Plumber: Spray away with new kitchen faucet technology

Q: Ed: I plan to surprise my family with a new kitchen faucet. I want to get a pull-out faucet with spray options that are useful for everyone in the house. I enjoy your plumbing recommendations, so what spray head features do you like?

— Brent, Washington state

A: Ever since pullout and pull-down-style kitchen faucets became popular, spray head technology has really taken off. The spray component on many new kitchen faucets take task management to another level. With that said, here's a basic rundown of some spray features and options now available.

First, the standard spray pattern for most pull-out/pull-down kitchen faucets is a "ring" spray and you can upgrade from there with setting options. One is a pause feature. This quickly turns the flow of water on and off for greater spray control. For additional spray pattern options, a sweep spray for sink washdowns and a soft spray for delicate items like produce are handy as well.

For a final forceful feature, a power boost button can increase spray flow rate in short bursts whenever you need an extra blast for the task!

(Master Contractor/Plumber Ed Del Grande is known internationally as the author of the book "Ed Del Grande's House Call," the host of TV and Internet shows, and a LEED green associate. Visit eddelgrande.com or write eadelg@cs.com. Always consult local contractors and codes.) ©2022 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

This story was originally published April 22, 2022 3:00 PM.