Buying a Faucet at Home Depot vs. Lowe’s: Which Is Better?

When it comes to buying a new faucet — whether it’s for your kitchen, bathroom, or even your outdoor garden hose — you’re likely going to consider two of the biggest home improvement retailers in the U.S.: Home Depot and Lowe’s. Both stores offer a vast selection of fixtures, often from the same top brands, but how do they really compare when you’re shopping for the perfect faucet?

In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between buying a faucet at Home Depot versus Lowe’s, covering everything from pricing and product selection to customer service and return policies.

1. Product Selection

Home Depot and Lowe’s both stock hundreds of faucets in-store and even more online, including options from major manufacturers like Moen, Delta, Kohler, Pfister, Glacier Bay (exclusive to Home Depot), and Project Source (exclusive to Lowe’s).

Home Depot:

• Strong emphasis on exclusive brands, such as Glacier Bay and Delta partnerships.
• Great selection of pull-down kitchen faucets, bathroom sink faucets, wall-mounted models, utility faucets, and touchless options.
• Larger cities may feature design centers or dedicated plumbing aisles with expanded in-store options.

Lowe’s:

• Exclusive offerings from Project Source, allen + roth, and exclusive Moen collections.
• Strong lineup of modern and transitional styles, especially in brushed nickel and matte black finishes.
• Slight edge in coordinated collections — easier to match your faucet to towel bars, showerheads, and other fixtures.

Verdict: It’s nearly a tie, but Lowe’s may have the edge in stylish, coordinated collections, while Home Depot excels in budget-friendly exclusives.

2. Pricing & Promotions

Both stores are competitive on price, with regular sales, clearance events, and online-only deals. But their pricing structures do differ slightly:

Home Depot:

• Better pricing on budget brands like Glacier Bay.
• Offers “Special Buy” discounts frequently both in-store and online.
• Good for contractors and multi-unit discounts when buying in bulk.

Lowe’s:

• Runs frequent promotions with percentage-off deals on brands like Moen and Delta.
• Lowe’s MVP Pro Program offers professional pricing and bulk deals.
• Military discount (10%) is well-known and consistently honored.

Both stores also price match, but Lowe’s has a slight reputation for being more flexible when honoring price comparisons with online retailers.

Verdict: If you’re shopping on a tight budget, Home Depot might have the cheaper faucet options, but Lowe’s wins on long-term promotions and discounts.

3. Online vs. In-Store Experience

Home Depot:

• Their website is easy to navigate, with strong filtering by finish, handle type, mounting style, and flow rate.
• Inventory is updated in real-time, which makes it easy to confirm availability at your local store.
• “Buy Online, Pick Up In Store” is generally fast and well-coordinated.

Lowe’s:

• Very similar online experience, but some users report more accurate in-store availability updates.
• Great product photos and clear spec sheets.
• Lowe’s app and online reviews are slightly more curated, especially for top-rated fixtures.

In-store, both have well-organized plumbing sections, but store layouts can vary widely by location. Home Depot may feel more “warehouse-like,” while Lowe’s generally has a cleaner, more “retail-focused” layout.

Verdict: Tie. Both are solid for online shopping, but Lowe’s offers a slightly smoother mobile app experience.

4. Customer Service

Customer service quality varies by location, but here are some general observations:

Home Depot:

• Plumbing staff tends to be knowledgeable, especially in high-traffic stores.
• Offers free DIY clinics and installation advice.
• Mixed reviews on in-store availability of help during busy hours.

Lowe’s:

• Generally praised for more consistent customer interaction.
• Many locations have dedicated faucet and plumbing specialists on the floor.
• Staff is often willing to walk through product comparisons or installation questions.

Verdict: Lowe’s is more consistent when it comes to customer service on the floor, especially for first-time buyers who may need more guidance.

5. Installation Services

Both retailers offer professional installation services through third-party contractors. Here’s how they compare:

Home Depot:

• Faucet installation ranges from $119–$200, depending on complexity.
• Offers installation packages for kitchen and bath remodels.
• Online scheduling and flexible appointment windows.

Lowe’s:

• Similar pricing for faucet installation (around $120–$250).
• Excellent for bundled services (e.g., installing a sink + faucet).
• Installation quality depends on the local third-party provider, just like Home Depot.

Verdict: Tie. Installation costs are similar, and both use vetted professionals — read local reviews to decide who’s better in your area.

6. Return Policy

Home Depot:

• 90-day return window for most faucets.
• Extended 1-year return policy for Home Depot credit card holders.
• In-store returns are quick and hassle-free.

Lowe’s:

• Standard 90-day return policy on most items.
• Extended return windows for Lowe’s cardholders and MVP Pro members.
• Offers exchanges for defective faucets and missing parts.

Verdict: Both have solid return policies, but Lowe’s might be slightly more flexible for loyalty members.

Final Verdict: Which Store Is Best for Faucets?

Bottom Line:

• If you’re budget-conscious and want to pick up a solid, reliable faucet quickly, Home Depot may be your best bet.
• If you’re looking for a faucet with style, helpful staff, and good bundling options, Lowe’s may be the winner.

Whichever store you choose, take time to read reviews, compare finishes and styles, and check compatibility with your sink before making a decision.