Are Waterfall Faucets Worth It: Understanding the Pros and Cons!

A lot of folks find it puzzling to decide whether to go with a waterfall faucet or just stick with a regular type. Some people suggest the waterfall kind, while others really don’t like it.

So, are waterfall faucets worth it? Or are they just costly with zero benefits? Well, waterfall faucets are a good pick when it comes to looks, function, and how easy they are to use in smaller sinks. Yet, they do have some bad points like high prices and low water pressure.

In this guide, I’ll discuss this topic in detail along with the pros and cons of waterfall faucets so you know if it is worth the price or not. Let’s Begin!

What Is a Waterfall Faucet?

The waterfall faucet is a special kind of tap that flows water from a height like a waterfall. It’s quite diverse in looks and function from regular faucets. Check this guide to get a complete view of the waterfall faucet vs regular faucet and their comparison points.

In terms of looks, it’s wider and flatter and spreads out at the end to flow water from an inclined surface of the faucet.

Usually, the waterfall faucet lets the water flow over a flattened or trough arm. And so, the water falls off the end of the wide arm instead of going into the end of a pipe.

To understand it better, you can imagine a bamboo pole that is cut down in the middle, removing the sectional protrusions that poles each section apart from the other. This will leave you with a long and trough bamboo piece.

You’ll now find a gentle flow of water that comes over the top and leaves at the end if you stick it in the stream and tilt it on the other end (lower toward you). That’s how the waterfall faucet works.

It’s made to hold the same amount of water over a wider surface instead of a regular faucet’s thin surface (due to the aerator). And that’s why you get a relaxing and lower water pressure to wash your face or do other tasks in daily life.

With Some Downsides, The Waterfall Faucets Are Worth It!

To help folks decide if this kind of faucet makes the environment good and easier to use or not, I’ll share the good and bad parts of them in individual sections. Let’s find out whether are waterfall taps any good or just expensive appliances:

1. Aesthetic Visual Is a Bonus for Home

Being a trendy faucet type in the modern era, it has a striking core design that makes it stand out in bathroom environments.

This kind of faucet never goes out of style and the designs always add pleasing effects. So, if you have a small or tight space around the sink, the waterfall faucet will add good looks in a unique way.

Plus, you’ll find different styles, colors, and finishes of waterfall faucets in the offline and online stores. And, it is widely available and adds value to the environment.

Personal Rating: In terms of appearance, it’s a 9 out of 10!

2. Relaxing Water Flow and Pressure

The waterfall faucet is famous for its relaxing and calming effect as it flows water as the rivers flow at a high steep.

In real life, the soothing and luxurious water flow isn’t that effective. As you’ll get low water pressure and flow, it might seem pretty slow to even wash off a toothbrush or razor. Due to this, a lot of folks dislike this kind of faucet.

It surely gives a relaxing effect as the water flows smoothly but the less pressure may make this home appliance a little useless. However, you’ll be able to save water bills due to its low water flow and pressure.

Personal Rating: In terms of water flow and pressure, it’s a 6.5 out of 10!

3. No Splash of Water

A rule of thumb is that the higher velocity of the faucet’s water causes more water to splash. It mostly occurs due to the aerator and the high pressure of water.

Thanks to its unique shape and design, the waterfall faucet seems to give no issue of splash or water to flow outside the sink.

Unlike the regular faucet, it has the lowest chance of splashing as the water flow and pressure are tremendously low.

Personal Rating: In terms of design to prevent splashing, it’s an 8 out of 10!

4. Last for a Decent Period

The waterfall faucet is mostly made out of solid brass, stainless steel, or copper materials. Even if the materials are good, the waterfall faucet usually lasts for an average time (around 5 – 10 at max), unlike the regular faucet (around 20 years).

The bad part is that the expensive ones also won’t last longer period even if you maintain or care for them on a regular basis.

Personal Rating: In terms of longevity, it’s a 6 out of 10!

5. Cleaning Is Super Simple

Unlike others, the waterfall faucet doesn’t have a hard time maintaining and caring with proper cleaning. To do that, you won’t require a costly cleaner as you can do it via mild acid (vinegar/lemon juice) and water trick.

For that, take a baggie and fill some vinegar or lemon juice along with water in a 1:1 ratio for an effective result.

Then, hang it directly to the waterfall faucet’s mouth and tie a headband to let it soak for around 30 minutes. After that, wash it off and get rid of the limescale. That’s how to clean a waterfall faucet!

Personal Rating: In terms of cleaning, it’s an 8.5 out of 10!

6. Installation Is Tough at Home

If you plan to add a waterfall faucet and its plumbing line in the DIY method, the procedure is pretty difficult. You’ll definitely need your friend’s help or an expert especially when going with a complex designed one.

In case you don’t know, just remove the old faucet from the sink and insert the faucet above the sink. Then, insert the washer and O-ring underneath the sink and connect the supply lines on the handles along with the shutoff valves.

Even if it seems easy to do it yourself, it may take more actions based on the complexity of the waterfall faucet’s design. Be sure to read this guide if you want to know the approximate cost of installing a bathroom faucet.

Personal Rating: In terms of installation, it’s a 6 out of 10!

7. Quite Expensive

While giving a good facility in the bathroom environment, it still seems not reasonable. You see, the waterfall faucet can cost up to $40 to $400 or more based on the quality and features.

On average, it costs no more than $220 while giving a low water flow and pressure and lasting for a short period.

Based on these factors, it does seem overpriced. However, if you search deeply in the store, you may get a low-priced gem. For that, you’ll need to look carefully.

Personal Rating: In terms of pricing, it’s a 7 out of 10!

The Positive and Negative Sides of Waterfall Faucets!

After knowing the ins and outs of it, let me share the waterfall faucet pros and cons briefly right below:

The Good Sides

Looks beautiful on the sink to flow water like a waterfall.
Water comes smoothly and causes no issue of splash.
Adds value to your home.
Saves you from excess water consumption and bills.
Pretty simple to clean the inner and outer surfaces.
Ideal for adding in small spaces.
Adds a calming feel when flowing water.

The Bad Sides

Expensive faucet type.
Contains low water pressure.
Hard to install by yourself.

Considerations Before Choosing a Waterfall Faucet

After knowing its worth and other details, it may change your mind. If you plan to get one for your bathroom or bathtub use, here are some aspects that you should consider:

Select a decent waterfall faucet that matches your existing plumbing setup and sink design.
Make a budget and then decide which style, finish, or color of waterfall faucet you want to pick.
Try to go for a simple and traditional waterfall faucet instead of a flat mouth and modern type. Or else, you’ll spend hours to keep them clean.
Always consider the quality, longevity, and visual aspects when selecting one.
Pick a waterfall faucet that requires less effort to install.

Wrapping Up

The waterfall faucets are worth the money if you think of the plus points. However, you might face some negative aspects too if planning to use this kind of faucet.

In my opinion, you should try it once if you have no problem with low water pressure and flow and need a visual aspect to add to the bathroom area. Or else, do not spend money on it and go for a regular option.

Hope you find this informative guide beneficial to make a proper decision and be sure to note the above considerations before buying one. Good Luck!