Most people recommend purchasing only Moen, Kohler and Delta.
Does anyone have any opinions on Price Pfister and Elizabethan Classics faucets?
Thanks

Hello Dahling1018...

If I am not mistaken, Price Pfister is the oldest faucet manufacturing company on your list. They have been designing and manufacturing faucets for 99 years now. And I think they've done pretty good job. We sometimes see tub/shower valve bodies installed that have been in the wall for over 50 years - and they are still in good shape. There is never PP part that needs to be special ordered. PP is great for apartments and other rental properties...

Moen (founder: Al Moen) is the original designer of single handle faucet. Moen faucets have single cartridge that has all washers, seals, O-ring and volume control incorporated in it. So, if in need of replacement - you just replace whole cartridge ( cost: about $15.00) and you are starting from Zero again. However, today, just about every manufacturer makes single handle faucet. What sets Moen apart from others today is that they offer LifeTime warranty on their products. And they mean it, too... Moen is good for rentals...

Kohler is the oldest company of them all (founder: Michael Kohler, in 1873). They are more known for cast iron tubs ( originally scalding vats), sinks, and also (virtuous china) toilets rather than faucets. Kohler entered faucet market much later than Price Pfister. Kohler faucets can be very old fashioned or have very sleek euro-design. Not too much to look for in the middle-of-the-road department. Kohler faucets almost always don't include plastic trim parts and are covered in heavy layer of chrome. That's why they are the most expensive from the companies on your list. Definitely a trend setter in plumbing fixture manufacturing as well as design. Thanks to their quality, you can see them in hospitals, labs and industrial applications. I would not recommend Kohler for rental properties...

Delta ( founder: Alex Mannogian ) is new comer in comparison to the three above.They started making faucets in 1950's. Delta faucets have simple ball cartridge design, are single handle operated, and are considered an easily serviceable faucet. In my opinion, Delta appears to be a step behind in style over others. But I may be wrong here. Delta's innovation is the non-scratchable and non-tarnish finish used to finish their faucets with. Just like Moen, Delta is good for rentals...

Pricewise: Moen, Delta, and PP are close competitors. As a result, they are priced very closely to each other. Today, they more-less incorporate each other's inventions into their products. Kohler is expensive, including replacement parts. It is mostly non-stockable brand. From the brands mentioned, you will have the hardest time getting replacement parts for your leaking Kohler faucet on Saturday evening.

It seems to me that Delta and Moen are more popular on the East Coast while Price Pfister is better known on the West Coast. Kohler, due to its size, strong sales (over $2.5 billion a year) and long history, appears to be well known and widely used brand all over the US.

I personally think, you cannot go wrong with Price Pfister. I have been recommending and installing PP faucets for over 30 years with very little complaints or recalls. Today, you can find PP faucets in just about any finish and design you desire so selection should not be a problem.

Let us know what brand you decided to go with... Good Luck... Milo

Darn nice history lesson thre, Milo. Learned several things new today. Dahling, I have an opinion on Price, buy Moen. Price is a good product but Moen is equally as good and has a lifetime free parts warranty so it's a no brainer for me.

Speakman had a lifetime guarantee too. When the faucet's lifetime was up, no more parts. No more Speakman. My father worked there at the time it was purchased too.

I bought a Walker lifetime exhaust once. Then they started selling a non-lifetime warranty. So, guess what. After they replaced the lifetime warrantied part with a non-lifetime one, the original warranty was satisfied.

I bought an AmsOil lifetime air filter, but I kept returning it after so many years. Finally they said no more. I guess 235K miles and 17 years for owning a single vehicle that it was installed on was too much. You had to oil the element and the element deteriorated over time.

PS: Milo - loved the history

Actually while we are on this subject, I'd like to entertain the topic of a reasonably priced "lever operated" tub drain.

Here is the problem. I purchased one from Lowe's and within a year the bell got stuck in the pipe.

A bigger problem is that it's no handicap friendly. Didn't want a toe operated drain because of an elderly diabetic. Didn't want anything that you have to reach to the bottom of the tub for. Fall hazard. Degenerative arthritus of the spine in an elderly person.

The hadicap unfriendlyness is due to the EXCESSIVE amount of force to operate the lever. It's all in the lever mechanism. It's not smooth and doesn't operate easily even when disconnected. The old lever was just fine. But could not be used.

Why isn't there a "force in in-lbs" listed for operating the drain? Why isn't there a handicap specification, or is there?

What brand/model would you suggest for a chrome/brass innards mechanism? Ball park price? $50, $75, $150, $200?

KISS: use Geberit cable driven tub overflow. It has no "up 'n' down" interior moving mechanism. You don't have to fight it. No body hair to stick to any interior part. Smooth operation. Cost: about $75.00.

It has metal trim, rough-in is in ABS or PVC. Comes in any finish you want.

Milo as usual great job done, you have really taken your time and thought us the history of all, your rate tab would not let me to rate you please accept this post from far distance by 8000 mile, Thanks.

Best Regards,
John

Thanks so much Milo. Your reply was extremely informative. Much appreciated.

One more question.

Have you heard of Kingston Brass and Elizabethan Classics as well?

Best regards, Faith

Come on guys ! I just got first to answer. I am sure you all know these details... But anyway, thanks you for your positive comments...

Dahling: you have to be kind of careful with these "secondary" brands. They certainly look attractive but problems may be in getting parts for them. We had several customers order from "Restoration" catalog similar products. It is almost impossible to work on these faucets and good luck in getting replacement parts.

I would call the company first. Ask them what stem/cartridge technology they use. ( Many times these faucets use major brand guts, like Delta, PP, and wrap them their own shell / body design). Ask them where you can get replacement parts. If they tell you you can get them only from them, then I would be cautious. If they give you few names, call them first. Ask them if these parts are readily in stock and how much they cost. Make your purchasing decision based on this info.

Good luck. Share with us what you found out... Milo