T&S and Klarco Pre-Rinse Unit Parts: A Guide for Commercial Kitchens

A pre-rinse unit is the high-flow spray tap above a commercial kitchen sink that removes food residue from dishes before they enter the dishwasher. The most commonly replaced parts on T&S Brass and Klarco pre-rinse units are the spray valve, stainless steel hose, mixer cartridge, fittings and O-rings – all field-replaceable. Both brands, two of the most established names in commercial faucetry, supply the bulk of the European market.

This guide explains what each part does, when to replace it, how the two brands compare, and how to identify the right spare for your installation. It is written for kitchen managers, chefs and maintenance technicians, not for plumbing engineers.

What is a pre-rinse unit, and why does it matter?

A commercial pre-rinse unit – also called a pre-rinse faucet or pre-rinse spray unit – is a high-flow spray tap positioned at the edge of the wash-up sink, before the dishwasher. Its job is to remove food residue from plates, pans and trays using pressurised water, so the dishwasher itself receives a lighter soil load.

A well-functioning pre-rinse unit speeds up the wash cycle, reduces detergent consumption, and – in modern water-saving designs – cuts hot water use by more than half compared with older models. As the spray valve operates under pressure using heated water and is used many times a day at the washing station, it is one of the biggest single consumers of hot water in a commercial kitchen. Water and energy costs are among the key cost factors in the hospitality industry – a dripping or worn-out dishwashing spray head therefore becomes a daily cost factor, rather than just a minor inconvenience.

T&S Brass and Klarco: two complementary brands under one group

A point that often gets missed: T&S Brass and Klarco are not competitors. T&S Brass acquired the Italian manufacturer Klarco in 2018, creating one of the strongest family-owned partnerships in the foodservice plumbing industry. The two brands operate independently, with different design traditions, but share engineering know-how and a complementary parts ecosystem.

T&S Brass: American engineering, full stainless construction

T&S Brass and Bronze Works is an American manufacturer based in South Carolina. Founded in 1947, the company introduced the industry's first pre-rinse unit and has been a foodservice plumbing reference ever since. Its flagship Eversteel line is built entirely from food-safe stainless steel – body, riser, hose, spray valve and cartridges – making it well suited to demanding environments where chrome-plated brass would corrode or chip. T&S also offers the newer DuraPull line with pull-down activation and a seven-year warranty.

→ Find suitable T&S Brass pre-rinse parts

Klarco: Italian design, DVGW-certified, EU-focused

Klarco has been designing and manufacturing professional faucets, pre-rinse units and hose reels in Italy since 1985, and now operates from a single 14,000 m² production facility in Aviano in northeastern Italy, opened in 2025. The catalogue is split into three pre-rinse ranges: STYL (mid-range), EUROP (premium) and SHRINK (compact, for small kitchens). All ranges carry DVGW Hygiene certification on water-contact components, the German hygiene standard widely used across the EU. The EUROP and SHRINK lines also include Low Flow versions with a 4 l/min spray valve.

→ Find suitable Klarco pre-rinse parts

How water-saving technology cuts costs

The single most expensive thing about an old pre-rinse unit is not the unit itself – it is the hot water it wastes. Older, unregulated spray valves typically delivered 8–15 l/min, with some models exceeding that. Modern water-saving spray valves operate at 4–5 l/min while maintaining effective cleaning pressure. Klarco's Low Flow spray valve delivers 4 l/min; T&S Eversteel's new-style stainless valve operates at approximately 4.35 l/min.

The effect compounds quickly. Replacing a single older spray valve with a modern low-flow model can save approximately 26,000 litres of water per year in a typical commercial kitchen, plus the gas or electricity needed to heat it. In a kitchen that runs the pre-rinse 50–80 times a day, the payback period is usually a matter of months, not years.

Two practical points matter here. First, the spray valve is a field-replaceable component on both T&S and Klarco units – you do not need to swap the whole pre-rinse unit to capture the saving. Second, descaling and replacing worn spray valves matters more than spec-sheet flow rates: a clogged 4 l/min valve operating at the wrong pressure will not deliver the rated saving.

Common pre-rinse unit spares: what they do and when to replace them

Virtually every component on a T&S or Klarco pre-rinse unit is individually replaceable. Below are the parts that wear out first.

Spray valves (the most-replaced part)

The spray valve is the part operators touch hundreds of times a day. Scale build-up and worn spray faces cause uneven patterns and reduced pressure. Both T&S and Klarco spray valves disconnect from the hose with a single threaded fitting, and replacement takes minutes. T&S valves are colour-coded by flow rate; Klarco spray heads offer integrated flow-lock systems for continuous use during long wash sessions.

Stainless steel hoses with coil spring

The flexible stainless steel hose is the most mechanically stressed component of the unit. T&S Brass ships standard hoses in approximately 610 mm and 1,118 mm lengths; Klarco offers hoses with G1/2" fittings in similar lengths. Replace proactively if the outer coil is kinked, the inner tubing leaks, or the heat-resistant handle has come loose – an in-service failure during a busy lunch is far more expensive than a planned replacement.

Tap valve O-rings and small fittings

A worn tap valve O-ring at the base of the spray valve or on the swivel joint leads to slow drips that quickly compound water and energy costs. T&S publishes complete O-ring kits for routine maintenance, and Klarco offers a matching O-ring and gasket programme. The sink's drain fitting is also a wear part worth checking whenever you trace a leak at the wash station.

Cartridges and lever handles

If the tap drips when fully closed, the cartridge – not the spray valve – is the likely culprit. Klarco offers ceramic and compression mixer cartridges for single-hole and two-hole models. T&S Brass uses stainless steel quarter-turn Eterna cartridges with spring checks. Extended lever handles are available from Klarco as direct replacements for operator comfort during long shifts.

When does a pre-rinse unit need new parts? Five warning signs

The signs that it is time to replace a part – or, occasionally, the whole unit – are consistent across brands.

• Dripping when the tap is closed. In most cases the cartridge or an O-ring inside the headwork is worn. If a drip persists after replacement, the valve seat itself may be damaged.

• Noticeable drop in spray pressure or an uneven spray pattern. Almost always scale on the spray valve. Descaling or replacement resolves it in minutes.

• Visible kinks, cracks or leaks in the hose. The hose is the most stressed component and should be replaced proactively, not reactively.

• Tap no longer closes fully or feels loose. The cartridge is the culprit. Standard T&S and Klarco cartridges are stocked and quick to fit.

• Older units that are used intensively on a daily basis. Even if there are no visible defects, older tap heads often use an unnecessary amount of water – due to worn spray surfaces and a higher flow rate than that of modern low-flow heads. Check the flow rate and spray pattern; simply replacing the spray head often pays for itself through the water and energy savings.

→ Find your T&S replacement part | → Find your Klarco replacement part

How to replace a leaking T&S spray valve: step-by-step

Many catering operators handle this themselves. The process applies, with minor variations, to most T&S Brass pre-rinse units, including the Eversteel and DuraPull lines.

Tools needed: adjustable wrench, Allen key set, PTFE tape, replacement spray valve.

• Isolate the water supply to the sink at the inlet stop valves.

• Disconnect the existing spray valve from the hose using the wrench, holding the hose fitting steady to avoid stressing the connection.

• Identify the model number stamped on the faucet body or hose collar (e.g. T&S B-0107 or EX-1DP12-H) to order the matching replacement.

• Wrap PTFE tape onto the male thread before fitting the new spray valve. Hand-tighten, then snug with the wrench – do not over-torque.

• Open the water supply slowly and check the connection and hose under operating pressure for leaks.

For wall-mounted units with integrated valve assemblies, professional installation is recommended.

T&S Brass vs Klarco: which brand for which kitchen?

Both brands are durable, well-engineered and well-stocked for spares. The choice usually comes down to environment and aesthetic.

Choose T&S Brass for the most demanding kitchens – hotel restaurants, university dining, hospital canteens, food processing – where full stainless construction resists corrosion and the parts ecosystem is the most extensive on the market.

Choose Klarco for European installations where DVGW Hygiene certification, Italian design and ergonomic spray heads matter, particularly in cafés, bars, open-plan kitchens and smaller catering operations where the SHRINK and EUROP Low Flow lines fit small footprints and lower-volume use.

Most kitchens end up with both brands at different stations – and the good news is that they share the same group, the same engineering principles, and many compatible accessories.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between T&S Brass and Klarco pre-rinse units?
T&S specialises in full stainless steel construction (Eversteel) and is the historic American leader, having introduced the industry's first pre-rinse unit in 1947. Klarco is the Italian arm of the same group, with three product lines (STYL, EUROP, SHRINK), DVGW Hygiene certification, and Low Flow water-saving versions designed for European kitchens.

Are Klarco and T&S Brass parts interchangeable?
Generally no – each brand uses its own thread standards, cartridges and spray-valve fittings. Always verify the model code on the unit's data plate before ordering. Some accessories (PTFE tape, generic O-rings) are universal; cartridges and spray valves are not.

Can I replace just the spray valve without changing the whole unit?
Yes. The spray valve is a field-replaceable component on virtually all T&S and Klarco pre-rinse units. Identify the hose fitting type (typically 1/2" NPT or G1/2") and the brand, then order the matching replacement. Replacement takes minutes with a single wrench.

How often should a commercial pre-rinse unit be serviced?
A six-monthly visual check is a sensible baseline for high-volume kitchens: inspect the hose, cartridge and O-rings, and descale the spray valve. Preventive replacement of worn parts costs far less than an unplanned failure during service.

Does a low-flow pre-rinse spray valve clean as well as the older high-flow versions?
Modern low-flow valves (4–4.5 l/min) deliver effective spray force at lower flow rates by improving nozzle design. They are not a compromise on cleaning performance; they reduce water and energy use without slowing down the wash-up. Older 8–15 l/min valves are not worth keeping in service.