Jet depth
Distance from the fixing point (for vertically mounted taps) or from the centre of the mounting hole (for horizontally mounted taps) to the middle of the spout. It is a characteristic that determines the "reach zone" of the tap.
Jet height
The jet height is usually specified for taps with horizontal installation (see "Type of installation"). It is measured from the base of the tap to the spout outlet. The large height of the spout is important primarily for kitchen models (see "Suitable for"), because it allows you to place large dishes in the sink. This parameter is directly related to the height of the spout (see above): the height of the jet cannot be greater than the height of the spout. Thus, in fact, one has to find a compromise between the height of the jet and the dimensions of the tap, especially if there is little space for its installation.
Water jet angle
The angle of the water jet produced by the tap, relative to the vertical. Generally stated for full head; with partially blocked water, this angle is smaller. Anyway, the water jet is usually directed towards the user, and the greater the angle of inclination, the farther from the spout the point of incidence of the jet will be placed. However, in most cases this point is not critical; problems can arise only in very cramped conditions, with small basin sizes.
Cartridge diameter
The diameter of the cartridge used in the tap.
The cartridge is called the "heart" of the tap — the part directly responsible for adjusting the pressure and/or temperature of the water (in some models — also for switching between spout and shower). The main dimension of this part is precisely the diameter. However, in fact, this size becomes relevant only if it is necessary to replace the cartridge. But when choosing a tap, it does not really matter — from the point of view of characteristics, only the overall dimensions of the device depend on the diameter of the cartridge, and then quite approximately and without a fundamental difference between individual models.
Water flow
The maximum water flow during the operation of the tap, in other words, the maximum amount of water that it can pass through in a minute. This characteristic is important, foremost, for models designed for baths (see "Suitable for"): the greater the throughput, the faster the bath will fill. However, the meaning of this paragraph is not limited to this. First, flow information can be useful in certain calculations related to water supply — for example, to calculate the required pump capacity. Secondly, high-end taps can be equipped with aerators to achieve a powerful and efficient jet with low water consumption; the consumption indicated in the characteristics allows you to evaluate the efficiency of such devices in comparison with analogues.
Inlet communication
The type of water pipes the tap is designed for.
— Hoses. With a flexible connection type, polymer tubes (hoses) are used to connect the tap to the water supply, which can bend well and are reinforced with a metal mesh for strength. This ensures ease and versatility of attachment — thanks to the flexibility of the pipe, it can be carried even in cramped places. On the other hand, such a supply is less durable and reliable than a rigid one. It is mainly used in models for kitchens and sinks (see "Suitable for"). Installation pipes may be included in the package of the tap; this point should be clarified separately.
— Rigid pipes. Such taps are designed for installing directly to metal water pipes. The advantage of this type is reliability and strength, the disadvantage is significant restrictions on the installation site: you either have to put the tap where the pipes were made during construction, or redo the communications, which is associated with great inconvenience and cost. On the other hand, such taps are usually used for bathtubs and showers, and in modern bathrooms, typically there are no problems with unsuccessful installation of pipes.
Tap height
The height of the tap, measured from its base or lowest point to the highest point of the spout. The height of the spout partly determines the installation possibilities — in fact, this is the minimum vertical free space that is required for the tap. In addition, in models with horizontal installation (see "Type of installation"), the spout height is related to the jet height (see below).
Manufacturer's warranty
The warranty period claimed by the manufacturer for a certain tap model is the period during which the manufacturer guarantees the normal operation of the device. The specific terms of the warranty may vary, however, usually, it covers factory defects and malfunctions caused by the fault of the manufacturer or seller and discovered during normal use, without violating the rules; if such defects or malfunctions appear during the warranty period, the manufacturer undertakes the obligation to correct the situation at its own expense — up to replacing the tap with a working one.
Nowadays, you can find taps with a guarantee of
4 years,
5 years,
7 years,
10 years and even
25 years. In general, the longer the warranty period, the more reliable the product is, the higher its overall quality, ceteris paribus, but the more expensive it will cost compared to analogues.
