Plastic Kitchen Faucet Dangers
Faucets come in a variety of styles and designs. They also come in several different types of materials. The most common is brass because it is a strong, corrosion-resistant metal. However, some faucets are made out of plastic. These faucets are cheaper and lighter than their brass counterparts but they come with potential dangers and problems. Before you decide on a plastic faucet, understand the risks involved with your selection. Does this Spark an idea?
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Function
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Plastic faucets function the same way brass faucets function. They contain a cartridge, spout and handles to operate the water flow. However, these faucets may not withstand the same type of abuse and usage as a metal faucet. Metal is a stronger material and therefore stands up to more wear and tear. So, while it is designed to function in the same way as a metal faucet, plastic faucets may break down faster.
Integrity
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The integrity of a plastic faucet is also compromised due to the material it is made from. Plastic chips, cracks and shatters when struck with objects, for instance. In addition, the constant force applied to the handles to turn them on and off contribute to a break down of these parts. When the parts break, the faucet requires immediate repair or replacement. A crack in the base or spout causes leaks and this leads to water damage and rot inside your walls and cabinets.
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Repairing Plastic Faucets
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There are certain parts to replace on a plastic faucet. For instance, if the handles break, replacements are available. However, if the faucet handle base cracks, there is no replacement. Installing a brand new faucet is the only way to fix this problem. This is the major danger of plastic faucets. They appear cheap at first, but costs to repair and constantly maintain them add up.
Water Safety
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The taste and safety of your water is not particularly affected by the plastic faucet. Some impurities may leach from the plastic into the water, but no studies have shown this is dangerous. The real safety issue is severe damage to your faucet. Inside the faucet is a small cartridge that prevents water from running up through the spout. If the plastic faucet is damaged or broken and this cartridge is dislodged, water will rush through the faucet and into the home. It will damage the flooring, walls and may even flood the home if not attended to.
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