Kitchen & Bath Faucet FAQs || Newport Brass

Brasstech Compliance with the Federal Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Law (Senate Bill 3874)

What does it mean for products to be compliant with "lead-free" legislation?

Faucets and water delivery products designated as being "lead-free" are those that are compliant with state and federal drinking water legislation. In September 2006, the California Health and Safety Code 116875 (AB 1953) was approved in California in an attempt to reduce the amount of lead in drinking water. This legislation was superseded on January 4, 2011 by the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act which specifies that the weighted average lead content of pipes, fittings and fixtures used to convey drinking water cannot exceed 0.25% on wetted surfaces. This new legislation will take effect nationwide on January 4, 2014.

Which products are affected by Senate Bill 3874?

The new legislation applies only to fixtures that are used to dispense drinking water including but not limited to lavatory faucets and kitchen faucets, prep/bar faucets, pot fillers, water dispensers, supply valves, and flex risers.

Download a list of Brasstech products affected by Senate Bill 3874.

Are Brasstech products compliant with the legal requirements of Senate Bill 3874?

Effective January 4, 2014, plumbing devices used to dispense potable water must be compliant with the new regulations. All applicable Brasstech products will meet these requirements as follows:

All stocking orders received on or after October 1, 2013 will be shipped with low lead compliant product.
Beginning on November 15, 2013, all orders will be shipped with low lead compliant product.

How can I tell if the product that I received meets the "lead-free" standard?

symbol has been added to the box label on all applicable products indicating that the product meets the "lead-free" standard.

Don't some states currently require that products be "lead-free"?

Four states (California, Vermont, Maryland, and Louisiana) have previously enacted lead-free legislation which requires that the wetted surface of products contacted by consumable water contain less than 0.25% of lead by weight. All applicable Brasstech products that are shipped into these states are compliant with current legislation.

What is Brasstech's Return Policy for non-compliant product?

Effective October 1, 2013, Brasstech will no longer accept returns of non-compliant product with the exception of items related to product warrantee issues and/or Brasstech shipment errors.

If my faucet is not SB3874 compliant, does that mean that it is not safe?

No. According to the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI), lead levels have been reduced to nearly immeasurable amounts due to advancements in materials and manufacturing processes. Where trace amounts of lead have been found in drinking water, aging infrastructure, including pipe and plumbing system components have been the main contributors of trace amounts of lead in the water supply.

Leaks

In my thermostatic shower the water is coming out of all the functions and I cannot turn the water off. What should I do ?: A one stop valve must be installed for every function in the bathroom. If required, the plumber will have to re-plumb the setup correctly.
The water will not shut off (or will not come out) from the function, I have my stop valve hooked up to in my thermostatic shower setup.What should I do?: Check to see if the stop valve was installed correctly. There is an arrow on the side of the valve body that should follow the direction of the water. If you cannot see the side of the stop valve you can remove the cartridge from the stop valve body. There should be a hole that should be on the outlet side of the valve body. If the hole is on the inlet side of the valve body the stop valve will need to be re-plumbed in the wall.
Water is dripping from the tip of the spout on my lavatory faucet. How do I stop this from occuring?: Replace the cartridge. Contact customer service with the model number of the faucet along with the date of purchase.
How do I stop water from dripping where the hoses from the hot and cold valves meet the tee assembly on the spout of my lavatory faucet (for faucets with tee assemblies only)?: Replace the tee assembly. Contact customer service with the model number of the faucet along with the date of purchase.
What do I do about water dripping from the base of the spout on my lavatory faucet?: Replace the spout. If the product is still under warranty, go back to the original dealer from where the item was purchased for warranty replacement. If the dealer is no longer in business, contact customer service. If the product is no longer under warranty the spout can be purchased separately from any dealer who sells Newport Brass product.
What should I do if the water is coming out of the pop-up hole in the top of the lavatory faucet?: You will need to replace the spout, This is generally caused by the tee assembly nut being over torqued. If the product is still under warranty, go back to the original dealer from where the item was purchased for warranty replacement. If the dealer is no longer in business, contact customer service. If the product is no longer under warranty, the spout can be purchased separately from any dealer who sells Newport Brass product.
What do I do if water is leaking down the nipple coming out of the bottom of the spout, either inside or outside of the nipple on my lavatory faucet?: You will need to replace the spout, This is generally caused by the tee assembly nut being over torqued. If the product is still under warranty you will go back to the original dealer from where the item was purchased for warranty replacement. If the dealer is no longer in business, contact customer service. If the product is no longer under warranty the spout can be purchased separately from any dealer who sells Newport Brass product.
Water is dripping from the hoses connected to the bottom of my lavatory/kitchen faucet, what do I do? (For faucets without a tee assembly): Replace the spout. If the product is still under warranty go back to the original dealer from where the item was purchased for warranty replacement. If the dealer is no longer in business contact customer service. If the product is no longer under warranty the spout can be purchased separately from any dealer who sells Newport Brass product.
Do I need to put teflon tape on the quick connect nipple that threads into the bottom of the roman tub spout?: Always make sure that Teflon tape is put on the nipple as instructed in the installation instructions. If tape is not used the spout will leak at the base. Also, if Teflon tape is on the nipple, it has the ability to leak from there as well, but that is typically not going to be the case.
How do I stop water from dripping from the tip of the spout of my kitchen faucet?: Replace the correct cartridge. Contact customer service with the model number of the faucet along with the date of purchase.
What do I do if water is dripping where the hoses from the hot and cold valves meet the tee assembly on the bottom of the spout of my kitchen faucet?: Replace the tee assembly. Contact customer service with the model number of the faucet along with the date of purchase.
What should I do if water is dripping from the base of the spout of my kitchen faucet?: You will need to replace the spout. If the product is still under warranty you should go back to the original dealer from where the item was purchased for warranty replacement. If the dealer is no longer in business contact customer service. If the product is no longer under warranty the spout can be purchased separately from any dealer who sells Newport Brass product.
Water is dripping from the side spray while the kitchen faucet is on. What should I do?: First, check the flat head screw which is located under the faceplate. Unthread the faceplate off, making sure to keep all the washers in order, and then you may adjust the screw by either tightening it to the right or loosening it to the left. This affects the tension on the thumb piece. If it is too tight then it can cause the trigger to activate allowing a dribble of water to steadily stream out of the side spray. The next option would to try replacing the diverter cartridge or assembly, if all else fails replace the side spray (#129).
On my 940/941, water leaks from where the spout swivels on the faucet. What do I do?: Replace the o-rings and cartridge on the valve assembly for the 940/941. (part# 91031 [qty.2])
The handle is floppy on my 94P/99P. What is wrong?: The handle has been turned too far, breaking the stops built into the cartridge. A new cartridge is needed to correct the issue. (part#1-183)
My bridge faucet is leaking from the end of the spout. What could be the solution?: Replace the correct cartridge. Contact customer service with the model number of the faucet along with the date of purchase.
The handle on my bridge faucet with side spray is spinning 360 degrees and the water will either not turn on/off. What is the issue?: There is nothing wrong with the cartridge. The stem adaptor has been compromised and will have to be replaced. Contact customer service with the model number of the faucet along with the date of purchase.
How do I fix my bridge faucet if it is leaking from where it swivels?: The entire faucet will have to be replaced. If the product is still under warranty you should go back to the original dealer from where the item was purchased for warranty replacement. If the dealer is no longer in business contact customer service. If the product is no longer under warranty the spout can be purchased separately from any dealer who sells Newport Brass product.
My bridge faucet with side spray leaks where the bridge diverter assembly connects to the shanks of the faucet. What is wrong?: First make sure there is an o-ring on the inside of the lower adaptor, then make sure the clip is installed. Last make sure the hex sides from the upper and lower adaptors are lined up together with no gap between them as per the installation instructions.
My side-spray leaks when I turn on the water from the spout. What could be causing this?: First check the flat head screw which is located under the faceplate. Unthread the faceplate off making sure to keep all the washers in order, and then adjust the screw by either tightening it to the right or loosening it to the left. This affects the tension on the thumb piece. If it is too tight then it can cause the trigger to activate allowing a dribble of water to steadily stream out of the side spray. The next option would to try replacing the diverter cartridge or assembly. If all else fails replace the side spray (#129).

Installation

In my thermostatic shower the water is coming out of all the functions and I cannot turn the water off. What should I do ?: A one stop valve must be installed for every function in the bathroom. If required, the plumber will have to re-plumb the setup correctly.
The water will not shut off (or will not come out) from the function, I have my stop valve hooked up to in my thermostatic shower setup.What should I do?: Check to see if the stop valve was installed correctly. There is an arrow on the side of the valve body that should follow the direction of the water. If you cannot see the side of the stop valve you can remove the cartridge from the stop valve body. There should be a hole that should be on the outlet side of the valve body. If the hole is on the inlet side of the valve body the stop valve will need to be re-plumbed in the wall.
How do I fix my wall mounted lavatory faucet, stop valve, or two-handle tub set with lever handles from drooping and causing the water to flow because they are too heavy?: You need to install torque-able cartridges provided with the wall mount trim or two-handle tub set trim. If needed for a stop valve, they will have to be purchased separately. The part numbers for the replacement torque cartridges are; (1/2″ cold = 1-543) / (1/2″ hot = 1-544) / (3/4″ cold = 1-181) / (3/4″ hot = 1-182).
What do I do if the handles on my wall mounted lavatory faucet do not line up correctly?: Remove trim from stem and turn cartridge inside valve just one spline on the stem, using a 5/8″ sparkplug wrench with a 1/2″ inch shaft and 3/4″ deep socket. This should allow the handles to be lined up level. Cartridges are / should be stiff in the wall — installed at the factory with a torque wrench at 18lbs.
Tool to be used: 5/8″ Sparkplug wrench, 1/2″ drive goes on end of sparkplug wrench, 3/4″ deep socket goes on the 1/2″ drive.
Where can I find the quick connect nipple for my roman tub set?: The quick connect sits inside the deck housing. When looking at the quick connect, if the opening is a 1″ diameter hole, then the nipple is missing. If the opening is 3/4″, then the nipple is there and you just need to pull it out of the deck housing.
Do I need to put teflon tape on the quick connect nipple that threads into the bottom of the roman tub spout?: Always make sure that Teflon tape is put on the nipple as instructed in the installation instructions. If tape is not used the spout will leak at the base. Also, if Teflon tape is on the nipple, it has the ability to leak from there as well, but that is typically not going to be the case.
How do I know which is the correct rough-in kit for my roman tub trim?: Always make sure you know exactly what trim is going to be used before installing the rough-in kit. If the customer or dealer insists on ordering the rough in before knowing what trim is to be used, try to discourage this as much as possible. If the dealer orders the wrong rough-in to fit the trim or if the customer decides to change the trim at the last second after the rough-in is installed then they have to choose trim that uses that same rough-in kit. If they choose a trim that uses a different rough-in the spout may not fit because of the spacer that is used on certain sets. Also the stem height will differ between series for the handles.
What should I set my Water Pressure to be for the Roman Tub?: The maximum water pressure for the roman tub valves is 60psi. If the PSI is greater than 60psi it will cause either the spout to leak when the hand shower is on or the hand shower to leak when the spout is on. Water pressure min/max is 45psi-60psi.
What causes Water Hammer to occur?: A common complaint from customers is that the valves are causing “water hammer.” “Water hammer” is the loud banging noise occasionally heard when a valve is quickly shut off. With non-ceramic disc valves, this could be caused by a loose seat washer, however Newport Brass only offers the ceramic disc type of valve that prevents this problem from occuring. “Water hammer” today is often caused by the pipes not being properly held in place or it is the sudden stop of the water from closing a 1/4″ turn cartridge in a 3/4″ valve. Another possible cause could be when the piping underneath is not strapped down securely. Other than that you would just need to turn the handle slowly when turning the water off.
The aerator on my 94P/99P fell out of the faucet head. What do I do?: Replace the aerator 2-519/56. If the problem persists the head assembly of faucet will have to be replaced through the dealer.
The handle on my bridge faucet with side spray is spinning 360 degrees and the water will either not turn on/off. What is the issue?: There is nothing wrong with the cartridge. The stem adaptor has been compromised and will have to be replaced. Contact customer service with the model number of the faucet along with the date of purchase.
The hot and cold shanks on my bridge faucet are not long enough to go through my deck. What should I do?: Since there are no extensions you will need to route out the counter from the bottom to make it fit.
After installing the bridge faucet with side spray, the side-spray works but nothing will come out of the spout. What could be the problem?: The faucet is installed backwards. Uninstall the faucet, turn the whole faucet around 180° and re-install per the instructions. The handles may also need to be reversed.
My bridge faucet with side spray leaks where the bridge diverter assembly connects to the shanks of the faucet. What is wrong?: First make sure there is an o-ring on the inside of the lower adaptor, then make sure the clip is installed. Last make sure the hex sides from the upper and lower adaptors are lined up together with no gap between them as per the installation instructions.

Water Temperature

What do I do when I'm only getting all hot or all cold water out of my thermostatic valve?: First, check and see if one of the outlets is plugged. If not, have a plumber re-plumb the valve correctly.
Second, make sure the hot and cold inlets were piped correctly and that the valve was not installed upside down which would reverse the hot and cold inlets. The plumber may have to re-plumb the valve correctly.
Reset check stops and clean the filter on the cartridge per instructions.
Why are there varying temperatures when controlling from hot to cold in my thermostatic shower setup?: Make sure the hot and cold inlets were piped correctly and that the valve was not installed upside down which would reverse the hot and cold inlets. The plumber may have to re-plumb the valve correctly.
Why isn't the water reaching as hot as 120° on my thermostatic valve?: The valve has to be recalibrated by the plumber; most likely the stem was turned before or during installation. Reset check stops and clean the filter on the cartridge per instructions.

Water Pressure

How do I fix a restricted water flow issue on my lavatory faucet?: Check the aerator for debris, clean the cartridges making sure there is no debris, check that tee assembly is installed correctly and the hoses are clear. If all is good, then replace the valves. For wall mounted valves have the plumber check the lines for debris. If replacement valves are needed, contact customer service with the model number of the faucet along with the date of purchase.
What should I set my Water Pressure to be for the Roman Tub?: The maximum water pressure for the roman tub valves is 60psi. If the PSI is greater than 60psi it will cause either the spout to leak when the hand shower is on or the hand shower to leak when the spout is on. Water pressure min/max is 45psi-60psi.
How do I fix a restricted water flow on my kitchen faucet?: Check the aerator for debris, clean the cartridges making sure there is no debris, and check that the tee assembly is installed correctly and the hoses are clear. If all is good then replace valves. For wall mounted valves have the plumber check the lines for debris. If replacement valves are needed contact customer service with the model number of the faucet along with the date of purchase.
What do I do if water is blasting out of my 948/949 pot filler causing water to splash excessively?: Do not turn the water on full blast. The 948/949 pot fillers do not have an aerator on the end of the spout. You cannot add an aerator since the added back pressure will cause leaking at the joint where the spout slides out and it can also cause the spout to automatically extend.

Water Dispensers

On my (104/105) water dispenser, the water is running and it won't shut off. What could be causing this?: You will need to remove the spout and handle, then adjust the t-bar nut on top of the valve spring assembly to the correct position. Contact customer service so they can email or fax step by step instructions.
On my water dispenser (106 / 106C / 107 / 107X / 107C / 107XC / 108 / 108C / 108XC), the cold water is dripping and won't shut off. What should I do?: Replace the cartridge for the cold water side (part#1-134). Description of cartridge says "hot" cartridge, which only refers to the way the handle turns to the open position.
On my hot water dispenser (106 / 106H / 107 / 107X / 107H / 107XH / 108 / 108X / 108H / 108XH), the hot water continues to drip immediately after installation and doesn't stop. How can I fix this?: After first installation of the hot water dispenser with the instant hot water tank, the dispenser can allow water (approx. 3-5 ounces) to escape from the spout over an extended period of time. Allow the tank and dispenser to sit for about 24-48 hours. If the problem persists you may unplug the tank. If the leak continues, replace the hot side cartridge (part#6-038) for the dispenser. If the leak stops, then replace the tank. If the cartridge does not fix the leak then replace the dispenser.
What do I do about my dripping hot water dispenser (106 / 106H / 107 / 107X / 107H / 107XH / 108 / 108X / 108H / 108XH)?: The hot water drips for up to 10-15 minutes after each use. This is caused by thermal expansion of water occurring naturally when cool water is heated in a confined space (the tank). Brasstech hot water dispensers were specifically designed to allow steam or any amount of water expansion to escape through the spout. This is not a defective product, it is a safety feature.
On my hot water dispenser (106 / 106H / 107 / 107X / 107H / 107XH / 108 / 108X / 108H / 108XH), the hot water continues to drip and does not stop at all. What could be the cause?: First, check that the red and clear hoses are installed correctly on the instant hot water tank and that they are not clogged, twisted or kinked in any way. Second, replace the self-closed cartridge for the hot water side. Third, unplug the tank. If the leak continues, replace the hot side cartridge for the dispenser. If the leak stops, then replace the tank. If the cartridge does not fix the leak, then replace dispenser.
Why would my instant hot water tank be leaking from the bottom?: Make sure the plug on the bottom of the tank is tightened securely. If not leaking from the plug replace tank.
After running the hot water from the dispenser, it has a full flow for approximately 30-60 seconds, and then it starts dripping until it stops. What could be the cause?: Make sure the red and clear hoses are installed correctly on the instant hot water tank. If all the connections between the instant hot water tank and dispenser are correct as per the instructions, replace the dispenser.
Why does the water drip from the hose connections to my water dispenser (106 / 106H / 107 / 107X / 107H / 107XH / 108 / 108H / 108XH)?: Replace the dispenser. The hoses can not be replaced in the field.
What would be the reason for my hot water not being hot?: First, make sure the tank is plugged in. Second, turn the thermostat control dial fully clockwise and wait 15 minutes. If water starts to boil and it is accompanied by a gurgling sound in the tank and/or water sputters out of the faucet, turn the control dial slightly counterclockwise until the gurgling and /or sputtering stops. This should take approximately 20 seconds. Then turn the control dial an additional 1/8″ (3mm) counterclockwise at the tip of the dial, wait 15 minutes and check the temperature of the water. Third, check to see if there is a blown fuse or a circuit breaker is tripped (see IMPORTANT NOTE explaining the self re-setting thermal fuse in step 6 of tank installation packet).
What would be the cause of water boiling or vapors appearing?: Lower the temperature setting on the tank by turning the thermostat control dial counterclockwise.

General

How do I contact Brasstech, Inc. for assistance?: Email: info@brasstech.com
Phone: 949-417-5207
How do I email Brasstech, Inc.?: info@brasstech.com
What is your mailing address?: Brasstech, Inc.
Attn: Customer Service
2001 East Carnegie Ave
Santa Ana, CA 92705-5531
Can I get a particular faucet in a different finish than what is available at the store?: Newport Brass products are available in 25 finishes.
How do I determine if I have a Brasstech, Inc. faucet? Is the Brasstech, Inc. name on ALL faucets, including older models? Where can I find my model number?: We do not put our name on our fixtures, but some of the lavatory valves have "Brasstech" stamped on them. You can find your model number on the invoice from the dealer where the product was purchased. If you do not have that information you may email a picture of your fixture to info(at)brasstech.com so we can determine if it is a Brasstech/Newport Brass product.
Are repair parts available for discontinued models?: Contact customer service with the model number of the fixture with the date of purchase. Depending on which faucet and how old the faucet is there may or may not be replacement parts available.

Finishes

The finish on the drain plug for my metal pop-up assembly is tarnishing, what should I do?: The entire drain assembly will have to be replaced because there are no replacement parts availble for the pop-up drain assembly. If the drain is in the (01, 04, 10, 10B, 20, 26, 50, 52, 54, 56, 65) finish then the drain carries a 1 year warranty. All other finishes have no drain warranty.
What is a PVD finish?: It is the process by which a vacuum chamber is used to deposit thin layers of film onto a particular surface. PVD finishes manufactured by Brasstech (other than drains) are warranted as long as the original purchaser owns their home.
What makes a PVD finish unique?: PVD finishes resist corrosion, tarnishing, and discoloration.

Replacement Parts

How long will it take to receive the repair parts?: If the item is not in stock it can take up to two weeks for the replacement item to be shipped out.