ASK OUR EXPERTS

At Kraft, we know decorative hardware and plumbing. Here are answers to several questions that we are asked every day. E-mail us at info@kraft-hardware.com if you have any questions you would like answered through our website. Or you can always consult personally in the showroom with one of our experts.

Q. Renovating and designing a bathroom is a daunting task. Where do I begin?

A. There are several answers to this question. The first answer is to begin by hiring an architectural and/or design professional who can oversee, manage and guide you through the process. They add invaluable assistance and input. Another starting point is to ask yourself about your "vision" for the bathroom, and try to select fixtures that will make your bathroom both functional and personal. Many times, the faucet is the starting point, given that it is often the most visible and most often used item in the bathroom. Sinks, toilets, and shower/tub fittings often can be selected in similar designs and styles to create a harmonious and customized space for your home.

Q. What is the difference between a thermostatic valve and a pressure balance valve? Do I need one in my shower or tub?

A. Many state and local governments have enacted plumbing codes that require the use of a valve in a shower (and sometimes even a tub) that protects the user from extreme temperature fluctuation that can result in a burn from hot water. These swings in temperature are usually caused by a sudden change in pressure or loss of cold water, such as when a toilet is flushed or when another appliance is running. Thermostatic and pressure balance valves regulate the temperature to keep the water flowing with minimal fluctuations in temperature, even when there may be changes in the water being supplied to your shower or tub.

Although the two valves reach the same result, they do so differently, and have very different capabilities and capacities. Pressure balance valves (PBVs) generally provide 5-7 gallons per minute (gpm) of water at 45 pounds per square inch (psi). This allows you to control the temperature of the water, but not the rate at which the water flows. While the water can be diverted to different outlets such as hand showers, it cannot run multiple functions at the same time. PBVs only come made for ½ inch plumbing lines.

Thermostatic valves (THVs) come in various sizes (½ inch, ¾ inch, and 1inch) and generally provide between 10-14 gpm at 45 psi. The THV only sets the temperature of the water, and to get water, a separate control (sometimes even integrated on the same valve) is needed. This allows much greater control over the flow of water, and further, can handle the use of several outlets simultaneously — such as multiple shower heads, body sprays, or hand showers. Although slightly more expensive given the additional valves and trim needed, THVs provide greater control over the shower and create a more customized showering bathing experience.

Q. What is the strongest shower head I can buy?

A. This is one of the most often-asked questions we here — and the answer is surprising. It is true that the size, shape, and interior mechanics of a shower head influence how the water feels coming out. At Kraft, we have a functioning display that allows you to feel for yourself the "flow" of any shower head we carry. But the main issue is not the shower head; rather it is the water pressure and flow rate in the home or apartment building that drives how a shower head will "feel." Depending on that information, we can help select an appropriate valve (and shower head) that will give you the experience you want.

Q. I saw a faucet in my hotel on my last business trip in Italy. Any reason why I should not buy it there and put it in my home here?

A. Yes, and there are several reasons. First, the faucet may not meet the applicable industry requirements. LED lighting is making its way into faucets, and although more faucets with LED lights are available each year in the United States, there are many more that do not. We do not recommend bringing an item such as this into your home, and your recourse in the event of any problems is greatly restricted.

Second, the plumbing used in European plumbing fixtures is metric, not standard — thus, without modification, the fittings will not connect with plumbing lines used in the United States. So long as there are no issues with code, there are ways of modifying these items to make them operable for your home. Thus, we relish the opportunity to restore unique items brought to us that can be made operable and code compliant. Given our customization capability, even antiques can be made to work as new.

Q. How can I be sure my door hardware, accessories and plumbing fittings will all be identical?

A. This is not an easy question to answer, given that even a finish as straightforward as brass can vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer. Other finishes such as satin nickel and oil rubbed bronze vary greatly across the industry. The best way to stay consistent with finish is to order all of your door and plumbing hardware from one manufacturer that makes all of these items. The challenge is that there are only a handful of companies in existence in the marketplace that fabricate door and cabinet hardware, plumbing fixtures and accessories.

Our staff works with clients everyday, examining finishes from different companies to help find the right combination of items in coordinating finishes that are the best matches possible given all the factors involved — such as timing, availability, sizing, etc. While you may not be able to get all items in exactly matching finishes, be assured we can work with you to come up with options that will be as close as possible.

Q. What is a "living finish" and what is a "permanent" finish?

A. Living finishes are finishes that are unprotected (unlaquered) from oxygen, moisture, and reacting with the oils on our skin. These finishes will change over time, just as silver develops a patina over time with use. These finishes come in a great variety and will change not only over time, but also at different rates of speed. The knob used every day will become a different color than the one touched twice a year. The variation in color creates a warm and timeless look gifted to us by the laws of time and chemistry.

Permanent finishes are exactly the opposite. The way they look today will be the way they look in one hundred years. Although many manufacturers began offering these "lifetime" finishes in brass, more and more permanent finishes are coming into the market — most notably, permanent polished nickel, permanent satin nickel, and permanent oil rubbed bronze. These finishes are made by using electrostatic charge to permanently bond the metal finish to the underlying brass. Thus, we are seeing more manufacturers provide much longer warranties on finishes in addition to the standard warranties offered on their products. Given the maintenance issues often experienced with polished and satin nickel in the bathroom, many customers will find this to be a great relief and a valuable product to use.