What Is A Ceramic Disk Bathroom Faucet?

Bathroom faucets are classified by the type of valve that controls the water flow when you turn the faucet on and off.

There are four main types of faucets in use:

• Compression valves use a rubber washer at the base of the valve that compresses against a valve seat to shut off the water flow. They're prone to leaking because the rubber grinds against the valve seat as it is compressed, causing the rubber to wear and eventually not seal completely.
• Ball valves use a plastic or metal ball that rotates in place to seal the valve and stop the flow of water. They are designed to be nearly maintenance free, but plastic ball valves will eventually wear out and need to be replaced.
• Cartridge valves contain all the moving parts of the valve within a cartridge that that holds rubber o-rings. A cartridge valve faucet is very reliable, and if something does go wring, repairing it is a matter of replacing the cartridge.
• Ceramic disk faucets are the fourth type of faucet. Unlike the other faucet valve types, each of which use rubber washers or o-rings to seal the valve when it is closed, ceramic disk faucets use two ceramic disks that are polished to perfect flatness as a seal.

Ceramic disk bathroom faucets are generally considered to be the most desirable option when choosing a bathroom faucet, though they are also the most expensive. They are found in most mid-range to high-end faucets and are chosen because they are virtually maintenance free. The most common cause of a leaky ceramic disk faucet is dirt or grit around the moving parts, and is easily repaired by removing the disk cartridge and cleaning around it.

The ceramic disk faucet was patented in the early 1970s by Wolvering Brass. Originally used in high end European faucet models, they've become the standard for use and are now available from American Standard, Kohler, Price Pfister and many other American bathroom faucet manufacturers. A ceramic disk bathroom faucet is designed to last a lifetime, and the price reflects that - most ceramic faucets are in the mid to upper price ranges, starting at about $200. If the ceramic disks should become scored so that the seal is no longer watertight, the entire ceramic disk cartridge must be replaced for a cost of $20-$30.






 

Do it yourself ideas :: Residential hardware :: Home & bath design ::
Outdoor residential repairs :: Outdoor landscaping

©, BC Bathroom Faucets.com
All rights reserved worldwide. Always consult a professional before installing any new appliance. The content on this site is the authors opinion only.

Disclaimers

All about faucets for the bathroom

Where to buy