A kitchen faucet is a seriously underrated commodity.
One fine day when I was baking my favorite oatmeal cookies, I went to fetch some water from the faucet and was displeased to find it jammed. You know how fond I am of experimenting and just tinkering around with one thing or the other, so I tried my hands on it.
But, the faucet didn’t budge, and I had to call up the plumber. He came and fixed it in just under ten minutes, and that, my friends, piqued my curiosity. I needed to know what happened, how the different parts worked, and the plumber very politely explained it to me.
Later, I did my research and found out a lot more information regarding the matter. Since I learned so much about faucets and their functioning, I decided to share it with you guys too.
Hi! I'm Stacy Smith and let’s get to know how does a kitchen faucet work!
Parts Of A Kitchen Faucet
You didn’t expect that I'd get into such details, did you? But I am going to because it is crucial to know about the basic parts. If you want to identify the root cause when your water faucet stops working, it’s essential to determine which component has malfunctioned.
1. Aerator
An aerator is a mesh screen that is fitted at the tip of the faucet. This part helps in regulating the water flow. When you start facing problems with your water stream, the mesh has likely clogged.
2. Spout Assembly
Spout assembly is the part that we use to turn a faucet on or off. It’s called “assembly” because it consists of three smaller components: spout cap, handles, and body.
3. Faucet Body
A faucet body relays water from the pipes and plumbing. It is the biggest, most distinguishable part of the faucet because it allows the cold and hot water to mix before entering the spout.
4. Faucet Spout
This is the most noticeable component, and water flows out in the sink after passing through it. Spouts are available in multiple sizes and designs on the market.
5. Faucet Lever
Also known as the faucet handle, the lever opens or closes the valves and is the part that lets you turn the tap on. It is installed in a different hole but you can position it at different places, such as in front of the spout, next to it, or on top of it.
6. Adjusting Ring
Commonly known as a gasket or an O-ring, it is the component that works as a sealant. It ensures that the faucet joints are leakage-proof and it is typically made of brass, metal, or rubber to keep the faucet watertight.
Types Of Valves
The crucial difference in the functioning of a kitchen faucet depends on the type of its valve. You can read about the different types of valves below:
Ball Valve
These valves have a steel ball as the primary controlling component. The balls, in turn, have a network of depressions and grooves that align with the different water inlets. Water can pass through the spout only when the valve aligns with the supply.
Cartridge Valve
Cartridge valves are controlled by a small plastic or brass cylinder. It has a web of channels that navigate the flow of water while adjusting the pressure and the temperature too. Additionally, you can use these valves in both single and double valve configurations.
Ceramic Disc Valve
This type has two rotatable discs, and when you rotate the handle, the channels align and allow the water to come out. Ceramic disc valves are popular among users because of their durable structure and sturdy build. They also have an O-ring that keeps them free from leakages.
How Does A Kitchen Faucet Work
I hope I acquainted you well with all the major parts in a faucet, and you got to know your way around them. Let’s now discuss the heart of the matter. Faucets can be divided into three main categories based on the number of valves present. We’ll get to know all about their respective functioning in this section.
Single Valve Faucet
As is evident from the name, a single valve faucet has only one handle to control the water flow. Hot and cold, both the supplies are present inside a single valve, whose position determines their flow.
When we turn the faucet lever, the valve turns simultaneously, and cold water flows out. After turning it a little further, the valve lets the hot water pass and mix with cold water.
What’s more, in the further-most position, only hot water comes out.
Dual Valve Faucet
These faucets are more common in the kitchen and have two different valves fitted in two separate handles. Each has one line of water of either hot or cold temperatures.
Now, they are handy because it’s easier to control the temperature and pressure of the flow. Once you get used to these, it’s nearly impossible to go back to the single valved ones.
Dual Spigot Faucet
Now, this type is rarely found in kitchens, but some users prefer it because of its convenience. Not only does it have two valves, but they are also connected with two different spigots.
Hence, there is complete segregation of cold and hot water, and mixing the two isn’t possible. Since both the spigots release water in the same sink, you can mix them later in a container to get the desired temperature.
Final words
That’s it for this article, guys.
People don’t pay much attention to kitchen faucets until they become faulty or stop working. But, you are now prepared to face any faucet emergency that might occur in the future.
There are different types of faucets depending on the valve mechanism and valve types, and I told you all that you need to know about them. On that note, I’ll be signing off.
I’ll see you next time with another interesting topic.