Handle design
The shape of the handles provided in the design of the tap of the corresponding type — usually two-valve (see "Tap type").
This feature mainly affects the appearance of the structure, but different design options also have practical application features:
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Cross. Gates in the form of classic four-pointed crosses are the most popular design nowadays. It is great for retro-style taps, but can also be used in more modern designs. However, the main advantage of this option is the presence of reliable stops under the fingers, which makes cross handles very convenient to use. This is primarily due to their popularity. The disadvantages of "crosses" include some difficulty in cleaning due to the abundance of protruding parts; however, to facilitate this task, the bars of such a handle can be made removable.
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Round. This category includes both strictly round valves and parts that have small protrusions or recesses for a more secure grip (and in the first case, for the same purpose, a special notch may be provided around the circumference of the valve). Anyway, the main advantages of round products are a neat appearance and maximum ease of cleaning. On the other hand, this shape is the least secure to hold, requires a tight grip, and is most likely to slip the handle in the hand when turning. However, most often modern taps do not require much effort, and this moment is not particula
...rly critical.
— Triangular. Handles with three pronounced cutouts or protrusions. The specific shape may be different: some models are very close to round, others have the shape of triangles, others differ from cross handles only in the number of rays. The stronger the shape of such a handle differs from a circle, the more reliable it is to hold. On the other hand, sometimes the best option in terms of design are more rounded models.
— Square. Handles with four pronounced cutouts or projections. Note that a strictly square shape is rare, mainly in expensive designer taps (in fact, for design reasons, it is used in them). Much more popular are "square" handles in the form of a kind of star with four rays/petals. This is a kind of compromise between round and cross-shaped: the handle turns out to be more secure in holding than round, and more convenient to clean than the "cross".
— Polygonal. "Handles with corners", not related to the triangular or squared described above. The most popular type of such parts is round rotary knobs with a set of protrusions — “rays” (from 5 or more) for reliable retention; however, there are also more specific options — for example, an oblate polygon that resembles a figure eight.
— Oval. Handles having an oval or close to it shape (for example, a rectangle with rounded corners). One of the options for this design is bath and shower taps, in which the body has a horizontal layout and elongated proportions, and the handles are located on the side ends of the body and are actually its continuation. Another option is a round handle shape with a flat cut on one edge for added retention. There are other, more specific options. However, anyway, "ovals" are rarely used, mainly among designer-level taps, and the role of this form is more aesthetic than practical.Stop valve
Material and design features of the valve(s) responsible for opening and closing water in the faucet.
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Rubber. Material for valves in inexpensive single and double-handle faucets (see "Faucet Type"). Rubber is low-cost, easy to replace, and resistant to water with impurities (unlike ceramics). On the other hand, rubber valves have a relatively short lifespan — as they wear out, they begin to leak and need to be replaced from time to time.
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Ceramic. These valves are based on a pair of metal-ceramic plates polished for maximum contact and sealing. They can be used in both handle and lever faucets (see "Faucet Type"). This material is much more durable than rubber, and in the case of a single-lever faucet, it also makes adjustment easier, as the friction between the plates is minimal, making it much easier to move the lever than with a ball valve. The downside of ceramics is their sensitivity to water contamination with solid particles — if they get between the plates, they can compromise the valve's seal. Therefore, it is recommended to install filters before such faucets.
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Electromagnetic. A type of valve used in all contactless faucets (see "Faucet Type"), as well as some models of other designs — in particular, button and single-lever with touch. As the name suggests, an electromagnet is responsible for opening and closing the water in such mode
...ls. In most models, the valve has only two positions — "open" and "closed" — and does not allow for pressure adjustment. However, a temperature regulator may be provided — for example, in the form of a corresponding lever (see above). Electromagnetic valves are quite efficient but expensive, and they also require external power to operate.
— Ball. A type of valve originally developed for single-lever faucets (hence the tendency to call such devices "ball valves," which is technically incorrect). This valve is based on a spherical element with a special slot through which water is supplied; as the lever moves, the slot takes different positions, determining the water pressure and temperature. In household faucets, this type of valve is considered outdated and is used very rarely.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.
