Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Kitchen Faucet Recommendation (Read 1458 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 4 Guests are viewing this topic.
Kitchen Faucet Recommendation
Hey all,

I'm looking to replace the kitchen faucet in my 01 MB. The DW has requested a high-arc single lever faucet. In looking online, it seems all of those are 1 hole compatible, which would mean I'd have to cut a center whole and redo the plumbing to be able to mount them.

Does anyone know of a high-arc, single lever, two hole faucet? Ideally looking for one I can just drop straight in and not have to have monkey w/ the plumbing.

Thanks in advance
Sean
2001 MB
Re: Kitchen Faucet Recommendation
Reply #1 –
Never removed ours, but do believe there is a center hole already in yours. Our '04 has a pull-out faucet, and that requires a center hole, and that is the only one. Most single-hole faucets come with an escutcheon to cover the other holes - check for included accessories for any faucet you plan to buy. See Larry's sink install in his '03:

Faucets | Flickr

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Kitchen Faucet Recommendation
Reply #2 –
I pulled the old one out already. There isn't any center hole. The plumbing is also straight run of pex going straight under the two holes. No way to connect to the flex lines of a center hole faucet.

I attached some pictures from under the sink showing what I've got to deal with. I don't have any PEX experience nor tools, so that's why I'm hoping for a drop in replacement.

I imagine I could cut back the feed lines and attach a straight coupler instead of the 90 degree that are currently there.

2001 MB
Re: Kitchen Faucet Recommendation
Reply #3 –
I don't know of a single-lever faucet for a two-hole sink deck, but you might find something on this site:

https://www.faucet.com/
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Kitchen Faucet Recommendation
Reply #4 –

Here's what I installed in my 30'IB...

Amazon.com: Dura Faucet Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet for RV’s, Motorhomes,...

Builders Shoppe 1920SS 10" Kitchen Sink Faucet Deck Plate Stainless Steel...

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Kitchen Faucet Recommendation
Reply #5 –
I have to say I am very disappointed in how LD installed their pex.

The beauty of pex is:

It bends - there are restrictions, Check manufacturer specs but the one I did a lot of work with was about 6" diameter circle for 1/2" pex.
This means you do not need to use fittings to turn corners. Just like electricity - every break in the line is a potential failure spot. So all those fittings LD put in are potential leak spots.  With pex fittings also typically each fitting changes psi.  There are places fittings are needed (tee - where one line comes in and splits to two lines out). But corners just get turned. The lines are properly supported before and after turns and the same for fittings.

Also since bends are common when pex is installed it allows a little extra give to the lines to flex with movement. Not so with all those very short runs going between fittings. There is no give - as you drive down the road all the connection spots are jostled.

Standard practice is to bring the pex to a location close to the plumbing fixture (sink in this case) and put in shutoff valves and run flex lines to the shutoff valves.

LD did what I have seen plumbers that really don't understand pex do - pretend it is copper pipe / more rigid pipe and install it like you would copper pipe (giving up all the advantages of pex). It makes me wonder if they calculated their lines correctly - pex has different internal diameters (ID) which is used to calculate PSI among other things and the plumbers I knew who treated pex like copper also did their calculations using copper specs (not pex specs),even when they knew they were doing it wrong.

That being said - this is an RV. It a house. And I bet no pex manufacturer would back the warrentee when the pex is used in an RV. Too much unknown for them. And if installed correctly perhaps it is as least as robust as the old grey plastic pipe. I just would have installed it as pex was meant to be installed.

I see no way to change to a different style faucet without cutting the pex and adding an adapter to connect the flex lines. But support is needed at that new fitting (can't be hanging out in the air). And there are manufacture specs for minimum space between fitting. Practice untill you are good with the fitting took (looks like crimp one but best to use fitting that go with that brand pex). Give your self room if you mess up you can cut off the fitting and still have room to add a different one.

Feel free to PM me with questions.

I strongly suggest everyone add to their regular maintenance to check all their pex fittings / attachment points and support pieces to make sure there's no leaks and everything is fully supported.
Maybe even after each long trip.  
Jane
Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.
Re: Kitchen Faucet Recommendation
Reply #6 –
The PEX water lines under the sink in my 2003 are connected very much the same as in the OP's photo, but the runs appear to be shorter; it may be that in the very limited space under the sink (one discovers just how limited and difficult to access this space is when changing out a sink faucet, and I know someone who can attest to this!), LD decided that connecting straight runs of PEX with fasteners would be neater and and less in the way with the short runs of piping than a 'loop and droop' configuration?

PEX Information
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Kitchen Faucet Recommendation
Reply #7 –
Quote from: henness  - 
I imagine I could cut back the feed lines and attach a straight coupler instead of the 90 degree that are currently there.

I have used the right-angle version of these as sink stops at home:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/SharkBite-1-2-in-Chrome-Plated-Brass-Push-to-Connect-x-3-8-in-O-D-Compression-Quarter-Turn-Straight-Stop-Valve-23037-0000LF/202270613

But these in-line valves might work better for you. Honestly, I haven't used them in the RV, but at home they have been leak-free, and very easy to install on PEX or copper. I would recommend you secure the pex lines and sink supply hoses to the deck underside with about 1/4" wood shims to avoid stresses on the valve connections.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Kitchen Faucet Recommendation
Reply #8 –
Joan - while you can put in loops - right angle supports look like the picture attached.  Fastened tightly to the wall and for this model the pex just snaps in the support.  Not a strict 90 degrees - there is a little more of the bend coming into and going out of the support.  A support is not required it just forces a tight corner.

The bend (with or without support) would go for example in the upper right corner of the cabinet seen - eliminating the right angle fitting there.

I would have lowered the horizontal lines and had the upper line’s tee pointed up and added a shut off valve there, secured against that  back wall.  And had the tee on the lower horizontal line pointed downward.  Then add flex lines and secure them against that back wall and to the top so they are neatly out of the way.

Two sets of fittings they used not needed, you have shutoff valves, and easy to change your faucet style.

I also would have put insulation around the pipes - to protect them from running against things that would scrape way the pipe,including their zip ties.

Does anyone know the brand of pex LD used?  The writing on the picture is cut off at the beginning so it does’t show. 
It looks like  Upanor - it has a little translucent quality to it like Upanor brand does.  Upanor has more flexibility and less rigidness than some other brands I have seen (like the ones at Home Depot).  Upanor fittings are attached with an expansion tool - not crimping tools but some skill is needed for their tool.

Shark it’s (and similiar brands) I thought were a great idea when they first came out.  However I used one temporarily on an older copper pipe - a cap at the end of a line cut so remodeling could be done, and it leaked.  A slow drip that didn’t show up for a day or so.  Old 1/2” pipe has a slightly different diameter than new 1/2” copper was ‘t perfect.  So if you are going to try one, I suggest getting one made for your pipe (eg made for pex if you are putting it on a pex pipe) and keeping a close eye on it.  Because they are made for sticks and bricks homes and made to grab tight the pipe (vs other more secure attachment styles) I personally would not use them. 

Jane




Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.
Re: Kitchen Faucet Recommendation
Reply #9 –
Sean-

The plumbing is set up for an old-fashioned "eight-inch centerset" faucet. Your choices for drop-in replacements is limited. You would have to give up either the single-lever or the high-arch spout to get a drop-in that works. One or the other, but not both.

My favorite Web site for faucets is faucetdirect.com. Use their filters for faucet centers, number of handles, etc., to browse their faucets. There are some handsome (and expensive) high-arch two-level (hot and cold) eight-inch centerset commercial faucets available there, and some less-expensive single-lever, low-arch eight-inch centerset faucets.

As far as modifications go without having to have a PEX tool: You can rotate those PEX elbows with swivels to face downward just by twisting, then attach the flexible hoses on a single-lever faucet to them (in that position). Me, I would think twice about drilling the larger hole through the sink and countertop for the body of the single-lever control. Not that the drilling would be hard to do, but it would be a one-shot deal- better get it correct!

Mark H
Former owner, 31-foot gas Class A
Former owner, 1997-8 mid-bath
Re: Kitchen Faucet Recommendation
Reply #10 –
Mark said “As far as modifications go without having to have a PEX tool: You can rotate those PEX elbows with swivels to face downward just by twisting, then attach the flexible hoses on a single-lever faucet to them (in that position). ”

If the fitting itself swivels easily (made to swivel) you could turn it - the ones I have seen have not been made to swivel.
However if you force the connection turning where the pex is connected to the fitting (the crimped on band), you are damaging the connection that is made to be water tight to prevent leaks.  The band is not made to be loosened and retightened and they are installed very tight.  If you can twist that it’s is possible the connection has already been compromised and if you force a swival here you are compromising the connection spot.
Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.
Re: Kitchen Faucet Recommendation
Reply #11 –
Thanks for all the comments. I did notice that sink itself already has the center hole, it's just filled w/ some sealant. I'd just have to drill the plywood, which isn't a big deal. I browsed around the faucet.com site yesterday, I'll look at the faucetdirect site today. I'll also try to see if the 90 fittings rotate easily or not. There is a lot of PEX under the sink, so I'll also see if I can find a run long enough to see the manufacturers markings.
2001 MB
Re: Kitchen Faucet Recommendation
Reply #12 –
Sean, note the Sharkbite fittings just press on the cut end of PEX tubing, no crimping needed Once installed, they rotate as needed. The fittings I indicated already accept a standard faucet supply hose. The only tool you need is a tubing cutter. Check the Sharkbite Youtube videos for installation instructions.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Kitchen Faucet Recommendation
Reply #13 –
Henness, I enjoy watching "Ask This Old House".  I have seen them replace a two hole faucet with a single center hole one.  They covered the old holes with a trim plate made for that.  The finished look is clean.  So, that might work for you.  You would need to check the clearance from the sink to the trim plate to make sure the plate will sit flat.

Ken F in NM
'08 MB
Re: Kitchen Faucet Recommendation
Reply #14 –
Here’s what we went with. I believe it’s a Moen.

Drilled out the middle hole to install, got the proper flexible connections so no adjustments to the pex were required. Overal we are happy, it reaches into the larger sink easier and the pull out function comes in handy quite often.
2000 RB
Re: Kitchen Faucet Recommendation
Reply #15 –
Quote from: Cor2man  - 
Here’s what we went with. I believe it’s a Moen.

Drilled out the middle hole to install, got the proper flexible connections so no adjustments to the pex were required. Overal we are happy, it reaches into the larger sink easier and the pull out function comes in handy quite often.
Very nice! This is a good thread to save - full of good info and suggestions. Would you mind posting the model # of your Moen faucet?

Chris
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Kitchen Faucet Recommendation
Reply #16 –
Moen is not the only game in town!

Amazon.com: Dura Faucet
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Kitchen Faucet Recommendation
Reply #17 –
Moen does have excellent customer service and a lifetime guarantee.
Dale from Downey 27’ 2012 RB,”Casa Verde”, 2000 Jeep Wrangler. Formerly1991 RB & 1990 Jeep Wrangler.
Re: Kitchen Faucet Recommendation
Reply #18 –
I looked at “RV” specific stuff and it was all extremely cheap. The residential stuff always seems more quality.
2000 RB
Re: Kitchen Faucet Recommendation
Reply #19 –
A guy can buy what ever he  wants but a Moen is a hard faucet to beat.
1994 MB
Re: Kitchen Faucet Recommendation
Reply #20 –
Considering how many times you touch the sink faucet during a trip out it pays dividends to spend the extra and get equipment that feels good in the hand.

Also residential equipment with proper weight and quality really sets a rig apart from even the nicest newest units. Go tour a 80k fifth wheel and feel the faucets and you will likely be disappointed.

We got lucky and the previous owners installed a porcelain toilet in our LD. That’s another upgrade I highly recommend.
2000 RB
Re: Kitchen Faucet Recommendation
Reply #21 –
"...the previous owners installed a porcelain toilet in our LD."

???  My 2004 came with a porcelain toilet from LD!   ???   ::)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Kitchen Faucet Recommendation
Reply #22 –
I thought that was a standard feature my 1994 mid bath has a porcelain toilet.
                                 Jody
2009 Kodiak 32 foot Island Bed
Re: Kitchen Faucet Recommendation
Reply #23 –
Maybe ours had a porcelain toilet...the current toilet is certainly aftermarket as we no longer have the toilet sprayer.
2000 RB
Re: Kitchen Faucet Recommendation
Reply #24 –
Quote from: Lazy Bones  - 
"...the previous owners installed a porcelain toilet in our LD."
???  My 2004 came with a porcelain toilet from LD!  ???  ::)

Our 1983 LD had a plastic toilet and the 2003 came with a porcelain toilet.
The first thing we noticed in the 2003 was how much more water was required to flush and clean the porcelain bowl, a complaint I let Steve know about .
The new, porcelain toilet required an upgraded water pump with greater output and pressure, the previously used Whisper King pumps were not up to the job anymore, requiring the upsized 5.7-GPM variable speed pump to be used.

If given the choice, we would prefer to have the older-style plastic toilet, it wasn't any harder to clean, the lower water usage was a big plus and it weighed considerably less than the porcelain replacement. What's not to like?   YMMV

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze