# What is a Faucet?

Many of the issues you can have in the bathroom are related to the faucet. You need to know what it is, what type you have in your home, and what the problems are that you might face.

A faucet is a tap or a spigot. It is a type of valve that controls the release of liquids, mostly water in a regular home, or gas. The tap is connected to the water supply through a swivel tap connector attached on the water pipe. Faucets come in different forms, but they are usually made from hard materials, and can be easily recognized as they are used to turn on or off water or gas.

##### Where Will You Find Faucets?

Faucets are used wherever there is a need to turn water on and off at will. You will find them above the sink, the handle that allows you to open the water, or in the shower. You will usually find a faucet on the pipe that leads to the washing machine and on the pipe that takes gas to the stove. All water pipes have taps along their length. The tap is not necessarily placed where the water flows, but in your bathroom it should be handy and visible.

##### How does one Work, and how do You Know it is Broken?

The arrangement of hot and cold taps is standard. The hot tap is on the left while the cold-water tap is on the right. Some installations ignore this rule and this assembly is called a crossed connection. A tap will usually release the gas or water if you turn it to the left side, and will turn off the water if you turn it to the right side, but do test this as sometimes it is in reverse. You will know that a faucet is broken when you notice leaks at the base of the faucet, if it works with difficulty or remains stuck, does not move at all, or if nothing happens when swiveling it.

##### What Types of Faucets are There?

There are four types of taps or spigots: The ball, disc, cartridge, or compression faucet. The ball, disc, and cartridge faucets do not use rubber or neoprene washers. The compression faucet is very common, and the simplest type of faucet. The ball faucet has a single handle and a round, ball shaped base that is placed right above the faucet spout. The disc faucet also has single lever, but has a cylindrical base and can be moved sideways. Single handle cartridge faucets operate in up and down motions to regulate the water flow. If you move them from left to right, you can regulate temperature. Compression washer faucets have separate hot and cold-water handles. In order to regulate water flow you need to swivel the handles.

You have used many faucets for different reasons. If you are wondering what a faucet is, just think of it as the tap you are using to regulate water flow, or to turn on and off the gas. There are four main types of faucets. Faucets can break and cause trouble like leakages, or they can become stuck. Make sure you identify the types of faucets that you have in your home, and remember this in case you need to call a plumber.

- →

Translate »