There are many options to keep in mind when you look at replacing old faucets. Some of the newer models have five year warranties, and others are made to fit older showers and tubs. You can select multi-head showers, that make your showers feel like waterfalls. Of course, you'll also find the cheaper models, that may look like the good ones, but which won't last nearly as long.

Picking your favorite style may be easy, but then you have to decide what finish and material you'd like. Select those that will last well and be the easiest to clean. How much might your favorite faucet cost to fix if it develops problems? Find the faucet that you like, and also one that will last a long time and look great.

Putting aside features and styles, the thing that separates great faucets from the not-so-great faucets is basically what they're made from. Check out the body first, which includes the controls and the spout. The bodies that last the longest are made from solid brass, and these require the least amount of care. If you have hard water, make sure your new bath shower faucet is made from a sturdy metal like brass, because hard water can corrode cheaper metals. A solid brass unit will feel heavier, and look for wording on the box that read “all brass body”, and not “ZMACK”, which means that the fittings are only chrome- or brass-plated.

Faucets that have zinc-alloy bodies are usually less expensive, and they are durable, although not as durable as solid brass. Zinc is the metal most often used beneath chrome and brass-plated fittings. Zinc does corrode easily in contact with water, so you'll have to replace these faucets when the plating is worn off. Steer clear of faucets with plastic bodies, because their low price is appealing, but they won't hold up.

A faucet's finish is also a choice that is crucial, when you select new fittings. A chrome finish that is electroplated over a zinc or brass faucet will look good, and it will also last a long time. If you like natural brass, this will help you get out of frequent cleanings. Satin, nickel and pewter finishes are easy to maintain, too. Their tones are muted, and this hides fingerprints, scratches and water spots. These may also be easier to match with your cabinet and door handles than you can do with a brass faucet. Chrome or chrome-plated brass are popular in bathrooms, but chrome is hard to keep looking great without frequent cleanings.

With the multiple colors and styles available, you may want to go with enamel or painted finishes to coordinate your faucet with the decor in your bathroom. But these finishes are not bonded to the metal inside the faucets, so they are more prone to scratching and chipping. Your best bet is to select a brass or similar bath shower faucet, for long wear and good looks.