Kitchen Faucets

Working mechanism of a kitchen faucet

The working mechanism of kitchen faucets can be classified into four different categories. These categories refer to the parts that determine the flow of water through a faucet. The type of valve you choose will dictate a faucet's price, how well it works and its durability.

• Cartridge kitchen faucet : This is a mixing faucet. They usually have a single handle although it can have a double handle too. Cartridge Faucets have a hollow plastic or metal cartridge inserted inside that seals the spout. Water is mixed and controlled depending upon how a series of holes in the cartridge align with the stem. If water is dripping it is an indicator that the cartridge should be replaced.

• Ball kitchen faucets : This is also a mixing faucet. These types of faucets have a single lever that operates a rotating, slotted metal ball. The slots in the metal ball align with hot and cold water inlet seats in the body of the faucet to regulate the amount of incoming water reaching the mixing spout. These faucets have neoprene seals and O-rings to prevent leakage.

• Compression kitchen faucets : Compression kitchen faucets have two separate handles. When the handle is turned it lowers or raises a washer that closes against a valve seal at the base of the stem which in turn restricts the water flow through the faucet body when the handle is turned off.

• Disc kitchen faucets : This faucet is also a mixing one. Disc faucets use two discs one of which is a movable upper disc and the other which is a fixed lower one. It controls the flow of water through inlet and outlet holes. In case of leakage check the inlet and outlet seals.

Types of kitchen faucet

Kitchen faucets are of mainly four types.

• Single handle kitchen faucet : This type of kitchen faucets facilitate quick and easy water control by using only one lever. The advantage of this type of faucet is that it can be adjusted using just one hand. Only one hole is required for installation.

  A single handled kitchen faucet rotates directionally thus providing the ability to regulate the water flow by an up and down motion and the temperature by a side to side motion. Many of the this faucets come equipped with a mounting plate to cover up the sink holes.

• Dual Handle kitchen faucet : The two handle kitchen faucet boasts of a handle for controlling the flow of hot water and another for the regulating of cold water. These kitchen faucets generally need a minimum of three holes for installation.

  There is a wide variety of options available as far as the designs of the faucet are concerned.

• Pullout Spray Style kitchen faucet : The pull out spray heads are the most popular features of a kitchen faucet. The pull out spray gives the advantage of specifically targeted spraying with maximum water pressure. So you can easily wash the vegetables or the sink with a strong spray of water. The old pull out spray models of kitchen faucets had a tendency to droop out of their sockets with prolonged use, but the contemporary models have solved this problem.

  A smaller, side mounted sprayer with a reduced volume of spray can be fixed in the kitchen set up. This would just need another hole in the sink for its installation.

• Wall mounted kitchen faucets : The wall mounted kitchen faucets do require a hole for installation. They can easily be mounted on to a wall above the sink. These faucets require water supply that extends above the countertop. Due to their increased height, these kitchen faucets facilitate the filling of larger vessels and give the home kitchen a stylish and classy look.

  Wall mounted kitchen faucets come in a variety of designs and styles and are an ideal choice if you are looking to decorate your kitchen in an antique style.

• Bar sink faucets : The bar sink faucets are also called the prep or entertainment faucet. These sink faucets are relatively small in size as compared to the other types of kitchen faucets and sink faucets are available in many styles and designs. The bar sink faucets are steeped in beauty as well as utility. You can even choose to fill these sink faucets with ice, wine, fruits or even flowers to attract the attention of your guests.

  The decision to buy the kind of bar sink faucet you want is determined by the type of countertop you have. If you have a solid surface like granite or marble, go for an undermount bar sink faucet. The resulting look is classy and this type of sink area is easy to keep clean.

Factors to consider when buying a kitchen faucet

Whether you are looking to install a new kitchen faucet or are just replacing an old one, there are a few crucial factors you need to keep in mind.

• Mounting options : If you are replacing a faucet on an existing countertop or sink, the new faucet that you choose should be compatible with the number of holes and the spacing of the holes. But if you are installing a new sink you can adjust the holes to suit the faucet that you choose.

  Generally sinks and countertops have between one to five holes for the purpose of accommodating handles, spouts and other fittings like soap dispensers or side sprayers.

  Single handle faucets usually require one hole and double faucets require three holes. There are also double handle faucets that can be fitted with a single hole. Any unused holes can be disguised with a sink hole cover.

• Kitchen faucets can be mounted in three different ways.

  • Deckplate : The deckplate kitchen faucets contain the handles and spout in one single mounting plate. These units can cover up to three holes in your sink and up to two extra holes can be fitted with side sprays or soap dispensers.

  • Non - deckplate : The non - deckplate faucet parts like the handles, spout, sidespray and soap dispensers can be mounted individually on the countertop or sink. Depending on the type of faucet, these units can fill up to five holes in the sink.

  • Wall mount faucets : The wall mount kitchen faucets are connected to the wall above the kitchen sink. They allow more height for the purpose of filling large vessels and also make it easier to clean the sink or countertop. Wall mount faucets are ideal for undermount sinks with no pre -drilled holes.

Features and functions

Once you are decided on the mounting options for your kitchen faucet, you can consider the features and functions that you want.

• Handles : Single handle faucets can be fixed on the faucet base or can stand alone and they require one or two sink holes. A side spray can be installed in the main faucet deck or as part of the faucet spout.

  Double handle kitchen faucets have separate handles for hot and old water and require up to three sink holes. The handles can be blended with a deckplate or can be mounted separately. The sprayer is usually separated from the faucet head.

• Sprayers : The location of sprayers may be on the faucet spout or to the side. Some of the faucets have pull-out or pull-down spray heads in the spout that enables you to direct the water wherever you want , thus helping in cooking and cleaning.

  Pull-out sprayers have spouts that are curved or slightly angled so that the head can be pulled out and extended. These are available for single handled kitchen faucets and are useful for rinsing and washing.

  Pull down sprayers contain spots that rise into a high arc thus allowing the head to be pulled down into the sink. These are available for both single handled and double handled kitchen faucets and permit more space and flexibility in the sink. The pull down feature mostly includes a spray and pause function

  Side sprayers are mounted on the side of the faucet and need a separate hole in the sink or countertop. They extend the flow of water to nooks, corners and other hard to reach areas thus assisting in the cleaning of large pots and pans. These sprayers are retractable when not in use.

• Spouts : Kitchen faucets are available in a wide variety of spout heights and styles. Your options might be limited by the type of sink you have but usually it is not a concern. You must select a faucet with a spout that reaches as close to the centre of the sink as possible. The average sink will need a 8" - 10" spout while a sink that is larger in size and has multiple bowls will require a 12" - 14" spout.

  Standard spouts are generally 3" - 5" high above the countertop or sink. High arc spouts which are also known as Gooseneck spouts are usually 8" - 10" high above the surface of the sink. Apart from looking stylish, they increase the range by rotating as much as 180 degrees and provide more working room.

• Finish : The finish of a kitchen faucet is referred to the surface coating on the handles and the spout. You must choose a finish that would accent the d飯r of your kitchen. The finish must match the kitchen's theme, lighting and appliances.

  Many kitchen faucets have finishes that are specially processed to be durable and highly resistant to abrasion and discoloration. There are also models that provide a lifetime guarantee against tarnish. So when you are choosing the finish go for one that is strongly backed by a warranty.

  Stainless steel and chrome may have a brushed, polished or matte finish. It is durable, easy to maintain and economical. It is resistant to oxidation but shows water marks more prominently than other finishes. Nickel may have a brushed or satin look yet is high on style and durability. Brass has a high gloss finish and is ideal for traditional d飯r, while Bronze is a good choice for a rustic look.

Eco - friendly kitchen faucets

As part of the green revolution many people are looking for eco - friendly kitchen faucets that are not too frivolous with water. This might call for the use of recycled washers or ceramic discs in the manufacture of the faucets. Some eco-friendly kitchen faucets have a water reduction feature which will save water but will deliver sufficient water for use. These eco-friendly faucets conserve water thus reducing your water bills too.

There is its water reduction feature which will save water and yet still deliver enough water for use. It also has an unusual way of directing the water flow as shown in the diagram. The water is first directed up and then down. The top of the tap is made from a tinted but clear material which will allow the user to see the roundabout way of water flow.