Faucets come in four basic designs. Knowing what kind of faucets you have will help when it comes time to replace a worn-out part. The most common faucet types are:
Ball Faucet
The first type of washerless faucet, ball faucets are commonly used in kitchens. They have a single handle attached to a rounded cap directly above the spout. The handle moves a plastic or metal ball inside the faucet body that controls the flow of water.
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Cartridge Faucet (Two Handle)
Cartridge faucets utilize a movable stem cartridge that moves up and down to control the flow of water. You can identify a cartridge faucet by turning the knob and feeling it move with an up and down motion.
Disc Faucet
One of the newest faucet designs, ceramic disk faucets have a single lever on top of a wide cylindrical body. The disc faucet mixes hot and cold water inside a mixing chamber called a pressure balance cartridge. Ceramic disks at the bottom of the chamber will raise and lower to control the flow of water while the temperature is adjusted by a side-to-side rotation of the handle.
Compression Washer Faucet
One of the oldest faucet designs, compression washer faucets are commonly found in older homes, although many newer homes will have them installed along with utility sinks. While inexpensive, they are prone to leaks as the washers wear out and require replacement. You can identify a compression faucet by its two handles and a tight rotating motion that is needed to stop the flow of water.
Have questions about your faucets? Contact ABC Southwest online or call us at (941) 225-2182, we can help answer all your plumbing questions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Faucet Types
What are the main types of faucets?
The four main types of faucets are ball faucets, cartridge faucets, disc faucets, and compression washer faucets. Each uses a different internal mechanism to control water flow.
What type of faucet is most common in kitchens?
Ball faucets are commonly used in kitchens and are recognizable by their single handle and rounded cap design.
What is the difference between cartridge and compression faucets?
Cartridge faucets use a movable stem cartridge to control water flow, while compression faucets rely on washers that tighten to stop water, making them more prone to leaks.
Which faucet type lasts the longest?
Ceramic disc faucets are among the most durable designs because they use long-lasting ceramic disks instead of rubber washers.
How do I know what type of faucet I have?
You can identify faucet types by examining the number of handles and how they operate. Single-handle designs often indicate ball or disc faucets, while two-handle models may be cartridge or compression types.
Helpful Plumbing Resources for Homeowners
Need Help Repairing or Replacing Your Faucet?
Understanding the different types of faucets can help you identify issues, but repairs and replacements often require professional expertise. ABC Southwest Plumbing & Air Conditioning provides expert faucet repair and replacement services throughout Southwest Florida.
Contact ABC Southwest today to schedule faucet service and keep your plumbing system running smoothly.
