
The key component in a cartridge faucet is a small cylinder made of plastic or brass. Inside the cylinder, a network of channels direct water flow rates and also control temperature. An O-ring seals the bottom of the cartridge to prevent leakage from around its edges.
What are the parts of a kitchen faucet?
Aerator: Small mesh screens placed on the end of faucets and used to regulate the flow of water into multiple small streams so that the volume of water that flows from the faucet would be significantly reduced. Sprayer: Device used to spray water.
How do I know if my shower faucet has a cartridge?
If your faucet has a single handle, you'll find either a cartridge or ball valve when you disassemble it. A pull-out shower faucet has a cartridge valve. If the faucet has two handles, it has compression valves or two separate cartridges.
How do you identify a disk faucet?
They are identifiable by their single lever over a wide cylindrical body. The disk faucet mixes hot and cold water inside a mixing chamber called a pressure balance cartridge. Two ceramic disks at the bottom of the chamber will raise and lower to control the volume of water flow.
How does a cartridge faucet work?
The key component in a cartridge faucet is a small cylinder made of plastic or brass. Inside the cylinder, a network of channels direct water flow rates and also control temperature.

What is inside a faucet?
A faucet is a device for delivering water from a plumbing system. It can consist of the following components: spout, handle(s), lift rod, cartridge, aerator, mixing chamber, and water inlets. When the handle is turned on, the valve opens and controls the water flow adjustment under any water or temperature condition.
How do I take apart a faucet?
0:151:24Kitchen Sink Faucets : How Do I Take Apart a Faucet? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCan be removed simply by loosen the locknut. Now this lock nuts at the bottom of the spout. Some ofMoreCan be removed simply by loosen the locknut. Now this lock nuts at the bottom of the spout. Some of them were like to be located across the top unscrew that lift that spout off.
Can you clean the inside of a faucet?
Steps to clean your faucet: Simply unscrew the aerator at the end of the spout and check it for any debris. You can scrub it with a toothbrush and a solution of white vinegar and water.
What are the different parts of a faucet?
Cartridges & Stems.Aerators & Flow Restrictors.Washers & Washer Kits.Escutcheons & Flanges.O-Rings & O-Ring Kits.Caps & Index Buttons.
How do you fix a dripping faucet?
1:412:54How To Fix A Dripping or Leaky Double Handle Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipClean a dirty aerator by soaking it in white vinegar rinse it and screw it back in. And that shouldMoreClean a dirty aerator by soaking it in white vinegar rinse it and screw it back in. And that should solve your faucet leaks want more great ideas and how-tos go to lowes.com/howto.
Why is my faucet dripping?
The most common sources of a leaking faucet – a worn out washer or gasket, a loose O ring, corrosion in the valve seat – can be detected and fixed easily with most faucet repair kits.
How do you clean the inside of a faucet handle?
1:263:36How to Clean the Inside of Those Shower Globe-Style Faucet Handles!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSoapy water logs off you can deep clean with a toothbrush and some vinegar. All these little partsMoreSoapy water logs off you can deep clean with a toothbrush and some vinegar. All these little parts or pieces as well make it really shiny you can fish thing on this too I like to just spring junior.
How do you get black gunk out of faucet?
0:181:25How to get rid of black slime - Welsh Water - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis mold also likes to grow on your taps cleaning. With an ordinary detergent may solve the problemMoreThis mold also likes to grow on your taps cleaning. With an ordinary detergent may solve the problem temporarily.
How do I know if my faucet cartridge is bad?
Signs that a cartridge faucet needs repair are water dripping from the spout, difficulty in adjusting the water temperature, hot water entering cold water outlets like toilet supply lines and inadequately heated water at some faucets.
How do I identify my faucet parts?
Identifying Your Faucet ModelThe model number is printed on a tag that is attached to the cold water supply line of the faucet.The supply line is located below the sink, countertop, bath rim, or behind the bowl of a bidet.The model number, or part number, is typically preceded by "P/N."More items...
How many parts are in a faucet?
The 16 Parts of a Kitchen Faucet (Anatomy Diagram) Here's a detailed diagram showing the parts of a kitchen faucet above and below the counter.
What is the piece on a faucet called?
A faucet aerator is a small, round device that you can screw onto the tip of your faucet to create a more consistent, splash-free stream of water. Aerators usually create a mixture of water and air, making the stream smoother.
How do you take apart a single handle faucet?
0:182:44Repairing a Leaky Single Handle Ball-Type Faucet - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis may require using an Allen wrench to loosen the handle. There may be a button that covers theMoreThis may require using an Allen wrench to loosen the handle. There may be a button that covers the screw that needs to be removed first and then you can loosen the screw and remove the lever handle.
How do I disassemble my bathroom faucet?
How to Remove a Bathroom FaucetDisconnect the hot and cold water supply lines to the faucet.Unscrew the mounting nuts under the sink that secure the faucet. ... Disconnect the faucet's lift rod from the drain.Pull up the old faucet assembly from the top until it clears the sink.More items...
How do you take apart a single handle bathroom faucet?
Single-Handle Bathroom Sink Faucets - Handle RemovalUsing a bladed screwdriver, gently pry off the plug button under the handle, taking care to protect all finished surfaces.Using a 1/8" hex wrench, loosen the setscrew securing the handle to the valve stem.Lift off the handle.Unthread the bonnet to expose the valve.
How do you remove faucet handles that have no screws?
You can use an allen wrench (also called an allen key) to remove it. Once you've done that, you can typically just lift the faucet handle off. However, if it has a cartridge inside, you may need to unscrew a top piece as well to be able to remove the cartridge.
What is a faucet body?
Faucet Body: A device used for transporting water from a plumbing system.
What is a spout assembly?
Spout Assembly: Parts used to control the spout.
How to tell if a wine glass is Pinot Noir?
These glasses have slightly shorter stems than other red wine glasses. The easiest way to tell them apart from other types of red wine glasses is to pay attention to the rim. It is turned out from the glass, which directs the flavors and smell of the wine directly to your nose and mouth. While you can drink Pinot Noir from any kind of glass that you want to, if you want to fully enjoy this wine, then you will only drink it from a special glass.
Why are cabernet wine glasses so wide?
In addition, because the bowl of the glass is so wide, it allows the wine to breathe properly. The aroma then is captured by the narrow mouth.
Which wine glasses have a wider bowl?
2. Burgundy. These special glasses have a wider bowl than Bordeaux glasses do. The bowl is bigger so that it can accommodate some of the aromas of wines that are bit more delicate. Due to the shape of the glass, the drinker will experience tasting the wine first on the tip of the tongue, then throughout the mouth.
Why are champagne glasses so narrow?
Sparkling, or champagne, glasses are going to be much narrower than other white wine glasses and perfectly upright. This shape helps the glass retain the carbonation of the wine and will allow it to play on your tongue when you drink. People love these wine glasses because they are designed to promote carbonation while others with wider bowls would cause the wine to quickly go flat.
What is a spout on a faucet?
The spout is the part of the faucet that most people notice first; it’s the part that delivers water from the body to the sink and it can be distinctive in its design. A straight spout provides a long reach with a low profile.
What is the part of a faucet that breaks up water flow into multiple streams?
Illustration by Harry Campbell. Starting at the tip of the faucet, this is the part (typically made of mesh) that breaks up the water flow into multiple small streams to dilute the water with air.
What valves do faucets use?
Valve. Illustration by Harry Campbell. To control water flow and temperature, today’s faucets use cartridge valves that enclose all the working parts in a single, easy-to-replace unit (meaning no washers to swap out).
How much does a kitchen faucet cost?
You can purchase a kitchen faucet for as little as $15, although we recommend spending more than that to ensure its durability. After all, if you’re going to be using your kitchen faucet so frequently, it’s best to buy one that’ll last.
What is the most used part of a kitchen?
Your kitchen faucet is one of the most-used parts of your kitchen. Whether you’re buying or looking to replace parts, here’s what you need to know about it. By Nancy Fann-Im. Of all the working parts in a kitchen, the faucet might be the one we use the most. According to the EPA, each American uses an average of 88 gallons of water a day, ...
What are the best valves made of?
Some valves are made of plastic or metal, but the best ones house a pair of hard, smooth ceramic discs that rarely leak and aren’t affected by hard‑water deposits. The discs can crack if they snag any debris, so make sure to flush your supply lines before installing the faucet.
Do gooseneck spouts need a magnet?
On the other hand, pull-down spouts (generally fitted to the gooseneck design) require a magnetized or lock ing dock to stay put when not in use. There are also hands-free spouts, which turn on with the help of a foot pedal or motion sensor.
Types Of Faucet s
There are many types of bathroom or kitchen faucets available for you to choose from. The different types of faucets may have various parts of a faucet that others don’t have.
Parts Of A Faucet
The vast majority of people will have used a bathroom or kitchen faucet countless times without thinking about the components that make it work.
Common Materials
You will have a few choices when deciding on the material your new faucet will be made of. The style you want, as well as your budget, will also play a part. Here are some of the common materials used to make faucets.
Final Thoughts
Knowing bathroom or kitchen faucet parts will benefit anyone looking to understand a bit more about their plumbing system.
What are the different types of faucets?
This tutorial will give you an overview of the four most common types of faucets used in the home: Ball. Disc. Cartridge. Com pression. The first three (ball, disc, and cartridge) are all types of "washerless faucets" since they do not use rubber or neoprene washers. The latter (compression) is very much like your basic washer faucet.
How does a disk faucet work?
The disk faucet mixes hot and cold water inside a mixing chamber called a pressure balance cartridge. Two ceramic disks at the bottom of the chamber will raise and lower to control the volume of water flow. The temperature is controlled by a side-to-side rotation of the handle.
What was the first washerless faucet?
Kevin McFeely/Getty Images. Ball faucets are very common in kitchen sinks and were the first type of washerless faucet. They are identifiable by their single handle that moves over a rounded ball-shaped cap right above the base of the faucet spout.
How to tell difference between double handle cartridge and compression washer?
However, you can tell the difference by how the handles feel when used. A compression faucet requires you to tighten down (compress) the washer to close the water flow.
What are the different types of shower faucets?
Every manufacturer of shower faucets has its own idiosyncratic approach to design, but on the whole, shower faucets fall into one of three categories: cartridge, ball valve and compression. If your faucet has a single handle, you'll find either a cartridge or ball valve when you disassemble it.
Why is my faucet leaking?
Sometimes, the faucet is leaking because one of the valve seats is cracked. The valve seats are replaceable, and to remove one, you need a seat wrench, which looks a bit like a hex wrench. Insert the wrench into the valve housing and through the valve seat, and then turn the seat counterclockwise to unscrew it.
What happens if you pull out the handle of a shower faucet?
If you have to pull out the handle of your shower faucet to turn on the water, the faucet has a cartridge. If the faucet leaks or you can't control the temperature, you usually have to remove the cartridge and clean it or replace O-rings and gaskets. The procedure begins with turning off the water to the shower and opening ...
What is a Pfister shower faucet?
Other manufacturers, such as Price-Pfister (now known simply as Pfister) offer both cartridge-style and compression faucets. A general disassembly procedure works for most faucets, but if you're in doubt about the details of your shower faucet, look up the manual on the manufacturer's website.
Do Moen faucets have a cotter pin?
Moen faucets often have a cotter pin that must be removed with pliers. If you're disassembling a Delta faucet, you usually have to unscrew and remove an outer metal sleeve to expose a large retaining ring that you can unscrew with locking pliers.
Does a shower diverter have a valve?
The shower diverter, if it's built into the wall, usually has a valve somewhere between a cartridge valve and a compression valve. No matter which type of faucet valve you have, the process for disassembling it is essentially the same.
What happens when a faucet handle is turned counterclockwise?
When the valve handle is turned counterclockwise, the stem is raised, and the rubber washer is lifted out of the concave water inlet. This permits water to enter the faucet body. Likewise, as the stem is lowered, the washer is pressed into a concave inlet, and the flow of water is blocked.
What is the O ring on a faucet?
An O-ring seals the bottom of the cartridge to prevent leakage from around its edges. Cartridge valve faucets possess several advantages when compared to ball valve faucets.
How many types of faucet valves are there?
There are actually four primary types of faucet valves - the areas inside faucets where hot and cold water are mixed and the flow rate is regulated. Each type of faucet valve functions in a different way to achieve the same purpose - the delivery of water at a desired rate and temperature. Below is more information about these valve types ...
What is the oldest faucet valve?
1. Compression Valve. As the oldest type of faucet valve in use, compression valves are both simple and inexpensive. A compression valve consists of a screw stem that raises and lowers as it is turned and a rubber compression washer at the bottom of the stem.
What type of valve is used in single handle faucets?
Fortunately, the low cost of parts and the relative ease of repair makes faucets with compression valves a viable option for most homeowners. 2. Ball Valve. Another common type of valve found in faucets is the ball valve. Ball valves are used in single-handle faucets and are also relatively inexpensive.
What is a cartridge valve?
Cartridge Valve. Cartridge valves are in widespread use in faucets, and they offer excellent performance at a reasonable cost. The key component in a cartridge faucet is a small cylinder made of plastic or brass. Inside the cylinder, a network of channels direct water flow rates and also control temperature.
Is a ceramic disc valve leak proof?
However, ceramic disc valve faucets are almost leak-proof, and their long life spans will usually pay back the initial investment in the long run. If you have questions about faucet valves, be sure to contact Moody Plumbing Inc. for help. Our team of service professionals is waiting to assist you with new fixture installations and plumbing repairs.

Types of Faucets
- There are many types of bathroom or kitchen faucets available for you to choose from. The different types of faucets may have various parts of a faucet that others don’t have. Here are some of the most common designs: 1. Pull down kitchen faucet– Pull down kitchen faucets have a spray wand as a spout. This offers great flexibility and maneuverabili...
Parts of A Faucet
- The vast majority of people will have used a bathroom or kitchen faucet countless times without thinking about the components that make it work. By looking at all the components that make your faucet, you will better understand how it works and how to diagnose specific problems with your plumbing system.
Common Materials
- You will have a few choices when deciding on the material your new faucet will be made of. The style you want, as well as your budget, will also play a part. Here are some of the common materials used to make faucets.
Final Thoughts
- Knowing bathroom or kitchen faucet parts will benefit anyone looking to understand a bit more about their plumbing system. Even basic knowledge will help you to maintain your fixtures, diagnose potential problems, and decide when you will be able to fix a problem yourself or if you need to seek the expertise of a qualified plumber.