What Do You Know About Your Plumbing?
Faucets are those things attached to the tops of the sinks that dispense water. They’re very useful and they’re fixtures you utilize on a daily basis in a number of ways. Have you ever noticed how faucets are different? Perhaps not unless you remodeled a space and want to get the best type of faucet for your needs. There are actually four different kinds of faucets and they all work in various ways.
Compression Faucets
These faucets are the oldest types and have two handles, one for hot and one for cold water. Both handles screw open or closed and you can turn them both on at once to mix the two types of water together. It’s easy enough to control water temperature by experimenting with the the two different handles.
Ball Faucets
Ball faucets are different than compression models because they have only one handle for hot and cold water. They’re the most common on kitchen sinks and the handle rotates up and down and side to side. The temperature of the water depends on where you position the handle and you can also control how fast it comes out by how high you push it away from the faucet.
Disc Faucets
This more recent design is more durable than ball and compression faucets as the cylindrical handle is wider. The handle moves side to side and up and down like ball faucets, but not as freely. You might see this type of faucet in a public bathroom or somewhere that gets a lot of heavy use.
Cartridge Faucets
These faucets have either one or two handles. You will turn the handle to start the water. If there is just one handle, it will move up and down to control water speed and side to side to control temperature. These faucets have a more modern look to them with handles instead of knobs to turn on the compression faucets.
Figuring Plumbing Types For Repairs
When you need repairs on your faucet, you will want to understand what type of faucet you have before you can fix it. If you have any DIY aspirations, you’ll want to identify what faucet type is right for you before you make any attempts. It’s certainly easiest to call a professional to first check things out if you have any plumbing issues with your faucets. If you are looking into remodeling a bathroom or kitchen, it’s nice to explore the different types so you know how they operate. Then, you can figure out what will suit your needs best as you move forward with the project. When you need help with faucets or plumbing in general, whether it’s a remodeling job, a small repair, or an emergency, contact Stephens Plumbing for help. We can give you expert advice on replacements, remodeling options, or faucet types or we can help you repair what you already have.