Types of Faucets

Types of Faucets

The different types of faucets, tap spouts and water-dispensing fittings are extreme to say the least. Confirming that is easily done by a visit to your local hardware store or plumbing merchant.

So on this page we will identify the basic forms or types of faucets/taps, and what they are made of, the systems within the taps and some of the ergonomic considerations that should be taken into account.

Here are the main considerations or points that we as designers believe are important to understand and to base our selections on.

An important consideration is the ergonomics of the tap. This means is it comfortable to grip or easy to use? If the tap is in a wet use situation then it should have been given the ability to allow gripping while wet.

Think about different situations and users. Children aren’t as strong as adults and some elderly people are also weaker in the grip.

The easier the tap is to grip and turn the better. Consequently taps that are basically rounded are more difficult to grip than those with spokes.

Types of Taps / Faucets

Single lever mixer tap and spout provides hot, cold or warm water depending on where the lever is turned.

Spoked taps with a swivel spout

Another consideration is the aesthetic look and it may be more appropriate to have the softer rounded look than the spoke formed grip. So the easier type of tap to grip must be those with spokes that allow the fingers to turn the fitting at a number of points.

The other types of taps are predominantly knobs formed with facetted edges or square. Additional considerations to the shape or form of the tap are the edges. See if they are rounded or sharp and check the actual size of the tap.

The longer the spokes the more leverage you have when turning the fitting. The size of the tap will vary, as do the hands of children, adults and the sexes. Think about these before making your decision.

Also consider the amount of room the tap will take up when in position on the basin or sink. Ensure that there is enough room around the tap for your hand to turn it without getting caught on anything else.

Other forms of faucet / tap come in a single or dual lever.

The single lever mixes the cold and hot water in a valve through to the spout while the separate levers, as for taps regulate the amount of water hot and cold going to the spout.

(Note that faucet / tap systems may have an individual spout attached to each tap or may go to a central or remote spout).

Levers are very easy to use and can be turned on with the elbow, forearm or wrist if necessary.

This makes them more practical than dual taps, but they may not be in keeping with the look that you are striving for.

One last consideration when choosing the spoke against the knob is the type of valve that is in the tap itself. Traditionally taps have used a screw with a type of fabric washer, when turned down compresses the valve shut and stops the flow of water. As the washer wares it becomes more difficult to shut the valve until eventually the washer has to be replaced. A more modern system uses a ceramic disk that requires little pressure to shut the valve.

Knob taps are more difficult to grip especially on this laundry tub when your hands are usually wet.

Faucet Materials

Taps are traditionally made of brass, as it is a reasonably strong metal that doesn’t rust. The surface of the exterior of the tap can be anything from gold plate, chrome, to a powder coat finish or baked enamel. Some types even have ceramic shrouds. We suggest that you spend some time at a plumbing merchant store and explore the different types of fittings that are available.

The range will be extensive aesthetically however the basic principals mentioned above should be the starting point for your choice.

Wall mounted spoked taps and spout allow for free access to the vessel basin.

Faucet Selection Checklist

• Material – What’s it made of?
• Maintenance – How easy is it to keep clean?
• Space – What size is it?
• Practical – What are the ergonomic features?