Home Plumbing and Fixtures
In your bathrooms and kitchen, your home plumbing and fixtures make it easy to get water right when you need it. If your plumbing and fixtures are old or not well maintained, you may find that your water is not getting to you as easily as it should. If this is the case, it may be time to find new plumbing fixtures for you home.
What types of faucets and fixtures are there?There are three main types of faucets:
- Single-hole: This type of faucet has one handle that the user turns to the left or right for different water temperatures. All three components, which include the two handles and the spout, are mounted to a base plate. It is good for smaller sinks and showers.
- Center-set: These faucets have two handles, one for hot water and one for cold water. The two separate handles allow you to have more control over the temperature of the water.
- Widespread mount: These faucets have three separate pieces that are all mounted separately. This plumbing faucet is often desired by those who like the aesthetics of the unattached pieces.
Whether the faucets are going in the bathroom sink, the shower, or the kitchen, you want the faucets to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. When looking for faucets, consider the:
- Spout style: The size and shape of the faucets not only determine what the plumbing looks like, but also how much water you can get at once. In the shower, for example, a faucet that allows the water to tumble may be relaxing. In the kitchen, however, you may want a faucet that fits the size of the sink so that you can wash dishes.
- Finishes: Metal faucets come in either polished or brushed finishes. Polishes have a gleaming effect under the lights, while brushed metal is more matte, which also makes them good at hiding scratches and hard water spots.
- Compression valves: For those installing their own plumbing, the valves used to control the flow of water are extremely important. Washerless valves work with all types of fixtures and do not need to be replaced or repaired often.
There are three plumbing accessories you may consider installing:
- Hand showers: In addition to the main showerhead, a handheld showerhead can make it easier to clean the tub and wash pets. This plumbing accessory will require an additional hole for the line.
- Diverters: These plumbing accessories shift the flow of water from the faucet to the shower head.
- Anti-scald valve: This prevents flashes of hot water from occurring when someone flushes a toilet or turns on a sink.