I'll be the first to say—trading out a bath and shower faucet isn't the sexiest upgrade. At least, not in the way a new vanity or a clawfoot tub or heated floors might be.
So here's the kicker: your faucets can make or break your bathroom experience more than you think. You use them every single day — they determine how your shower feels, how quickly your tub fills, how your bathroom looks.
And if you're wondering whether it's time to upgrade, I've laid it out for you. Take this 60-second quiz to find out!
The 60-Second Test
#1 // Does Your Faucet Drip? (Even When It's Off?)
You've already known this is a problem. Dripping faucet isn't only annoying — it is literally wasting your money. A slow leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water over time. (And no one wants to pay for water they didn't even use.)
If you find that tightening the handle just a bit more than is necessary is part of your day to day, consider that your sign. It's time for a replacement.
#2 // Is Your Water Pressure… Underwhelming?
There’s perhaps no greater disappointment than stepping into the shower anticipating a refreshing rinse…. only to have it replaced with a weak drizzle that barely cuts it.
Low water pressure can be caused by buildup inside your faucet, an aging plumbing system or simply a poorly designed showerhead. A high-pressure faucet or showerhead can upgrade your shower experience from blah to incredible.
#3 // Is Temperature Control a Nightmare?
You know that struggle: one quarter of a turn flips you from lukewarm to boiling lava. Another tiny adjustment? Freezing cold.
If finding that perfect temperature sounds like defusing a bomb, it could be your faucet. More recent models have thermostatic controls that maintain the temperature of the water, so there will be no accidental third-degree burns from someone flushing the toilet while you're in the shower.
#4 // Your Faucet Is Out of Date?
Some things age gracefully. Your bathtub faucet? Not so much.
If yours resembles something straight out of a 90s motel, it's pulling down your whole bathroom. A contemporary faucet—be it streamlined matte black, brushed brass or good old chrome—can kick the space up a notch without a complete gut job.
#5 // Is Cleaning It a Pain?
Some faucets appear custom built to catch dirt, hard water stains and soap scum. If yours never seems to look clean despite heavy scrubbing, consider upgrading to a low-maintenance finish (such as brushed nickel or stainless steel) that might spare you a little sanity.
#6 // No Drama when it Comes to Your Shower?
Your bathtub and shower faucets might be perfectly usable — but they don't thrill you.
A bathroom needs to be a refuge, not simply a space where you dash through a routine. If you're showering and thinking, I wish this felt better, it may be time for an upgrade.
What Your Results Mean:
0–1 YES answers ➜ You're in the clear! Your faucet is performing as it should — there's no need to rush into an upgrade.
2-3 YES ➜ You're on the edge. A few simple fixes may suffice, but an upgrade could yield a big difference.
4+ YES answers ➜ It's time. Your current configuration isn't doing you any favors, and a new faucet could seriously elevate your bathroom experience.
Why Replacing Your Faucet Is a Game Changer
A new bathtub or shower faucet isn't — or shouldn't be — just about looks; it's about function. And here's the kicker: it's among the easiest, high-impact improvements you can make.
MISS ADDITIONAL: Better Water Flow = A Better Experience
There's a reason hotel showers always feel so good—they're built for perfect pressure and coverage. A good faucet and showerhead combo can make your everyday rinse feel spa-like (without the extra water costs).
If you've never used a rainfall showerhead or a high-pressure handheld option, I'm telling you — it's life-altering.
Fill Your Tub Faster = More Relaxation, Less Waiting
You eventually resolve to bathe. You turn on the faucet. And then… you wait.
And wait.
And wait.
Slow-draining bathtubs are the worst — and typically, the offender is an old or low-flow faucet. A new high-flow tub filler can deliver faster fill times, resulting in less waiting and more soaking.
A Small Upgrade That Makes Your Bathroom Feel Spruced Up
A new vanity? Expensive.
New tile? Messy and time-consuming.
New faucets for bathtubs and showers? It's easy, affordable, and instantly transformative.
The right faucet can completely transform the vibe of your bathroom. Even in an older space, a sleek modern design can feel fresh and new.
So … What to Consider When Shopping for a New Faucet?
If you're ready for an upgrade, here's what to look for:
For Shower Faucets:
- One is a high-pressure model (ideal for a spa-like experience)
- Thermostatic controls (for pulsing temperature variations)
- Handheld choices (for added convenience—especially if you have pets or kids)
- Rainfall or multi-function showerheads (for the ultimate relaxation)
For Bathtub Faucets:
- Fast-fill options (because no one wants to wait 20 minutes)
- Wall-mounted vs. freestanding (depends on your style of tub)
- A matte black finish (to instantly modernize your space)
Final Thoughts
If you hate your faucet because it's dripping, outdated or simply doesn't work well for you, an upgrade could be one of the simplest, most impactful changes you make.
It's a minor swap that makes a MAJOR impact — one that you'll thank yourself for every single day.
So… are you due for a change? Or is your existing setup still going strong? Let me know—I'd love to hear!
FAQS
1. Can I install a new bathtub or shower faucet on my own?
You can certainly try it yourself if you're comfortable with rudimentary tools and plumbing! Most faucets have straightforward instructions included, and tons of helpful tutorials exist online. If not, though, or if your plumbing looks pretty complicated (hello, old pipes!), you might want to call a plumber. No shame in just making it low-stress!
2. How do I choose the right finish for my faucet?
In a nutshell, choosing a finish boils down to the vibe you want for your bathroom. Chrome is sleek and shiny but attracts fingerprints like a magnet. Brushed nickel is relatively low-maintenance and has a lovely, soft glow. For a bolder look matte black is très chic right now. Consider how much maintenance you're comfortable with, and go from there!
3. If I get a new faucet, will it solve my water pressure problems?
If your old faucet was corroded or simply outdated, switching to a new one may also improve your pressure. A high-pressured showerhead can do wonders! But if your water pressure is still low throughout, you could need a plumber to inspect your pipes and determine whether a larger problem is at work.
Related Articles
Looking for more ways to upgrade your bathroom? Here are a few must-read articles to help you transform your space—whether you're tackling a full renovation or just making small but impactful changes.
