What are Compression Faucets?

If you are thinking about doing a remodel in your kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room, then chances are you are also contemplating the type of faucets that you will use. When you stop and think about the word "faucet," what is the first thing that pops into your head? If you are anything like the majority of people in the United States, then you probably thought of a compression faucet and didn't even realize it. The reason for this is that compression faucets are one of the most common, and oldest, of faucets used in the United States. But what are compression faucets?

• What they look like. Generally speaking, compression faucets are the ones that have the spout in the middle, and then two handles (one on each side of the spout). These are the most common of all types of faucets, and can easily be found in just about any bathroom, regardless of whether it is found in a home, office, or some business somewhere. Typically, they are a very simple design that allows you to better control the amount of hot or cold water that you want applied.
• How they work. These types of faucets work by having a stem inside that looks something like a large screw. When the stem is tightened, the seal on the compression stem tightens and presses against a valve seat which stops the water from flowing. When this type of faucet works the way that it should, it typically will work quite well at stopping the water from getting through.
• Common cause of problems. Compression faucets, despite their long history of generally working well, are subject to a couple of common problems. The most common causes for leaks, and other similar problems, are that the valve seat or rubber seal is in someway faulty. While that may sound a bit distressful, the truth of the matter is that compression faucets are remarkably easy to repair. This ease of fixing problems is one of the main reasons that this type of faucet is still in use today, after being around for so long.
• Types and models. While there is a traditional look of two handles on either side of a single spout, this has begun to change in recent years. Now, using the same basic principles behind the compression faucet, there have been new models that are being used. For example, there are now single handle faucets that work off of the same basic principles, and don't look quite so pedestrian. Even though this is rather traditional technology, the way that it is being presented now isn't all that traditional.