Faucets

Though there are hundreds of different styles, colors and shapes of faucets, the working mechanisms of nearly all can be grouped into four main types: cartridge, compression, ball and disc. These names refer to the parts that actually control the flow of water through a faucet.
Three of these-cartridge, ball and disc faucets-are mixing faucets. They normally have a single handle or control, though cartridge and disc types are also made with two handles. The compression faucet has two controls-one for hot, the other for cold.

Compression faucets have washers or seals that close against a valve seat to restrict water flow through the faucet body when you turn the handle off. The other three types don't use washers for the off-and-on action, though they do have O-rings and neoprene seals to prevent leaking. They're referred to as "washerless."

Because washers and seals wear out with use-resulting in the familiar drip, drip-washerless faucets are generally favored.

See the listing below for more about faucet workings. If you have a faucet that leaks or drips, chances are good that the washers, seals or O-rings have become worn and simply need to be replaced. If you do the work, be sure to turn off the water to the faucet first, using the shutoff valves beneath the sink.

A disc faucet, shown above, utilizes two discs-a movable, upper disc and a fixed lower one. When the movable disc is turned from side to side or lifted and lowered against the lower disc, it regulates the flow of water through inlet and outlet holes. If this type of faucet leaks, the culprits are usually the inlet and outlet seals or sediment buildup in the inlets. Handle should be in "on" position when repairing a disc faucet to prevent cracking the replacement seals.

MORE ABOUT:
/ Water service / / Water valves / / Drain, waste & vent plumbing /
/ Kitchen plumbing / / Kitchen sink plumbing / / Kitchen sinks /
/ Ball faucets / / Cartridge faucets / / Compression faucets / / Bathroom plumbing / / Bathroom sinks & lavatories /
/ Bathroom sink plumbing / / Bathtubs & showers / / Toilets / / Water heaters /

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