekend 🇺🇸
If you want a cheaper but reliable brand I would also recommend Moen. They are very easy to fix and replacement parts are for free. Ussually no problems in the first 15 years. Many rental units use this brand because of its seamless operation and easy of repair.
I hate to say but Grohe is probably one of the few best quality faucets . Yeah a bit pricey but just turning one on and off is a hint of quality.
I have worked for plumbing supply companies. Most hate dealing with the general public…
That is a fact.
Thank you for sharing.
I only buy and install the big name brands that have lifetime warranty and have been around for decades. Oftentimes its Delta. They aren't always all brass, and usually aren't, but if I call or email them for parts they always send them to me free! Yes they cost 2 to 4 times as much as the no-name or weird named Amazon and eBay stuff, but I can get parts and they're free to my door!
Any feedback for American Standard? I've started switching from Moen to American Standard (previous house we installed all Moen....now in our current house we are buying American Standard faucets/shower kits).
Is this recommendation for all types of faucets - kitchen, bathroom, shower, ...?
@@wwolfram33 yes, I recommend these brands for all types of faucets.
Good luck getting parts for those faucets plus upfront costs. MOEN AND KOHLER purchased from a supply house not big box store are my favorite. Moen has lifetime warranty on faucets plus finish
guitar1301, every faucet has a lifetime warranty but what does lifetime mean? I used to install lots of Moen and Delta faucets and repaired a lot of them. They have the best parts and easy to repair. When the workmanship of the faucets are so cheaply built and falling apart, I quit using them. Kohler is an excellent company and they make good brass faucets but they are trying to compete with the cheaper brands. I always worked in custom built homes, not the track homes.
@@TheGrumpyPlumber My (new) 25-year-old track home came with Moen faucets including in the shower & bathtub. Over the years, I have gotten four free flow control cartridges mailed to me after a phone call with them.
I have yet to replace it, but 2 years ago I got a free replacement kitchen faucet from them. The hard water in AZ was more than it could take, and it leaked a tiny bit when turned on.
So Moen's faucets and lifetime warranty seems pretty good to me.
Was I one of the lucky ones, or did they make them better 25 years ago?
Filmed in Puamana? Nice :)
never had ant faucet go bad in 2-3 years...maybe i am lucky
I bought a bunch of jado and kohler no problems 12 years on
GG&T, you have excellent taste in quality faucets. Jado, last I heard, has pulled their fixture line from the US due to our led free laws. I have not had any problem getting their parts.
Hey Jim....you're the best. Look forward to your next video, you save us money.
Have you seen Nebia? Had a phenomenal rollout, looking for 100K on Kickstarter. Went to a Ba-zillion in a quick minute. Ready audience.
It's a mist, think the grocery store produce section.
It's a really refreshing shower. Seen it?
C, no, I have not seen the Nebia shower but will look into it. Thanks for the info. and compliments.
I really love the videos but on this one I will say I've had moen and delta from the 2 major box stores and they were the more expensive ones but in my first house they were in for 10 years with no problems. 2nd house 4 years no problems. I just moved into this house and I'm remodeling it so we will see what the boss picks out for it but I have actually been trying to use more local supply houses even if it is for the same things. So who knows what we will get?
Hi Jim
Thank you for your videos. Will you explain the different options available or when it comes to replacing your sewer main? I need to replace my cast iron main and the gardener says to do a pipe burst instead of digging it up and laying down ABS. Cheers!
eweokel10, that’s called pipe trenching. They can only do that on a straight pipe. If there are any turns, they will have to dig it up. That job is expensive $20-50K. Make darn sure to get a solid price before they start. (I wouldn’t recommend a National drain cleaning company to do it). If it’s not very deep, dig it up and put a new pipe in. That’s the only two ways I know to do it. Research the pricing but the trenching system is the way to go. You may have an easier job and it might not cost as much where you live.
Hey Jim! I am missing being schooled by you on the plumbing projects I have already screwed up! I sure would love to see another video. I hope you are well!
Mark Quinnelly, thanks for checking in with me! Doing great. Busy with other projects and family activities. New videos will be coming soon.
@@TheGrumpyPlumber enjoy your gradkids!
How do you feel about Kohler? I got a KRAUS and it was bad - need to return and want a good faucet with nice water flow!
wingedstar, Kohler is a good company. They make expensive and they make cheap. All new faucets must have a one gallon per minute flow rate. It doesn’t matter what state you live in.
Most Excellent ¿
Thanks was wondering ... BBB rating on how they keep their customers happy
1. Newport Brass gets an A+.
2. Grohe gets an A-.
3. I think you need to take Hansgrohe off the list they get an F.
What's really odd is none of them are BBB accredited. Why?
Hi Jim, I have to replace my electric water heater soon, I would love any advice about installing it. Also, can you do a video on how to check the water pressure at your home? Thanks Jim, I value your advice and look forward to your videos. I bought three turbo tank cleaner because your recommendation but can’t use it because I don’t have the clearance to use it - bolted safety bar is in the way.
Kimberly J, any electric water heater is good but install it so you can work on it. Make sure you have clearance to remove and replace the elements. You need to change the drain on the new heater with a 3/4” full port ball valve with a hose adaptor. Let me explain how to check water pressure. I buy a 200 lb. pressure gauge with a 1/4” iron pipe thread. Get an adaptor that goes from 3/4” female hose by 1/4” female iron pipe. The hardware store can make that up for you because you can’t buy it that way. The best way to test your water pressure is at the drain on the water heater. Screw the pressure gauge to the hose thread on the drain. Open up the valve and that will tell you the water pressure in the whole house.
What are your thoughts on Brizo for kitchen faucets?
Live in SE Michigan
I realize this is probably a mute point/question, but are any faucets made in America by chance including the afore mentioned as well as Delta or Moen etc?
Steven Pendley, I honestly don’t know. Kohler use to make their faucets in the USA but I don’t know if they still do. I do know their toilets are now made in Mexico.
Okay, thank you. I’ll see what I can find out. Whatever I find I’ll post back and let people know if they are interested. I’m in the market now and that’s the route I’d like to go, but I understand that may just not be possible.
Hey Jim - appreciate your channel. I’ve managed to save a few bucks because of it. Do you have any brand suggestions for claw foot tub shower conversion faucets? My generic faucet needs replacement and I’m having trouble finding offerings from the major brands. Thanks again!
PenKnife Records, the valve on the bath tub is a 3 and 3/8” center valve which a lot of good quality manufacturers quit making about fifty years ago. Now most of the valves are made of plastic. There might still be a company out there called “Central Brass “ that made these faucets with a brass body. Check and see if Gerber or Price Pfister still makes them. Last I knew, they were using those bath tubs half buried in the yard with a Blessed Mary statue inside.
Ha! That, sir, is exactly where this tub should be. Alas, the previous owner framed and tiled the tub and I’m not quite up to task of a complete remodel yet. Looks like my search continues.- I appreciate your response, Jim.
I got a very good, authentic looking claw foot tub faucet that bolts through from the front end from a place called Sign of the Crab; heavy solid brass with ceramic disc washer parts and white ceramic knobs. It has the shower pipe fitting, a very elegant high goose neck spout and does not drip. It is so superior to the piece of crap tiny little faucet the Harry Homeowner do it yourselfer installed it's like night and day.
Problem i have is, i am selling the house, and do i put in a top of the line, that the new owners don't like, and replace?
Matthew Conley, just put in a competitive faucet and move on.
I have a 4 year old home. Today, after a plumber tapped into the main water line for a sprinkler system I’m getting brown water along with dirt when it i turn the water to hot.
I called the plumber back and he said all he did was tapped into the main line.
My setup is - Main line into a water softener then to the water heater.
Would really appreciate some help.
Fong Cha, it sounds like you have a problem with the water softener. Did they disconnect it and hook it back up incorrectly? Possibly the fill tube in the softener broke. If it’s material from the softener, it will look like tiny brown beads that are slimy. That will confirm it’s the softener. I believe the problem is the softener unless it’s been bypassed. If none of those things, drain the heater and refill it.
Advise please. I need a 50 gal nat. gas water heater with direct vent. Outside wall, in the garage. What brand do you recomend? AO, State, BW, RHEEM? Willing to pay for the best.
Productive Cough, I don’t recommend a direct vent water heater when you can put in an on demand tankless heater like the Navien brand that is a direct vent. Cost wise, the Navien might be a little more expensive, but you should get twice as much life out of it. You have the perfect situation for an on demand tankless heater.
Do you think Newport brass is worth the $ it’s at least double the coast of the grohe also I’m replacing a ladylux grohe I wasn’t happy with the pull out sprayer (it leaked multiple times) was considering a separate sprayer but there’s very limited options what’s your thoughts on the sprayer? Thanks
I have a Ladylux kitchen faucet. I’ve had it for 18 years. I’ve changed the head once and the hose once. I find that a lot of times they are not installed properly. I like Newport Brass but I don’t love the kitchen faucet as much as I like Grohe. When I find a leak, it’s either where the hose is connected to the head and it just needs to be tightened well, or a leaky hose. They have changed the hose style.
? I am finishing up my home renovation, and I installed Toto Drake 2 toilet, turn it on today tank sweating like me running and marathon, any help or trick to stop it, don’t want my brand new tile floor ruined, thank you for the help
Wayne Hoch, the best thing you can do is add a tempering valve that mixes hot and cold water to the tank. This sweating is not the problem with the toilet but caused from cold water going into the tank and the air temperature that makes condensation on the tank. I haven’t seen a problem like that in a long time because I don’t live in that type of climate. When I lived in Michigan we would buy the toilet tanks with factory installed liners. This helped a lot. Do not buy a liner kit because they don’t work and they don’t last. Your best solution is buying that tempering valve for toilets.
Any favorite TOTO toilet models looking to put one in my full renovated home
Wayne Hoch, I personally like the Toto Drake. It’s a two piece tank and bowl. Like the style and the way it flushes.
Delta. Easily repairable, maintainable, and functional. F a bunch of style. That must be some Cali crap.
Once upon a time I recommended Delta , but in my opinion they are of less quality than years ago . A lot of plastic and many assembled in USA from Global materials. Tub and shower Monitor series is still good in my opinion. But Many of the old 2 handle have been replaced by no lead plastic waterway faucets and the cartridges Appear to like Allen Co.
How good are the hybrid water heaters? Is it a good value and do they last a longer than a regular water heater.
Online customer, hybrid water heaters have the same tank as a regular heater. Water heater manufacturers make one tank. They either put a 6 year warranty or a ten or twelve year warranty. Hybrid heaters probably use different parts for more efficiency and more insulation. Having a hybrid heater does not mean the heater will last any longer. An on demand heater seems to have a much longer life.
I have a Grohe gooseneck kitchen faucet and love it but all of a sudden the gooseneck is wobbly when I swing it back and forth. It is not the base just the gooseneck. Is it shot or can it be repaired???
@terimartin291, I’m going to give you the phone number to Grohe….18004447643. They will probably tell you what part you need and where to get them in your area. They will ask for the model number and you’re not going to know it so describe the faucet in detail and that should help. If you grab ahold of the spout down near the body, pull it and it will come off. That’s where the parts are that need to be replaced. Hope this helps.
@@TheGrumpyPlumber Thank you so much!
How would I know if my (installed/existing) faucets have ceramic stems?
B Miller, usually by the brand name. If they are a good quality faucet they will have a solid brass body. A Moen, Delta, some American Standards will have plastic stems in them.
oddball brands you can't find anywhere
Nah try finding parts for sherle Wagner's gaudy crap