- Ball valves
- Ceramic disc valves (Figure 6)
Ball valves use a ball with a hole or group of holes that rotates, allowing water to flow from the incoming water line to the spout, as shown in Figures 5a and 5b. Ball valves are very common on single lever faucets.
Figure 5a - Ball valve in closed position
Figure 5b - Ball valve in open position
One advantage of the ball valve is that it goes from fully closed to fully open in 90 degrees.
The balls are made out of various metals and plastic. The metal units have an exceptionally long life.
Figure 6 - Ceramic disc valves
A ceramic disc valve uses two pieces of ceramic one which is stationary and the other which rides on top of it. As holes in the ceramics line-up water can flow.
Ceramic disc valves are extremely reliable as the ceramic materials, as a general rule, do not collect minerals or other debris which may be in the water.
As the ceramic material moves very little, usually a maximum of 90 degrees, the wear and tear is negligible.
- Kitchen faucet spout styles:
Kitchen faucets come with a variety of spout shapes. Each manufacture has designed their own unique collection. It is important to consider how you use your kitchen faucet before making a commitment to any specific model. Although there are thousands of variations of spouts there are three basic configurations, as shown in Figures 7, 8 and 9.
Figure 7 - Straight spout kitchen faucet
Figure 8 - High spout kitchen faucet
Figure 9 - Goose neck spout kitchen faucet
All three of these configurations can be purchased with pull-out spouts that become sprayers, Figures 10, 11 and 12.
Figure 10 - Straight spout kitchen faucet with pull-out sprayer
Figure 11 - High spout kitchen faucet with pull-out sprayer.
