The more we think about it, the more we realize faucets are a big deal. When it comes to plumbing, most appliance models work the exact same way. No matter what a toilet looks like, it still flushes. The same can be said for sinks, everything drains in the same way. This concept is derailed when it comes to faucets. Oftentimes, homeowners have at least three, if not four different types of faucets in their home. While this doesn’t pose a problem in most homes, when it comes to repairing or replacing a faucet, many of our homeowners are left with more questions than answers. Because of this, we’re sharing the four most common types of faucets and how to tell them apart.
We’ll start with the oldest of type of faucet. The compression faucet has been on the scene since plumbing was first available in private residences. This type of faucet has two handles, one hot and one cold. To get water, you manually rotate the handles to control the flow and temperature of the water. This type of faucet got its name because they are supported by a compression stem, which is basically a large screw with a washer at the end. When you open the faucet to turn on water, the washer at the end rises and allows water to flow. When you turn off water, the washer lowers itself until it seals and cuts off the flow of water.
Though these faucets used to be all the rage, they’re now mostly found in utility sinks. The compression water faucet is very affordable compared to other faucets, but it is prone to leaks and lost of maintenance. Which is why most homeowners relegate them to the utility sink.
Next, we have the ball faucet. The ball faucet was created to be the first washer-less faucet on the market. Ball faucets are commonly seen in kitchens and they only have one handle. You can identify them based on their base. A ball faucet’s base will be a little wider because the faucet handle moves over a ball. This ball has chambers and spring loaded rubber seals to control how much water is distributed and the temperature of said water. When you rotate the handle, the ball moves from slot to slot depending on where you want it.
Cartridge faucets are interesting because they have either one or two handles. The two-handled version can look very similar to a compression water faucet. The best way to tell them apart is how the faucet feels while being used. Cartridge faucets are easy to twist and turn, they don’t require any pressure. On the flipside, compression water faucets require pressure to turn the handles. These faucets get their name from the hollow metal cartridge inside the faucet itself. This cartridge can seal the faucet, and block water from both the hot and cold water lines. When you turn on both the hot and cold water, the cartridge moves fully forward, uncovering both lines. When adjusting water temperature, the cartridge moves from side to side depending on which one you want more, hot or cold.
We’re ending this list with the newest faucet design: the disc faucet. It’s easy to confuse a disc faucet with a ball faucet, but have a single handle, but they work in different ways. Disc faucets are much wider than the other faucets on this list and they are considered to be one of the most durable faucets. The disc faucet handle moves up and down and side to side like a ball faucet, but disc faucets have less movement. Inside the wide body, there are two discs that open and close to let water in and out. The wider the discs move apart, the more water you have. The temperature is controlled by the side to side rotation of the handle.
Now that you know the difference between the four most common types of faucets, are you interested in replacing any of the faucets in your home? If so, give the experts at Bell Brothers a call. Our faucets are under unbeatable warranties and we have a wide variety to choose from. We’ll make sure to match your style and taste. If you’re in our Sacramento, Stockton, or Vacaville communities, call the number at the top of the screen to schedule an appointment.
Faucets are essential elements of functionality and aesthetics in a home. Whether you are gearing up for a DIY repair project or planning to design your new bathroom or kitchen, knowing about the types of faucets and their features will help you pick the right one for your needs. In this article, we have given an overview of the four most used faucets in homes.
Ball Faucet: Ball faucets are the first-ever washerless faucets designed. Commonly found in kitchen sinks, these faucets have only one handle for controlling both hot and cold water. The single handle rotates over a rounded ball-shaped cap, also called the lever ball assembly, which is located above the base of the faucet spout. The ball is made up of metal or plastic and has chambers with rubber O-rings and spring-loaded rubber seals. By adjusting the lever ball assembly, you can align the slots with the inlet seats in the faucet and control the temperature and the flow of water.
Ball faucets are prone to leaks as compared to washerless faucets due to number of small parts, but they are inexpensive to repair.
2.Cartridge Faucet: Cartridge faucets can have one or two turnable handles that start or stop the flow of water. In a single-handle cartridge faucet, the handle moves up and down to control the water flow and rotate side to side to control the temperature of the water while in a double handle cartridge faucet, each handle (hot and cold) has a separate cartridge that controls the flow of water. There is a hollow metal cartridge inside the faucet that blocks the water flow from cold and hot water inlets. When you turn on a cartridge faucet, the cartridge is pushed forward and allows the water to flow through both inlets. When you rotate the faucet slightly, it allows you to adjust the temperature of the water by blocking the hot and cold-water inlets as dictated by the angle of the rotation.
Cartridge faucets are expensive than ball or compression faucets, but their durability make them fit for a long term investment. With time their cartridge seal may wear out, which could be easily replaced.
3.Disk Faucet: One of the latest developments in faucet technology – ceramic disk faucets have a single lever on top of a wide cylindrical body. There is a mixing chamber inside the faucet known as the pressure balance cartridge that mixes hot and cold water. When you move the faucet up and down, the ceramic disks at the bottom of the chamber control the flow of water and the temperature is controlled by moving the handle side-to-side.
These types of faucets are quite durable and high quality. They rarely leak due to the damage caused to the neoprene seals at the water inlets and repair without much effort.
4.Compression Faucet: Compression faucets are the oldest type of faucets. They have separate on and off handles. You need to loosen the handle to allow the flow of water and tighten the handle to turn off the flow. These faucets work using a compression stem, which is a screw with washers at the end. They are located at the valve seat where the water flows into the faucet. When you turn on the faucet, the compression stem lifts from the valve to allow the flow of water and when you turn off the faucet, the same compression stem seals the valve to restrict the flow of water.
Compression valves are one of the most economical valves available and repairing them is also a very straightforward process. You just need to replace the valve and washer.