| If you are a home owner, one of these days, due to | | | | ones that use knobs, which you have to turn left and |
| wear and tear, you're going to have to replace the | | | | right. To control the flow of water, these faucets |
| faucet for your shower or tub. | | | | have a movable cartridge within the stem. These |
| Since this sort of stuff happens very infrequently, it | | | | don't require lots of maintenance and last a long time |
| can really confuse us as to what to do and where to | | | | because there are less movable parts. |
| start. | | | | Compression - These are the oldest and most |
| But replacing your bathroom or shower faucet can | | | | common types of valves. They have a stem held in |
| be a rather straightforward task if you can be | | | | place with a plastic or rubber washer, which nests |
| decisive about what type to get. | | | | into a metal (typically brass) seat. As you turn the |
| When shopping for your new faucets, you will see | | | | knob left, the stem rises and allows water to flow. |
| these four common types of faucets. It's helpful to | | | | As you turn the knob right, the stem lowers and |
| know a little about each one so that you can make | | | | pushes the washer into the seat, stopping water |
| an informed decision as to which one to get. | | | | flow. These faucets are inexpensive, and there's a |
| Cartridge - These have a rather distinct look them to | | | | reason for it. The washers often wear out and this |
| them as the knob used to release and stop water | | | | causes leaks. They can be quick to repair, but special |
| move up and down. Contrast this to the traditional | | | | tools are required. |