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.
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.
Material
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Brass. Alloy based on copper and zinc; at a relatively low price, it has good strength and corrosion resistance, due to which it has become widespread.
— Silumin. An alloy based on a combination of aluminium and silicon; it has good hardness and oxidation resistance, but it is rather brittle, and therefore it is used mainly in inexpensive models.
— Stainless steel. The most common material for inexpensive models. Steel is inexpensive and at the same time has high strength. Its disadvantage is a certain tendency to corrosion (especially with processing defects, even small ones), which practically does not affect everyday use, but can affect the durability of the tap.
— Zinc. Zinc products are similar in their main properties to the silumin products described above: on the one hand, they are inexpensive, on the other hand, they are quite fragile and not particularly durable. In addition, zinc is believed to be prone to corrosion, which can eventually degrade the properties of the water coming from such a tap and make this material unsuitable for kitchen use. Therefore, zinc bodies are not common, mainly among inexpensive bath and shower taps.
— Plastic. The simplest material used in the manufacture of taps. Due to its weak strength, it is not durable, but it does not rust. It is appropriate to use for sinks of rare use — for example, for a country house.
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).
