7 Faucet Myths You Need to Stop Believing Right Now

Faucets are among the most frequently used fixtures in every household, yet they are surrounded by many myths. Some may be harmless, but others—like overtightening a leaking faucet—can do more harm than good, potentially making the situation worse.

At Cleo Faucets, we understand the importance of proper maintenance for your faucets and other plumbing fixtures. That’s why we’re taking a closer look at 7 of the most common faucet myths, debunking misconceptions, and finding common ground in these waters.

Table of Contents

• Leaky Faucets Aren’t a Big Deal
• Touchless Faucets Are a Luxury
• All Faucets Are the Same
• The Costliest Faucets Are Always the Best
• DIY Faucet Installation Is Easy for Everyone
• Tightening a Leaking Faucet Will Stop the Drip
• Faucets Do Not Require Regular Maintenance

Myth 1: Leaky Faucets Aren’t a Big Deal

Let’s start with one of the most common misconceptions—leaky faucets are actually a much bigger issue than you might think. A single dripping faucet can waste 2,500–3,000 gallons of water per year, which is equivalent to about 200 full showers.

Beyond water waste, ignoring a leak can also affect your water quality by promoting mold growth. In the worst-case scenario, it can even lead to pipe damage.

Myth 2: Touchless Faucets Are a Luxury

Shifting from maintenance to design, let’s talk about touchless faucets—one of the hottest topics in the faucet industry. Over time, many myths have surrounded them, from concerns about short battery life to sensor malfunctions.

However, those issues are now a thing of the past. Touchless faucets are no longer rare, and with a wide range of options available, there’s a model to fit every budget. Plus, they have been proven to save both water and electricity, making them an even more cost-effective choice.

SMART Touchless Sensor Bathroom Faucet

Myth 3: All Faucets Are the Same

For some models, this may seem true—differences might not be significant, and certain designs are more common than others. However, every faucet has unique characteristics. Materials, quality, functionality, and water pressure all vary from model to model.

Most people focus on a faucet’s appearance, but the real value lies inside. Always check if the internal components are made of metal, as this ensures greater durability. And remember—a good faucet doesn’t have to be expensive. It just needs to be well-made. That brings us to…

Myth 4: The Costliest Faucets Are Always the Best

It’s a common misconception that higher price means higher quality. Many businesses have built enormous wealth on this belief. But in reality, this isn’t always true. Some expensive faucets boast premium materials and smart features, yet they may not be the most reliable.

On the other hand, many mid-range faucets offer the same look and feel as premium models, with the added benefit of affordability and easier access to replacement parts. Since these faucets are widely available, maintenance is often cheaper and faster.

For the best results, look for brands with a strong reputation and high-quality construction—you’ll get a reliable faucet for a fraction of the cost of a premium model.

Myth 5: DIY Faucet Installation Is Easy for Everyone

With the rise of DIY guides and quick-install kits, installing a faucet has become easier than ever. However, this doesn’t apply equally to every faucet.

Factors like unusually shaped faucet designs, outdated pipes, complex connections, and compatibility issues with existing fixtures can make installation challenging. Professional plumbers handle these situations regularly, but for the average homeowner, they can be unexpected obstacles.

We always recommend seeking professional help—or at the very least, approaching your renovation with careful planning and preparation.

ARCHSTREAM Single Hole Bathroom Faucet

Myth 6: Tightening a Leaking Faucet Will Stop the Drip

While it may seem like reasonable advice, tightening a leaking faucet won’t actually solve the problem. Leaks are typically caused by worn or damaged internal components, not a loose connection.

Now, take a guess—what happens when you apply extra pressure to a fixture with already damaged internals? In the worst case, you’ll make the leak worse or even cause serious damage to the faucet. Instead of forcing it to work, the better solution is to replace worn seals or washers—this ensures a proper, long-lasting repair.

Myth 7: Faucets Do Not Require Regular Maintenance

Unfortunately, faucets do require regular maintenance. But the good news is that it doesn’t take much effort. Simple tasks like checking for leaks, measuring water pressure, cleaning showerheads and aerators, and inspecting seals are all part of a routine that helps keep your faucets in good working condition.

If that still sounds like too much, compare it to the potential consequences—leaks, costly repairs, or even replacing the entire fixture—and you’ll see why a little maintenance goes a long way.

Related: How to Keep Your Plumbing System Running Smoothly This Winter

Conclusion

If debunking these common faucet myths teaches us anything, it’s that major problems can often be avoided with just a little maintenance. Not all faucets are created equal—the true value lies in the quality of internal components, proper upkeep, and smart purchasing decisions rather than just price or appearance.

At Cleo Faucets, we're committed to helping you navigate these waters by separating fact from fiction, so you can make informed choices and enjoy fixtures that work flawlessly.