Empire Brass RV Non-Metallic Bathroom Diverter With D Crystal Handles 4″ – Review

First Impressions of Empire Brass RV Non-Metallic Bathroom Diverter With D Crystal Handles 4″ –

The Empire Brass RV Non-Metallic Bathroom Diverter With D Crystal Handles 4″ – isn’t exactly the kind of gear that gets your adrenaline pumping, but a functional, reliable bathroom faucet is crucial for any comfortable RV experience. Empire Brass promises a blend of affordability and functionality, catering specifically to the unique needs of RV bathrooms. I was drawn to this product due to a cracked faucet in my travel trailer, which resulted in water leaking into the under-sink cabinet.

Unboxing the faucet, my initial reaction was one of cautious optimism. The brushed nickel finish appeared smooth and even, although the non-metallic construction felt lighter than I anticipated. The “D Crystal” handles, while visually interesting, raised questions about their durability in the long run.

I considered a Moen faucet with a similar diverter function, but the price difference was significant. Another option was a generic brand faucet, but I opted for the Empire Brass model based on its reputation for providing decent quality at a reasonable price point. Ultimately, I picked this over the others because I wanted a balance between cost and reliability.

The design seemed functional enough, though the light weight caused a bit of concern regarding how well it would stand up to constant use. The smoked crystal jewelite handles were a bit of a departure from the standard RV aesthetic. I wasn’t particularly excited, but I also wasn’t disappointed; it felt like a solid, practical choice at the right price.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Empire Brass RV Non-Metallic Bathroom Diverter With D Crystal Handles 4″ – to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed the Empire Brass RV Non-Metallic Bathroom Diverter With D Crystal Handles 4″ – in my travel trailer’s bathroom before a weekend camping trip to the Appalachian Mountains. Installation was relatively straightforward, thanks to the included instructions. I tested the faucet under normal usage conditions, including washing hands, brushing teeth, and using the diverter for a handheld shower.

The faucet performed adequately during its first use. The water flow was consistent, and the diverter switched between the faucet and the shower head smoothly. However, I noticed that the non-metallic underbody felt slightly flimsy when turning the handles fully.

Extended Use & Reliability

After a couple of months of use, the Empire Brass RV Non-Metallic Bathroom Diverter With D Crystal Handles 4″ – has proven to be a mixed bag. The brushed nickel finish still looks good, but the crystal handles have started to show some minor scratches. The quarter-turn washerless cartridges still operate smoothly, but the overall feel remains less robust than a metal faucet.

There are no signs of leaks or corrosion, which is a definite plus. Cleaning is easy with a damp cloth and mild soap. While it’s held up okay so far, I still can’t shake the feeling that a metal faucet would offer superior long-term durability. It neither outperforms nor disappoints me, but is just ok.

Breaking Down the Features of Empire Brass RV Non-Metallic Bathroom Diverter With D Crystal Handles 4″ –

Specifications

The Empire Brass RV Non-Metallic Bathroom Diverter With D Crystal Handles 4″ – features a 4-inch, 2-hole installation design. It has quarter-turn washerless cartridges with a durable non-metallic underbody that complies with California’s ABI1953 no-lead law. The faucet aerator has a 1.5 gallon per minute flow rate to ensure water conservation. The color is brushed nickel.

The 4-inch center installation is a standard RV bathroom size. The lead-free compliance ensures the safety of the water supply. The 1.5 GPM flow rate helps conserve water, which is important when boondocking.

Performance & Functionality

The Empire Brass RV Non-Metallic Bathroom Diverter With D Crystal Handles 4″ – performs its basic function adequately. Water flow is consistent, and the diverter works without issue. However, the faucet lacks the solid, high-quality feel of more expensive, all-metal options.

A key strength is its ease of installation and simple operation. A weakness is its non-metallic construction, which feels less durable. It meets basic expectations for an RV faucet at this price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The Empire Brass RV Non-Metallic Bathroom Diverter With D Crystal Handles 4″ – features a brushed nickel finish and “D Crystal” handles. The materials are lightweight, which can be both a pro and a con. The weight makes installation easy. The finish looks decent enough, but it does feel a little cheap.

The faucet is user-friendly, and anyone familiar with standard faucets should have no issues. There’s no learning curve, but the handles are not the most ergonomic.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the Empire Brass RV Non-Metallic Bathroom Diverter With D Crystal Handles 4″ – is a concern due to its non-metallic construction. However, regular cleaning and careful use should extend its lifespan. Repairing it might be difficult as the non-metallic parts may not hold up as well to repeated tightening.

Cleaning is a breeze, involving just a wipe down with a soft cloth and mild soap. It is difficult to repair though and would probably need replacing.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Empire Brass RV Non-Metallic Bathroom Diverter With D Crystal Handles 4″ – does not come with many accessories beyond the basic installation hardware. It’s designed to connect to standard RV plumbing, so there are limited customization options. It’s designed to work with any handheld shower that fits the standard diverter outlet.

Aftermarket accessories like different shower heads are compatible. The Empire Brass faucet does not offer a wide range of customization due to its basic design and intended use.

Pros and Cons of Empire Brass RV Non-Metallic Bathroom Diverter With D Crystal Handles 4″ –

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Who Should Buy Empire Brass RV Non-Metallic Bathroom Diverter With D Crystal Handles 4″ –?

The Empire Brass RV Non-Metallic Bathroom Diverter With D Crystal Handles 4″ – is perfect for RV owners on a budget who need a functional and easy-to-install faucet. It is also suitable for those who need a lead-free compliant option for their water system. Those who need a quick and easy replacement with minimal fuss would like this product.

Anyone seeking a high-end, durable faucet with a premium feel should skip this product. If you are looking for long lasting fixtures, then this may not be for you.

Must-have accessories include Teflon tape for sealing the connections and a basin wrench for tightening the nuts during installation.

Conclusion on Empire Brass RV Non-Metallic Bathroom Diverter With D Crystal Handles 4″ –

The Empire Brass RV Non-Metallic Bathroom Diverter With D Crystal Handles 4″ – is a decent budget-friendly option for RV owners. Its affordability and ease of installation are major advantages, though its non-metallic construction raises concerns about long-term durability. The price is justified for what it offers, but don’t expect it to last forever.

I would cautiously recommend it to budget-conscious RVers who understand its limitations. If you need a reliable and cheap bathroom faucet, then this is the one for you. For those who want a long-lasting and more premium-feeling faucet, it’s worth investing in a higher-end model.