Cartridge type faucets are also known as a washer-less
faucet because they don’t use washers. Instead, these types of faucets use a
rubber diaphragm or two metal, plastic or ceramic discs with holes in them that
align to let the water flow or they close to shut off the water flow. Ceramic
plates are more difficult to damage than rubber seats, but hard water can
sometimes cause problems with the ceramic cartridges, such as squeaking or
sticking. There are single-handle faucets that use a stainless steel ball
design and consequently they have only one moving part and are a much more durable
alternative them some of their counterparts.
These cartridge type faucets can reduce leakage problems
that result from worn out washers. They are easier to repair because most new
models have the water-control mechanism housed in a replaceable cartridge. Simply
replacing a cartridge is an easy do-it-yourself project, compared to working on
a conventional faucet. Most cartridge type faucets that offer this convenience
are labeled that they have a "self-contained cartridge."
Ball-Type Faucets
These ball type faucets are also known as a washer-less
faucet. These ones have a single-handle faucet that uses a ball with openings
in it to control the flow of hot and cold water.
These may leak more easily and either at the spigot or at
the handle. The leaks from the handle on these are usually caused by improper
adjusting-ring tension. To stop a leak like that you simply adjust the tension.
Worn out cam seals can also result in leaks at the handle. Worn out spring-loaded,
soft rubber seal assemblies will usually cause dripping from the spigot.
Compression Faucets
Compression faucets are also known as a washer-type or stem
faucet. When the spindle is turned down, the washer or disk that is attached to
its lower end is pressed tightly against a smoothly finished ring or
ground-seat that completely surrounds the flow opening, to shut off the water
flow. If the washer and seat do not make a firm contact at all points, then the
water will leak out. This usually happens when the washer becomes worn out.
Seats in these faucets that are not removable may be
reground with reseating tools.
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