The ceramic disc valve, a type made popular by high-end European faucet makers, is now produced by American Standard, Kohler, Price Pfister and many other American faucet manufacturers. A ceramic disc faucet actually has two fire-hardened ceramic discs-an upper one that moves and a fixed lower one. The two discs move against each other in a shearing action, blocking water or allowing it to pass through. The seal between the two discs is watertight because they are polished to near-perfect flatness.
Ceramic disc faucets are nearly maintenance free and are generally guaranteed not to wear out. If a peeling from galvanized pipe or a small rock got into the valve, it could score the surfaces, but these occurrences are rare. Rick Brandley of George's Pipe and Supply in Pasadena, California, suggests, "If a ceramic-disc faucet drips, don't try to force the handle closed-just flutter it back and forth a few times to dislodge any particles."
The range of control with a ceramic disc faucet varies. From full-off to full-on may require only a quarter or half turn; for a fuller adjustment range and greater flow, three-quarter-turn models are also available. In general, all washerless faucets offer very precise, ergonomic control.
Ceramic discs are popular because of their ease of use and reliability. Though competitively-priced ceramic disc faucets are now available, ceramic discs are used primarily in mid-range and high-end styles-faucets that cost $100 or more. If repair is ever needed, the entire ceramic-disc cartridge is replaced, which runs from about $15 to $25.
--Don Vandervort
