FAUCETS: OLD VS. NEW
COMPRESSION
Cap
Handle Screw
Handle
Stem nut
Stem
Washer
Threads
Seat washer
Screw
Valve
Faucet body
WASHERLESS
Handle
Set screw
Cap
Screws
Cartridge
Neoprene Seals
Spout
Are new faucets more eco-friendly than old ones? In many cases (but not all), the answer is yes. The key mechanical differences between old and new technology is the method of turning water on and off. Older faucets relied on rubber compression washers or “o-rings.” The rubber would predictably lose its elasticity and need replacement. Newer, “washerless” faucets are generally more durable, but not leak proof. They still contain water-stopping parts that can fail and develop leaks (see inset). When a new faucet fails prematurely, you can often trace the problem to the brand. There are a lot of low-quality “knockoff” products in the marketplace. Hiring a plumber costs between $90 and $200 per hour, so paying more for a reputable brand-name faucet is probably the safest way to make sure you’re getting a “lifetime” product.
COOL CONCEPT
This conceptual faucet of the future probably isn’t far off the mark. Not only does it operate “hands free” like many commercial restroom faucets, but it also has an LED readout that provides instant feedback. It tells you how much water you’ve used, gives you the current flow rate and temperature, and compares your monthly average use in real time. The two ergonomic hot and cold dials allow you to adjust performance to exactly where you want it. The whole unit is made of brass with a chrome spray-on color finish, for long life and ease of reuse/recycling.
Source: Koolhaus Faucet, designed by Daniel Dobrogorsky
A modern faucet with a ceramic cartridge is only as good as its weakest component. When leaks develop, the real culprit may actually be one of the small parts that make up the assembly-not the ceramic cartridge itself.
65
02.2011
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84