What is a Pre Rinse Kitchen Faucet?

If you’re not familiar with pre-rinse kitchen faucets, chances are you’ve seen one without even realizing it. These tall, snaking water spray heads are commonly found in commercial kitchens and restaurants, as well as on cooking shows as a background piece.

Aside from their reputation for delivering strong blasts of water, pre-rinse faucets are known for being slightly more expensive than regular faucets. This is mainly due to their construction with stainless steel and a pull-down faucet design. Consequently, replacing a pre-rinse kitchen faucet will likely require a larger investment than replacing a regular faucet.

Features of Pre-Rinse Kitchen Faucets

Pre-rinse kitchen faucets offer various features, depending on the style you choose:

Style Types

The first consideration is the faucet mounting style. There are two types available:

• Deck-mount faucets attach to the counter at the back of the sink compartments.
• Splash mount faucets attach to the vertical splash mount at the back of the sink compartments, also known as a wall mount.

Choosing between these two types usually depends on the distance and access to the kitchen sink plumbing, as well as user comfort.

Pre-rinse units come in two style types. Roto-flex faucets are more flexible, allowing users to easily move the faucet around using elbow connections. On the other hand, gooseneck faucets are stationary but include a spring that enables users to adjust the directional position somewhat. Gooseneck faucets are more commonly found in households.

Built-In Features

In addition to their eye-catching appearance, pre-rinse faucets consist of a high arc spout that generates a powerful spray pressure from a pull-down faucet spray head. This makes them ideal for effectively washing grease-filled plates, cutlery, and silverware commonly found in commercial kitchen setups.

Optional Features

Many pre-rinse kitchen faucets offer optional add-on features that can be purchased separately, including:

1. Spray valves: Some pre-rinse units come with spray valves, but they are also sold separately. Different types of spray valves provide different flow rates, measured in GPM (gallons per minute). It is important to note that a higher flow rate does not necessarily mean better performance. Low-flow rate valves can effectively wash away grease and grime with less water consumption.
2. Hold-down rings: These keep the sprayer valve open on spray valve handles, preventing user fatigue during extended use.
3. Alternative valve handles: Some models utilize club handles, foot valves, and wrist handles instead of traditional valve handles.
4. Add-on faucets: Swivel faucets attached around the base of the pre-rinse unit.
5. Mini pre-rinse faucets: A compact alternative to the taller versions, providing more workspace.
6. Pull-out faucet spray head design.
7. Stainless steel construction, commonly found in higher-end models.
8. A model with a limited lifetime warranty.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Getting a Pre-Rinse Kitchen Faucet

Opting for a pre-rinse unit offers several advantages, but it also comes with some disadvantages to consider.

Advantages

• Style and visual appeal: Pre-rinse faucets are visually appealing and attract attention. They are commonly used in commercial kitchens and cooking shows as background pieces.
• Intense water pressure: These faucets are ideal for quickly dealing with dirty dishes compared to regular faucets.
• Height advantage: The tall design of pre-rinse faucets makes it easier to fill extra-large pots and pans.

Disadvantages

• Higher cost: Pre-rinse units are more expensive, ranging from $650 to $1,200 per unit, making them a substantial investment.
• Limited cabinet space: The tall height of the pre-rinse faucet may restrict the installation of overhead cabinets.
• Water efficiency: Pre-rinse units are not known for being water-efficient.

How Much Will It Cost To Install a Pre-Rinse Kitchen Faucet?

Pricing for installing a pre-rinse kitchen faucet varies depending on the company, but a reasonable estimate is around $297 to $333 per faucet for bulk installations of approximately six faucets. Individual installations may cost even more.

Considering the price range of pre-rinse kitchen units, which is $650 to $1,200, the total cost for a package including installation would be approximately $947 to $1,533. Replacing a kitchen faucet of this type will likely require a similar investment.

How Do You Install a Pre-Rinse Kitchen Faucet?

Installing a pre-rinse unit is a relatively straightforward process. If you encounter any difficulties fitting the unit into your sink, consult the unit manual for additional instructions.

Materials and Tools You Need

To properly install a pre-rinse kitchen faucet, ensure that you have the necessary materials:

• Pre-Rinse Unit
• Silicone Injector
• Washers and Lock Nuts
• Two half-inch threaded Brass Nipples
• Basin Wrench
• Channel Locks Pliers
• Crescent Wrench
• Supply Lines

Step-By-Step Process

Follow these steps to install your pre-rinse sprayer unit:

1. Test the fit of the pre-rinse sprayer unit by placing it into one of the holes on the side of the sink.
2. If the faucet is the right size, remove the unit and apply a silicone circle around the hole.
3. Place the pre-rinse unit back into the hole, pressing firmly against the silicone.
4. Secure the unit under the sink, ensuring it stays in place.
5. Screw washers onto the underside of the unit and secure them with locknuts.
6. Use a basin wrench to tighten the unit firmly.
7. Attach the two brass nipples to the supply lines.
8. Hold the nipples in place with channel lock pliers while using a crescent wrench to secure the bolts firmly.
9. Screw the other supply lines connected to the kitchen sink plumbing onto the other end of the brass nipples.
10. Tighten their bolts using a crescent wrench.
11. Remove the valve and turn on the water for about a minute or two to clear any impurities.

Have Kitchen Faucet Problems?

If you need tips on removing a kitchen sink without a basin wrench or information about the hole size needed for your kitchen faucet, be sure to check out our other blog posts. Mr. Kitchen Faucet is here to help with all your sink replacement and repair needs. Our reader reviews can also assist in narrowing down your purchase choice.