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FAQ

Pioneer offers you some tips and answers to many common questions regarding your quality Estate product.

If you cannot find the answer here, please e-mail us or call us at (800) 338-9468 between 8:00AM - 5:00 PM PST Monday through Friday.

GENERAL

Q - What kind of faucets should I look for to fit my needs?

You use your kitchen, bath, and tub/shower faucet more than any other home appliance. Therefore, choose a faucet that fits your needs based upon the styling to best complement your home and the frequency of use. Budgets are also key factors to consider before purchasing a faucet.

Q - How do I determine the model number of my Estate faucet?

You can easily find the model number on the front cover of your instruction manual. If you still possess the product packaging, the model number will be shown on the box label. If you are unable to obtain a model number from the above sources, please contact us at (800) 338-9468.

Q - Can I buy a faucet that has a different finish or different handles?

Estate by Pioneer offers several different styles of faucets and tub/shower valves that feature a variety of handle and finish combinations. Many of these handles and finishes can be ordered and fitted onto your faucet to add your own personal touch. Please ask your local Pioneer distributor or call our customer service at (800) 338-9468 to assist you.

Q - Are Estate faucets lead free?

Yes, all applicable Estate faucets meet and exceed California/Vermont lead laws (AB1953 & S-152) requirements as well as all IAPMO, Universal Plumbing Code and International Plumbing Code requirements.

Q - Where do I find Estate replacement parts?

You can find quality Estate replacements parts from the distributor you purchased the Estate product from. Note: Please use genuine Estate replacement parts when repairing your Estate products to ensure long-term ease of use. Pioneer Industries does not warrant products repaired with non-Estate parts.

Q - How can I obtain a parts explosion or specification sheet for my faucet?

Estate parts breakdown sheets and specification sheets are available online at www.estatebypioneer.com. If you have further questions, please call our customer service at (800) 338-9468.

Q - Where can I buy accessories for my Estate faucet?

Estate by Pioneer offers a full line of bathroom hardware and accessories to match your Estate faucets. This line of bathroom hardware and accessories are available from your local Estate distributor.

Q - What does sweat or "CxC" mean?

To join two copper fittings together utilizing head and metal solder. "CxC" is used to describe a copper-to-copper connection.

Q - Which way are the handles supposed to turn on a faucet?

In all Estate faucets, COLD handles turn on clockwise and turn off counterclockwise. HOT handles turn on counterclockwise and turn off clockwise. For single-handle faucets, the handle is turned on by lifting in an upward motion.

Q - Can I make adjustments to increase the flow of the water?

In 1992 the Federal Government passed the Energy Policy Act. This directed all manufacturers to restrict the amount of water released from any faucet. In some instances, this flow was reduced from 5 GPM (gallons per minute) at 60 PSI (pounds per square inch) to 2.2 GPM at 60 PSI. Therefore, it is advised that you not remove the flow restrictor from your faucet. All Pioneer faucets meet this government regulation.

Q - My faucet is leaking or the water flow is low.

In most cases, you can "quick-fix" these problems by checking the "Troubleshooting" section in the Installation Instruction Manual. If this manual is not available, please visit the "Operation" section below to search for your faucet. If above options do not work, please feel free to contact us via email or call us at (800) 338-9468.

Q - Why is the finish deteriorating on my faucet?

Normally, finish deterioration on powder-coated or conventional plated products is due to years of wear, abuse or chemical dilapidation. Unfortunately, there is no way to repair a damaged finish. But, you can replace most of the common faucet parts where the finish has deteriorated. To do so, please check the parts explosion on the installation manual or call our customer service at (800) 338-9468.

Q - How is the RENAISSANCE PVD finish different from traditional electroplated finishes?

Estate by Pioneer's RENAISSANCE PVD finishes feature more durable, varied color options than the traditional electroplated finishes. RENAISSANCE finishes are guaranteed never to tarnish, corrode or discolor.

Q - What is PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition)?

PVD is a vaporization coating technique, which is an alternative process to electroplating. PVD offers durable finishes in a wide variety of colors. This process is more environmentally friendly than traditional electroplating. PVD finishes go through a strict five step process (Pre-clean, Evaporation, Transportation, Reaction and Deposition). The finishes are closely inspected and tested again in the factory before being shipped out.

INSTALLATION

Q - Are Estate faucets easy to install?

Pioneer strongly encourages you to use certified plumbing contractors to professionally install your Estate faucet. All Estate faucets are easily installed with the right tools.

Q - What tools do I need to install or fix my faucet?

• Phillips and regular screw drivers
• Pliers
• Adjustable wrenches
• Basin wrench
• Plumbers socket set
• Seat wrench
• Plumber's putty
• Teflon tap

Check your Estate Installation Instruction sheet or with your Pioneer Sales Representative for the tools you will need to get the job done.

Q - Any tip for using tools?

• Use penetrating oils (such as Liquid Wrench or WD-40) to help loosen corroded mounting kits.
• Use a hacksaw or a reciprocating saw for cutting steel or plastic pipes.
• Use a basin wrench for those hard to reach areas.
• Use a tubing cutter to make straight, smooth cuts in plastic or copper pipe.
• Wrap Teflon tape around threaded joints to ensure tight seals.

Q - When do I need to use Teflon tape, pipe dope or plumber's putty?

Teflon tape and pipe dope are commonly used as pipe sealants. However, people prefer to use Teflon tape, since it's cleaner and easier to use than sticky grease or paste-like sealants. Plumber's putty is used to form watertight seals on all plumbing projects. Plumber's putty is not intended for use on threaded pipe joints or for use on cultured marble surfaces.

OPERATION

KITCHEN

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Q - Can I replace a two handle kitchen faucet to a single handle model?

In most cases, yes. Generally, standard size sink openings and faucet dimensions are used throughout the plumbing industry. The standard distance between hot and cold inlets or the mounting hardware for both single and two handle kitchen faucet is 8".

However, there may be different dimensions depending if you have a customized sink.

Q - Can I install a kitchen faucet without a hose spray in a 4-hole sink?

Yes, you can use a non-spray kitchen faucet that utilizes 3 holes and use a liquid soap/lotion dispenser or air gap for the extra hole. You can also cap the extra hole by using a sinkhole cover.

Q - How many holes are necessary in my sink deck to install my kitchen faucet?

Single handle faucets are available that mount through 1, 2, 3, or 4-hole applications. Two-handle faucets are available for 3- and 4- hole applications.

Q - Do I have to use the side spray on my kitchen faucet?

If you've bought a faucet with a side spray and no longer want to use it, you must purchase a connection cap to close off the spray outlet under the faucet. Check with the dealer where you purchased the faucet for specifications as connection sizes vary and will determine the size cap needed. If you want to remove the unused spray, a sinkhole cover or soap dispenser will be needed to cover the hole.

BATH/ LAVATORY

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Q - Can I replace a 4" center, two-handle lavatory for a single-handle unit or mini widespread lavatory model?

In most cases, you can replace a 4" center, two-handle lavatory faucet for a single-handle faucet or a mini-widespread lavatory faucet. However, you cannot do this if a single-handle faucet is a single-hole install application.

Q - Can I use my existing drain assembly when changing to a new faucet?

In most cases you can; however, if you are changing finishes (i.e.. from chrome to a "RENAISSANCE" PVD finish), you should change the drain assembly to match your new faucet finish.

BATH/TUB & SHOWER

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Q - What is a pressure balance valve?

A pressure balance valve senses incoming hot and cold water pressure change (such as when a toilet is flushed or other faucet/valve is used inside or outside the house). The valve automatically compensates water pressure changes preventing hot water scalding or cold water shock.

Q - Can I replace a two-handle or three-handle tub/shower set with a single-handle tub/shower set?

Yes, but you will need to change the entire unit. Once you install a single-handle tub/shower set, you will need to cover the holes from your previous valve installation.