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Types of Faucets and How to Tell Them Apart

By Bob Formisano, About.com

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Ball Type Faucet

Ball Faucet: Note ball shaped cap under handle

© Delta Faucet (faucet photo)


Ball faucets are very common in kitchen sinks and were the first type of washerless faucet. They are identifiable by their single handle which moves over a rounded ball shaped cap right above the base of the faucet spout. The plastic or metal ball inside the faucet body and under the ball shaped cap has chambers or slots in it which control the flow and mixing temperature of the water coming from the faucet.

Because of the number of parts which make up this type of faucet, ball faucets tend to leak more than other washerless faucets.

Handle Type: Single

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Index: Types of Faucets and How to Tell Them Apart

  1. The Four Types of Home Faucets
  2. Ball Type Faucet
  3. Disc Type Faucet
  4. Cartridge Type Faucet
  5. Compression Type Faucet

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