Faucets

It’s no exaggeration to use the word "overwhelming" when discussing the vast choice of faucet types, styles, finishes and colours that are on the market. From the basic, functional, "water on, water off" mode, to contemporary sculptures; curved, high-necked, gold-plated, previously found only in the most exclusive hotels or luxurious mansions, faucets have come a long way. Manufacturers have devoted a great amount of time, funds and effort to create sophisticated products that are both flawlessly functional and pleasing to the eye and it makes a lot of sense, as faucets are everywhere. Like windows, doors and household appliances, they’re part of the domestic landscape. Which begs the question "Why shouldn’t they combine both form and functionality?"
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Types
Before you buy
Characteristics
The bathroom
The kitchen
Finishes
Accessories
Maintenance

Types

Although different types of faucets are standard fixtures in many systems (manufacturing, automotive, petroleum, etc), for the purpose of this text, we will limit our discussion to the domestic variety and thus, in this category we will be discussing kitchen and bathroom faucets. Also, we will limit this discussion to faucets that are exposed and in continuous use, i.e. the shower, bathtub, bathroom and kitchen sink variety, as opposed to faucets that are hidden under the sink or behind the toilet such as shut-off faucets, the main valve, water heater faucets, etc.

There are two main types of faucets, i.e. double handle and single handle:

Double handle

Double handle faucets have separate controls for hot and cold water and come in single and double spout configurations.

Single handle

Single handle models are a more recent development and, over the years, represent a growing segment of the market. The single handle controls both the flow rate and the hot/cold mix and come with a single spout.

Before you buy

If you’re doing your own installation, to save a trip back to the store, be sure to measure the existing sink and, particularly, bathtub configurations, to assure that the new replacement faucets will fit in the old holes. Although kitchen and bathroom sink faucets are sold in standard four inch or eight inch configurations, additions such as vegetable spray units, stopper mechanisms and shower cover plates can vary from model to model. So, make sure that the sink has enough holes to accommodate your choice. On the other hand, you can install metal disks called escutcheons to hide any left over holes if necessary.

If you’re doing your own shower faucet installation, remember to install the control handles away from the water stream to prevent being soaked or scalded when turning on the shower or doing adjustments.

Characteristics

  • Most faucets are made of metal, although plastic is also used, mainly in the lower-end models.
  • At the heart of most faucets, or for that matter any liquid control system, are valves. In this case, the valve’s principle function is to allow the user to control water flow rate by compression, as well as regulate water temperature by mixing hot and cold. More recently, technological advances have brought ball and cartridge mechanisms and ceramic disk faucets to the market. The former are less prone to wear out and drip as quickly as compression models, and in the latter, although more expensive, ceramic disc models are entirely maintenance free.
  • A new generation of faucets is designed to reduce water consumption, a good feature if your paying for your water and to reduce hot water costs, and they can be equipped with automatic shut-off features that can prevent or limit flooding caused by an unchecked, open faucet.
  • Faucets can be purchased individually or in matching sets (bathroom sink and shower/bath sets for example). Chrome finished faucets are the most common but, to name a few, gold, nickel/chrome, brass, copper and stainless steel finishes are common. Combinations of finished metal bodies with glass, clear plastic, coloured plastic and imitation wood handles, etc. are available to match every decor.
  • Its in form and design that we find the most variation. There’s a dizzying selection from traditional to ultra-modern, antique to art deco and much more. Whatever bathroom or kitchen decoration scheme you choose, there’s a faucet set that will fit in perfectly.
  • Faucets, including showerheads, can be equipped with aerators. As well, there are now low-flow aerators that reduce water flow and thus, water consumption by as much as 50%. This translates into direct, significant savings to the consumer for hot water costs and lessens environmental impact on water purification and recycling.
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