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. The faucet body is usually made of brass, though die-cast zinc and chrome-plated plastic are also used.
The majority of residential faucets are single or dual-control cartridge faucets. Some single-control types use a metal or plastic core, which operates vertically. Others use a metal ball, with spring-loaded rubber seals recessed into the faucet body. The less expensive dual-control faucets contain nylon cartridges with rubber seals. Some faucets have a ceramic-disc cartridge that is much more durable.
Faucets must comply with water conservation laws. In the United States, bath basin faucets are now limited to 2 gal (7.6 L) of water per minute, while tub and shower faucets are limited to 2.5 gal (9.5 L).
Faucets run an average of eight minutes per capita per day (pcd), according to a study by the American Water Works Association Research Foundation completed in 1999 that was based on water use data collected from 1,188 residences. In daily pcd use indoor water use was at 69 gal (261 L), with faucet use third highest at 11 gal (41.6 L) pcd. In residences with water-conserving fixtures, faucets moved up to second at 11 gal (41.6 L) pcd. Faucet use was strongly related to household size. The addition of teens and adults increases water use. Faucet use is also negatively related to the number of persons working outside the home and is lower for those who have an automatic dishwasher.
Post time: Nov-06-2017