A faucet is one home fixture that gets used daily. Whether in the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room, it’s crucial to everyday tasks. It’s also often overlooked for its necessary function over fashion.
However, in today’s modern world of fixtures, faucet types have been trending now more than ever before. From swapping to something more sustainable or for better water pressure or stream—there’s a faucet for that!
In this guide, we’ll cover all of the most common faucet types homeowners should know. So, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about faucets, including where to go for faucet replacement Detroit, homeowners!
4 Faucet Types to Know
In general, there are four types of faucets that are most commonly used today. Next, we’ll cover each of those individually with advantages and disadvantages to consider.
Ball Faucets
As simple as its name, ball faucets are the pinnacle in evolution of plumbing technology. They represent a milestone of a washerless faucet, which offers a variety of benefits. You’ll easily reognize ball faucet fixtures, as they’re a single-handle design that’s mounted on a rounded cap above the spout base.
Inside, is a little more complex. You’ll find a specialized plastic or metal ball featuring internal chambers that work in concert with O-rings and spring-loaded seals. The positioning of this ball-lever combination determines both water flow and temperature regulation.
Despite their durable exterior construction, internal components may require regular attention, and their complex assembly makes them more susceptible to leaks compared to cartridge or disc variations. However, this established technology typically offers a more economical price point.
Advantages:
- Contemporary single-handle aesthetics
- Popular choice for kitchen installations
- Budget-friendly pricing
Limitations:
- Higher likelihood of developing leaks
- Intricate internal mechanism
- Challenging leak diagnosis and repair
Ceramic Disc Faucets
Another pioneering faucet type is the modern innovation of ceramic disc faucets. These fixtures feature a distinctive single lever positioned above a broad cylindrical body. What makes them so special? They use a specialized pressure balance cartridge where dual ceramic discs orchestrate the mixing of the water and control the flow.
A simple lever rotation (provided by the handles you control!) manages the temperature selection.
While these premium fixtures command a higher price point, they deliver exceptional performance and minimal maintenance requirements. Their highly responsive touch sensitivity makes them particularly valuable for individuals with limited hand strength or mobility challenges.
Advantages:
- State-of-the-art engineering
- Superior construction quality
- Exceptional temperature resistance
Limitations:
- Disc wear occurs gradually
- Initial adjustment period required
- Premium price point
Cartridge Faucets
Although looking the same as compression models, cartridge faucets offer a distinctly different operation. They offer consistent smooth control with a simple half-turn activation. This eliminates the need for additional pressure when shutting off the water flow.
These fixture’s cartridge mechanisms boast impressive longevity and straightforward replacement procedures, generally demanding minimal upkeep. However, replacement cartridge costs can vary significantly by manufacturer, occasionally exceeding $100 for premium brands.
Advantages:
- Effortless operation
- Long-lasting internal components
- User-friendly maintenance
Limitations:
- Susceptible to mineral accumulation
- Potential seal deterioration
- Variable replacement part costs
Compression Washer Faucets
Last but certainly not least is the faucet type that’s considered the foundation of residential plumbing. Compression washer faucets remain common in historic properties, with modern variants still preferred for utility applications. These fixtures feature separate hot and cold controls, requiring rotational pressure to seal the water flow.
The mechanism relies on a threaded stem with a washer that compresses against a valve seat. While offering the most economical option with readily available replacement components, they typically require more frequent maintenance and are prone to developing leaks.
Advantages:
- Cost-effective solution
- Complements period architecture
- Simple repair process
Limitations:
- Frequent leak occurrence
- Higher maintenance requirements
- Dated technology
How to Choose a Faucet
So, other than faucets that match your bathroom’s design or aesthetic or fit with the kitchen countertop or space you have, how could you choose which faucet type is right for you? Choosing the right faucet for your home involves understanding the types available and your needs.
Since you already learned about the four most common types of faucets—ball, compression, cartridge, or disk—consider each of their advantages for performance, maintenance, and longevity.
For instance, ball faucets offer simple single-handle operation, while ceramic disk faucets provide superior durability. Traditional compression faucets, commonly found in older homes, use rubber washers to control flow. Cartridge faucets balance ease of maintenance with reliable performance.
Of course, you’ll need to consider your existing plumbing configuration first to see how that might impact your choices. While it’s definitely possible to upgrade from one type to another, the configuration of your sink’s hole will influence the options that are applicable.
A few more best practices to keep in mind when selecting a faucet include:
- Usage: Match your household’s usage patterns, considering whether the faucet will be used for high-traffic kitchens that benefit from durable disk faucets. Or lesser use guest bathrooms that might be well-served by simpler cartridge models.
- Maintenance requirements: Some faucets are easier to DIY repair, than others, which is a consideration to think about. Ball and cartridge faucets are more DIY-friendly versus disk faucets that typically require professional servicing.
- Evaluate your physical needs: If you suffer from arthritis or have limited hand strength, you might benefit from a faucet type with a smoother flow. This would include disk or cartridge faucets, or a professional can help point you in the right direction.
- Water conditions: As you can expect, homes with harder water will need to consider the faucet type that’s best for resisting mineral buildup. Ceramic disk faucets are typically the best for hard water versus others.
- Longevity vs. upfront cost: While disk faucets may cost more upfront, they typically last longer, while compression faucets offer affordability but may require more frequent maintenance.
- Home’s age: Older homes with compression faucets may need plumbing updates before accommodating newer faucet types.
- Water pressure: Certain faucet types perform better with specific pressure ranges, so check your home’s specifications before deciding
Faucet Replacement Detroit: Who to Call
Most importantly, if you don’t have experience with faucet replacement Detroit homeowners, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. So, who can you call to install any of the faucet types you’ve learned about here today? Have no fear; WaterWork Plumbing is here!
WaterWork Plumbing has been serving the greater Metro Detroit area since 2006 with plumbing repair and replacement expertise and exemplary service. Whether you’re looking for a one-time repair, have an emergency, or need ongoing maintenance for prevention purposes, we’ve got your back!
Get in touch with the WaterWork team to schedule a consultation now. Before you go, check out even more handy guides and resources to learn more about protecting the plumbing in your home.
