Faucets are an integral part of kitchens, bathroom, washrooms, and many parts of the house that can make a huge difference in function and aesthetic. Faucets are defined as fixtures that are used to draw or regulate the flow of water, or other liquids from a pipe. In most houses, faucets are used in sinks placed in the kitchen or washrooms.
That being said, while the common notion of a faucet is often a basic metal-shaped object with a knob or handle to control the water flow, there are many types. These faucets vary based on factors such as the fixtures needed to install them, the type of control mechanism, and even the design elements integrated into them. If you are planning to buy a faucet, finding the right one can make a huge difference in your overall comfort and utility. Let’s understand why.
Importance Of The Right Fauce
Space
Faucets are available in a vast array of sizes. Some are as small as computer mice while others can be larger than an average football. While they all serve the same purpose of providing you with flowing water, the size can be an issue depending on the amount of space you have near your sink.
For example, if you want a faucet for a large kitchen sink, a medium-large-sized faucet would be the most convenient. However, this same faucet might not be as convenient in a smaller bathroom sink. So, to avoid this problem, make sure you find a faucet that suits your availability of space.
Added Features
Faucets are designed to control water flow but also come with many additional utility features. These features have been added to make things like washing your hands or dishes much easier and safer. Some of the most prominent features are:
- Integrated Filters
These are filters that are built into the faucet itself. They often use advanced filtration media to stop unwanted dust, debris, rust, minerals, etc. from passing through the faucet. This is especially useful in areas with hard water as this can often lead to skin problems.
- Removable Head
While the traditional faucets were all made to point straight down, there have been many advancements in this. Some modern faucets come with removable heads that can be turned and tilted to spray water wherever required. This makes it a lot easier to complete tasks such as washing dishes as you can aim the water directly at the dirty areas.
- Water Spray Modes
Similar to showerheads, some faucets are coming out with different modes for their water output. These modes will range from the normal single stream of water to a spray of water in multiple jets and depending on the faucet, might even have modes like mist. Along with being very fun, these modes can aid in saving water and making cleaning easier thanks to the wider spread.
Water Usage
While washing your hands is important and should be done regularly, it does also add up to a lot of water usage. That being said, the right faucet can help you clean your hands while also saving water. Many faucets come with high-pressure sprays that use less water while providing the same cleaning power.
Aesthetic
A faucet can easily be used to improve the look and aesthetic of its surroundings. For example, if you have a black and white modern room design, having a minimalistic black faucet can improve the overall feel. So, when buying a faucet, take into account the aesthetic of its surroundings to make sure it compliments the surroundings.
4 Kinds Of Faucet Designs/Types
These are 4 of the most common faucet designs/Types:
Ball Faucet
These faucets are very popular for kitchen sinks and are used in most parts of the world. They have a single handle that controls both the temperature and flow of water. This handle rests on a rounded ball cap that makes it easy to turn and control. While these faucets are very modern and appealing, the unique design does sometimes lead to issues and leaks over time.
Cartridge Faucet
Cartridge faucets have a prominent smooth and consistent handle movement. This movement is achieved by using a plastic piece that controls the water flow with the help of an O ring to avoid leakage. These faucets are available in both single and dual handle variants and are very durable for use in both kitchens and washrooms.
Disc Faucet
Disc faucets are one of the most modern types that are commonly used. They use single levers instead of the 2 knobs used by their older counterparts. This makes them one of the more aesthetic types while also taking up less space. Along with this, disc faucets are highly reliable and efficient. So, you won’t have to worry about regular repairs and fixes.
Although, one thing you will have to keep in mind is that in case of any repairs, they are quite expensive. This is because the parts and materials used in disc faucets are high quality and cost more than other faucets.
Compression Washer Faucet
Compression Washer Faucets are one of the oldest types and designs of faucets still used today. That being said, they are still popular to this day due to their reliability and durability. These faucets are highly resistant to leaks and also very cheap to repair. Thanks to this, many people tend to upgrade their older compression washer faucets instead of buying new ones.
A prominent characteristic of these faucets is that they have individual hot and cold handles. These are often large knobs and while they do look quite dated, they are convenient to use.
Conclusion
While each faucet type has its pros and cons, at the end of the day, you have to find one that is right for you. So, make sure to go through the features and importance list to figure out the faucet that works best for your washroom or kitchen. Also, make sure to account for things such as repairs and durability when buying a new faucet!
