Increasing urbanization and modern lifestyle require infrastructure development to adopt innovative technologies and provide an aesthetic, stylish way of living. This demand has also been rising in the sub-streams of the infrastructure and construction sector including plumbing systems. One of the important parts of the plumbing system is the faucets, which serve as a water flow regulation function at the user end.
Faucets are utilized in different sectors such as residential apartments, and commercial buildings where constant water supply and controlled water flow are required on a daily basis. Faucets are in constant need with ongoing new constructions and renovations at the same pace. With such high demand, the global faucet market is expected to reach USD 67.64 billion by 2030.
What is Faucet?
Faucets are simple devices that allow you to turn on and off water flow-based flow control mechanisms. It is a type of plumbing fixture which has a valve outlet device attached to a pipe that normally serves a sink or tub and can discharge hot water, cold water, or both.
A faucet consists of several components which include a spout, handles, lift rod, cartridge, aerator, mixing chamber, and water inlets. The material used for manufacturing faucet bodies is usually made of brass, though die-cast zinc and chrome-plated plastic are also used. The majority of the finishing components i.e. the outer body that make up a faucet are made of other metals or ceramics.
The basic process of faucet manufacturing consists of forming the main body of the faucet, applying a finish that provides resistance against corrosion, and last is assembling the various components, followed by inspection and packaging. This process for faucets production is highly equipped with advanced technology such as computers controlling most of the machines. Thus productivity and efficiency have improved over the years.
Types of Faucet
A faucet is a necessary functional part of your sink which provides a way to control and turn running water on and off in your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or other areas. The faucet may seem to work similarly, but it is very different on the inside. Depending on its inside structure there are four common types of faucets as below.
- Ball Faucets are the most commonly used in kitchen sinks. These types of faucets are washerless which means it does not use rubber or neoprene washers in the assembly. The ball Faucet has a single handle that moves over a rounded ball-shaped cap right above the base of the faucet spout. These are the least expensive types of faucets.
- Disc Faucets also known as ceramic disk faucets are used in bathrooms and kitchens. These faucets have a single lever over a wide cylindrical body. It uses a pressure balance cartridge that mixes hot and cold water inside a mixing chamber. These types of faucets are high quality, reliable, and durable.
- Cartridge Faucets have double handles which look almost indistinguishable from a compression washer faucet. It provides better and smooth action. The cartridge is considered durable and easy to replace, which means this type of faucet could need less maintenance than other types.
- Compression Washer Faucets are mostly opted-for Utility sinks and are usually found in older or traditional homes. It has separate hot and cold water handles. Compression washer faucets work by using a compression stem, which is a type of glorified screw with a washer at the end of it pressing against a valve seat. These faucets are considered to be more affordable.
Future Scope
Overall, the plumbing industry will continue to expand with an adaptation of new technology. Faucet manufacturers are focusing on adding value and quality to meet consumers' increasing demands. There will be a variety of styles and different ranges in prices with higher-end products becoming more popular as remodeling intensifies.
The demand for battery-operated electronic faucets is expected to continue, and their technology will continue to improve, making these faucets easier to repair and with improved operation due to fiber optics. With such improvements in technology, the electronic faucet will soon enter even the residential market as a part of smart home devices.
