Kitchen/Bath Faucets: 8 Key Types & Step-by-Step Fixes Guide

1. Material: The cornerstone of determining life and safety

The material of faucets is directly related to durability and water quality safety. Cast iron faucets are cheap but easy to rust, and have been eliminated by the mainstream market (EPA reminds: old cast iron pipes may cause lead pollution). All-plastic faucets are light and rust-proof, suitable for temporary water points. All-copper faucets have become the first choice in the high-end market due to their excellent antibacterial properties (Copper Alloy Association research confirms that copper surfaces can quickly kill a variety of bacteria) and mechanical strength. Alloy faucets (such as zinc alloys) are cost-effective, and it is necessary to pay attention to whether the internal valve core material meets the standards.

2. Functional scenarios: matching needs can achieve twice the result with half the effort

Blind selection can easily lead to inconvenience in use:

• Basin faucet: exquisite design, sufficient hand washing space reserved, often equipped with a rotatable spout.
• Bathtub faucet: a must-have triple structure, compatible with shower head switching, and emphasizes large flow.
• Kitchen sink faucet: Recommend high-throw design + pull-out spray head, 360° cleaning without dead angles (“Consumer Reports” test shows that the cleaning efficiency of the pull-out faucet is improved by 40%).
• Shower faucet: Pay attention to the adaptability of water pressure, and the thermostatic valve core can avoid the risk of scalding.

Authoritative reference: Consumer Reports Kitchen Faucet Buying Guide

3. Structural design: practical logic of the number of joints and handles

• Single joint: Only connect to a single water pipe, suitable for cold water scenes (such as laundry rooms).
• Double joint: Hot and cold dual pipe input, commonly used in bathroom basins and kitchens, double handles are required to adjust the temperature separately.
• Triple joint: Designed specifically for bathtubs, with an additional shower head channel.
• Single handle: Single lever controls water temperature and flow, easy to operate (such as Moen single handle faucet).
• Double handle: Independent hot and cold adjustment, precise temperature control but slightly complicated operation.

4. Opening method: Efficiency and technological evolution

• Spiral type: Need to rotate multiple times to open and close, good sealing but low efficiency (common in old cast iron faucets).
• Wrench type: 90° rotating switch, high durability (common in industrial scenes).
• Lifting type: Lift up to release water, simple structure and low failure rate (mainstream kitchen faucets).
• Induction type: Automatically sense water, super water saving (US Energy Star certification data shows water saving up to 30%), first choice for public places.
• Delayed closing: Continue to release water for several seconds after closing the valve, thoroughly rinse hand stains, and upgrade hygiene.

5. Valve core: the “heart” performance core of the faucet

• Copper valve core: wear-resistant but easy to rust, has been gradually eliminated.
• Ceramic valve core: high hardness, strong sealing, light feel, mainstream choice (such as Kohler ceramic valve core warranty for 5 years).
• Stainless steel valve core: strong corrosion resistance, suitable for high hardness water quality areas, higher price (such as Hansgrohe high-end series).

6. Practical maintenance 1: Water flow is weak? Filter blockage, quick cleaning

Phenomenon: The water flow is thin or bifurcated. Solution:

1. Close the angle valve to cut off the water, and remove the faucet aerator (use a wrench or pliers wrapped in a soft cloth to operate).
2. Soak in white vinegar for 30 minutes to dissolve scale.
3. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the filter thoroughly, rinse it, and then reinstall it.
   

   Tip: Regular cleaning can prevent clogging and improve water flow efficiency.

7.Practical maintenance 2: Handle loose? Tighten the screws to reset it

Phenomenon: The handle shakes and the water control is unstable. Solution:

1. Find the decorative cover (hot and cold identification plate) at the bottom of the handle and pry it open with a blade.
2. Tighten the fixing screws with an Allen wrench (do not use excessive force to prevent thread slippage).
3. Restore the decorative cover and test stability.

8.Practical maintenance 3: Interface leakage? Seal replacement is a trick

Phenomenon: Water drips from the bottom or interface of the faucet. Solution:

1. Turn off the water source and remove the faucet hose.
2. Remove the old sealing tape or gasket from the interface.
3. Wrap more than 15 turns of raw tape (clockwise), or replace the silicone gasket.
4. Re-tighten the connector and open the valve for testing.

요약

The faucet is far from being a simple piece of hardware – the material upgrade from cast iron to copper, the intelligent evolution from spiral to induction, and the technical iteration from ceramic valve core to stainless steel valve core all highlight its core position in the home. Master the eight classification logics (material/function/structure/opening/valve core) so that you can accurately match your needs when purchasing; remember the five maintenance skills (cleaning the filter/tightening the handle/changing the seal) so that you don’t need to ask for help for small problems. Regular maintenance and scientific selection make every drop of water efficient and clean, protect your family’s health, and improve the quality of life.