Choosing Plumbing Fixtures for Santa Cruz Homes: Special Considerations for Coastal Properties

Posted by Julia Bettencourt, Owner of Plumbed Elegance

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Living in Santa Cruz offers breathtaking ocean views, refreshing sea breezes, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle that many homeowners treasure. However, coastal living also presents unique challenges for your home's plumbing fixtures and supplies. The combination of salt air, higher humidity, and specific water conditions can significantly impact the durability and performance of your bathroom and kitchen fixtures.

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At Plumbed Elegance, we've been serving Santa Cruz homeowners for over 35 years, and we've developed expertise in selecting the right fixtures for coastal properties. In this guide, we'll share essential considerations to help you choose plumbing fixtures that will perform beautifully and stand the test of time in your Santa Cruz home.

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The Coastal Challenge: Salt Air and Humidity

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Santa Cruz's proximity to the Pacific Ocean creates a perfect storm of conditions that can be tough on plumbing fixtures:

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Salt Air Exposure

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Homes within a mile of the coastline experience the highest salt exposure, but even properties further inland aren't immune to salt air effects. Salt particles carried by sea breezes can settle on fixture surfaces, accelerating corrosion and deterioration of standard finishes.​

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Higher Humidity Levels

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Coastal areas naturally have higher humidity levels, which can contribute to:

• Increased condensation on fixtures

• More rapid tarnishing of certain finishes

• Greater potential for mold and mildew growth

• Accelerated deterioration of seals and gaskets

 

Best Materials for Santa Cruz Coastal Homes

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Not all plumbing fixtures are created equal when it comes to coastal durability. Here are the materials we recommend for Santa Cruz homes:

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1. Marine-Grade Stainless Steel

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For coastal properties, particularly those with direct ocean views, marine-grade stainless steel (316 grade) offers superior corrosion resistance compared to standard stainless steel (304 grade). This material is ideal for:

• Kitchen sink faucets

• Shower systems

• Outdoor fixtures

• Exposed plumbing hardware

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2. PVD Finishes

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Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) finishes provide exceptional durability against coastal conditions. These molecularly bonded finishes are:

• Highly resistant to salt air corrosion

• 20 times harder than standard chrome plating

• Available in beautiful options like brushed gold, graphite, and bronze

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3. Solid Brass Construction

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Fixtures with solid brass construction offer excellent durability in coastal environments. When shopping for fixtures, look for:

• Higher brass content 

• Fewer zinc components (which are more susceptible to corrosion)

• Quality internal valves and components

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4. Non-Metallic Options

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For areas with direct exposure to sea spray or outdoor installations:

• High-quality composite materials

• Marine-grade polymers

• Ceramic-based fixtures

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Water Considerations Specific to Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz's water supply has unique characteristics that should influence your fixture selections:

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Varying Water Hardness

Water hardness can vary significantly depending on your specific Santa Cruz neighborhood. Harder water contains more minerals that can:

• Leave deposits on fixtures

• Potentially clog aerators and shower heads

• Reduce the lifespan of certain fixture types

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For homes with harder water, we recommend:

• Fixtures with easy-clean features

• Models specifically designed to resist mineral buildup

• Lighter colored finishes. Dark finishes show mineral deposits more than light ones.

• Possibly installing a whole-house water conditioner

 

Water Pressure Variations

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Santa Cruz homes, particularly in hillside and coastal cliff areas, may experience variable water pressure. Look for:

• Fixtures with pressure-balancing features

• Thermostatic valves for showers

• Pressure-compensating aerators

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Style Considerations for Coastal Homes

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Beyond durability, aesthetics play an important role in fixture selection. Santa Cruz homes often embrace these coastal design elements:

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Contemporary Coastal

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Many newer Santa Cruz homes feature contemporary coastal aesthetics with:

• Sleek lines and minimalist profiles

• Brushed nickel or matte black finishes

• Clean, water-inspired designs

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Classic Beach House

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For traditional beach cottages and bungalows:

• Bronze, brass, nickel or copper finishes that develop natural patinas

• Nautical-inspired details

• Classic cross-handle designs

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Eco-Conscious Choices

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Santa Cruz's environmentally conscious community often prefers:

• WaterSense-certified fixtures for conservation

• Low-flow technology that doesn't sacrifice performance

• Unlacquered Brass finishes, which have used zero plating chemicals in the manufacturing process, and are the easiest to recycle in the future

• Sustainable manufacturing practices

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Recommended Brands for Santa Cruz Coastal Homes

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Based on our decades of experience with local homes, these brands consistently perform well in Santa Cruz's coastal environment:

1. California Faucets - Locally manufactured with coastal considerations in mind

2. Watermark - Outstanding finishes with coastal-friendly options made in Brooklyn, NY

3. The Galley - With US-made stainless steel sinks and stainless steel faucets with PVD finishes

4. Graff — Inspiring Design with a myriad of finishes to suit every home

5. Furniture Guild - Exceptional quality with marine-grade options, made in USA

6. Toto - Superior low-flow performance with features that resist mineral buildup

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Maintenance Tips for Coastal Fixtures

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Even with the best fixtures, proper maintenance is essential for longevity in Santa Cruz homes:

1. Regular Gentle Cleaning

   • Wipe down fixtures with a soft cloth after use

   • Avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage protective finishes

   • Use products specifically formulated for your fixture's finish

2. Periodic Deep Cleaning

   • Remove and clean aerators every 3-6 months

   • Check and clean shower heads to prevent mineral buildup

   • Inspect exposed plumbing connections annually

3. Protective Measures

   • Consider applying fixture wax to exposed metal components

   • Ensure proper ventilation in bathrooms to reduce humidity

   • Address any leaks immediately to prevent salt air from affecting internal components

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Expert Guidance for Your Santa Cruz Home

 

Selecting the right plumbing fixtures for your coastal Santa Cruz home involves balancing aesthetics, functionality, and durability. At Plumbed Elegance, we understand the unique challenges coastal living presents and offer personalized guidance based on:

• Your home's specific location and exposure

• Your water conditions and pressure considerations

• Your design preferences and budget requirements

 

Whether you're building a new coastal dream home or renovating an existing Santa Cruz property, investing in appropriate fixtures from the start will save you considerable time, money, and frustration in the long run.

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Visit Our Showroom

We invite you to visit our Santa Cruz showroom to explore our curated selection of coastal-friendly fixtures and plumbing supplies. Our experts, John and Julia Bettencourt, are ready to help you select the perfect fixtures for your coastal property, with personalized recommendations based on your specific needs.

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Plumbed Elegance - Premium Plumbing Fixtures & Supplies
1658 Soquel Dr. Suite D, Santa Cruz, CA 95065 - Get Directions
Call us at (831) 476-4455