Faucets: even basic models shouldn't drip, flake, or tarnish, but some are likely to look better longer. .(Buyers Guide)

Publication: Consumer Reports

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COPYRIGHT 2002 Consumers Union of the United States, Inc.

Insomniacs, rejoice: Most kitchen faucets are now guaranteed for life against leaks, thanks to better valves that eliminate those infamous rubber washers and the midnight drips that occur when they fail. The lifetime warranties also cover a faucet's finish, be it chrome, epoxy, or one of the new physical-vapor-deposition finishes. Known as PVD, this higher-tech plating process can imitate everything from polished brass to copper, nickel, pewter, and even gold. Faucets with PVD finishes stood up well to our gauntlet of typical kitchen abuse, though so did most other types of finishes that cost less.

Some faucets proved easier to scratch than others, however. And if you have kids or handle lots of pots, be wary of some faucets equipped with sprayers that pull out of the spout; a Delta and a Kohler...

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