Are Pull Down Faucets Reliable? (Solved!)

My wife wants to fit a pull-down faucet in our new kitchen, but are they reliable, and can they break easily?

Pull-down faucets are generally reliable and don’t easily break completely. However, due to the number of moving parts used in their construction, notably the extendable hose, they can suffer from more operating problems than normal taps without totally stopping working.

Let’s dig down into the topic of pull-down faucets in more detail, and consider how reliable they really are compared to other types of taps…

Do Pull-Down Faucets Break Easily?

Pull-down faucets don’t necessarily break easily but can experience several operating problems that may affect their operation.

For example, the faucet’s stretchable hose may refuse to retract because of various problems, including an imbalance in the weight and kinks in the line.

A faucet professional should be able to fix this issue for you quickly. However, you may be able to go under the sink and handle some of these steps as well.

Other problems include clogged valves, low water pressure, aerator clogs, leaking hoses and spray heads, failure to sit flush in the holder, poorly operating water handle, and other concerns.

You may be able to fix some of these problems, such as connecting hoses more firmly to the device or cleaning out the aerator and valves.

Generally, you’ll need a plumber to help you fix these concerns. Doing so can add years of life to your pull-down faucet and help it operate more smoothly.

How Long Do Pull-Down Faucets Last?

Like all faucets, you should be able to get at least 15 to 20 years of life from a pull-down faucet. However, your faucet may not last as long as this if it runs into any problems. For example, you may not install it properly and cause the hose to leak and damage the faucet’s interior.

You may also experience problems like broken faucet heads, worn faucet connectors, issues with material quality, and frayed hoses.

You can replace some of these broken elements quite easily, including putting on a new spray head, to help your pull-down faucet run more smoothly and effectively and last for years.

Other problems will either require a professional repair and replacement or a complete overhaul of your faucet system. Thankfully, basic maintenance steps can minimize this need by ensuring that you spot minor problems and fix them before they worsen.

For example, repairing a minor hose leak can make sure that it doesn’t get out of control and cause more serious water problems in your faucet.

Which Is Better a Pull-Out or Pull-Down Faucet? (What’s The Difference?)

Pull-out and pull-down faucets both have benefits and disadvantages that make them useful in different situations, with the pull-down slightly edging the pull-out in a few categories.

Typically, the pull-down faucet has a more attractive look and feel and is a little sturdier and more reliable than a pull-out option.

For instance, the pull-down faucet has a very compact design that helps you concentrate your water directly above your sink. The fewer moving parts and shorter hoses give this faucet more life and also help you clean your sink more easily.

However, the limited hose length makes it harder to use in some spots, and it has less water pressure than a pull-out faucet.

By contrast, pull-out faucets have longer hoses and can provide more spray range in your sink. They’re also set to the side and typically have smaller heads, which can make them more ergonomic on some sinks.

However, the grip is usually small and may feel awkward for some people. Furthermore, the hose is often a little too long for some sinks and may get damaged more easily.

How Do Pull-Down Faucets Work?

Pull-down faucets have a fairly simple overall design that lets them operate both as normal faucets and as movable ones.

They are built directly into your sink’s arm and sit comfortably like a traditional faucet head. When you turn on your water, it will flow through this head while it is in place.

However, you can also pull the faucet down from its arm on a small hose arm. This hose arm lets you pull the head from side to side and wash out the sink with a continuous spray of water.

Some pull-down faucet heads may have a trigger that increases water flow, though that design is fairly rare.

After you’re done using this hose, you can fit it back into the hoist and use it as a normal faucet head again. This simple design is beneficial for smaller kitchens and sinks because it helps create a more compact faucet design with a shorter hose length and enough control to clean your sink.

It also helps you avoid extra items in your house, like a pull-out hose, that could be more prone to serious damage.

Do Pull-Down Faucets Swivel?

Generic pull-down faucets can swivel on their hose a little, though their head may not. However, there are some specialized swivel-head pull-down faucets that may turn in place and give you more control over your spray. They may cost a little more but are definitely worth a consideration.

That said, the old adage is true here: more moving parts equals more potential problems. While a swivel head is fantastic for many situations, it may also be more liable to break down.

Take this factor very seriously and get your faucets regularly maintained to keep them in great shape. It’s a good idea to get maintenance at least once every few years to keep your faucets healthy.

How Do I Choose a Kitchen Pull-Down Faucet?

There are a few factors to consider when buying a pull-down faucet, including its size, hose length, color, style, cost, and functionality.

You need a faucet that fits comfortably in your sink and has an appropriate hose length. Your plumbing professional can help you decide on these factors.

Furthermore, make sure that its color matches your kitchen’s overall design and that its style feels comfortable in your house.

Create a budget for a specific faucet and make sure it has the functionality that you want, including a swivel head and even a trigger for extra spray power.

Why Is My Pull-Down Faucet Leaking?

There are many reasons your pull-down faucet may leak, including problems with connecting elements and the hose itself. For example, the washers around the faucet’s head may be weak or need tightening. Use a properly sized wrench to tighten these connections in and around your faucet head.

Next, check the hose itself for any potential leaks by pulling it out and running your hand along its length. Run the water and feel for any excessive signs of water pressure on the hose. You may even feel water coming through the hose. If you do, you may need leak repairs or replacements.

Furthermore, your faucet may leak if the head starts wearing down on the inside. For instance, if you have hard water and the extra metal starts wearing down the faucet’s construction, you may experience leaks. Install a water softener at your water source to help keep your devices stronger.

Can You Put a Water Filter on a Pull-Down Faucet?

Yes, you should be able to put a water filter on a pull-down faucet if you buy an adaptable option that fits easily onto your faucet head with minimal challenge.

Many water filter companies create adaptable filters that can go onto this head type or may create an adapter that can fit on your faucet at the end.

These adapters help to make it easier to add a filter to your faucet and ensure you get clean water. It is important to note that some pull-down faucets may not be adaptable to filters. It all depends on the faucet’s design and whether the manufacturer created an adaptable end for filters.

Talk to the faucet and filter designers and manufacturers and discuss whether their products are compatible. This step is something to do before you install a new faucet head, however.

If you wait too long and install a faucet head that is not adaptable to filters, you might have to install a whole new head or simply go without filters. You can, instead, pour water into a filtered container to get clean drinking water.

Final Words

We’re definitely going to install a pull-down faucet in our new kitchen (when it’s finally finished), and the extra expense is easily justifiable given the extra functionality of these taps.

I think the reliability problems when compared with normal taps are not a major problem, just so long as you keep your pull-down faucet properly maintained.

There are literally 100’s of designs to choose from though, so it looks like we need to go and try a few out. 🙂