History Of Faucets

Plumbing systems have already existed during ancient times. In fact, at around 1700 BC, The Minoan Palace of Knossos in Crete first featured a terra cotta-based piping that provided water for faucets, as well as faucets made of marble, gold and silver. During the Roman period, personal bathrooms and lead pipes have already existed (1000 BC - 476 AD). Rome's public baths were already equipped with silver faucets along with fixtures made of gold and marble.

Since then, public systems have changed, including faucets. For many decades, faucets had two handles - one for hot water, and the other for cold water. In 1937, however, this design changed, and this change was initiated by a college student named Al Moen. One fine day in 1937, he turned the faucet handle to wash his hands but scalded them since the water came too hot. This gave him the idea of designing a single-handle faucet.

Between 1940 and 1945, he designed various kinds of faucets: from a double-valve faucet to a cylindrical design, and finally he sold his first single handle mixing faucet in the latter part of 1947. By 1959, his design was used in a million homes in the United States and sold in around 55 countries all over the world. Today, single-handle faucets are popular and can be found in about 50% of American homes.

Aside from single-handed faucets, Al Moen also came up with other inventions in his lifetime, which included the replaceable cartridge (to eliminate washers in the faucets), push-button shower valve diverter, screen aerator, flow control aerator, pressure balancing shower valves and swivel spray. Aside from Al Moen, Landis Perry was also involved in doing innovative faucet designs. In 1945, he designed his first faucet ball valve which aimed at providing a combined blending control and volume with an effective means for sealing valve elements. This design was patented in 1952 and was first introduced in 1954 by Delta faucets (who bought the patent beforehand). Four years henceforth, their sales topped a whooping $1 million.

About two decades later, Wolvering Brass patented the ceramic disk for water control. Unlike rubber-based cartridges, ceramic discs are lapped and polished in such a way that their flatness is only measured in light bands. Ceramic disks tend to last a lot longer than cartridges since they have high wear resistance and are able to provide a more accurate control. These disks are widely used today.

More recent innovations in faucets include built-in cartridges used to reducing the level of lead, cysts and chlorine, built-in pull out sprays, electronic faucets as well as those designed for disabled people. Electronic faucets were introduced in the early 1980's for hygienic and water conservation purposes, and come with infrared beams that detect motion. When a person happens to put his hand underneath the faucet, the infrared beam is disrupted, and this disruption triggers the water to run. In addition, battery-operated electronic faucets have also been distributed. More developments will surely come in and improve the lives of many homeowners.

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How Do Water Filter Faucets Work And How Important Is Water Filtration and Purification?

Water filter faucets usually come with filtration systems that are stored under the sink, but some countertop models offer this option as well. Regardless of which system you choose, making the decision to filter the water that you drink and shower in is a wise one with enormous health benefits.

Faucets for water filters produce H20 that is purified and better tasting than what comes out of your main valve. This is because conventionally treated water is neither very safe nor very clean.

Chlorine is the main contaminant in H20, used because it is a cheap sanitizer. However, this chemical has been linked to cancer, aggravates allergies, and speeds up the aging process. Unfortunately, it has not been linked to an impressively high rate of success; chlorine is not a very effective sanitizer, and pathogens often end up in your glass.

Faucets for water filtration systems produce H20 that has been purified of chlorine. Additionally, lead, sediment, pesticides, and agricultural waste are also elements that are removed from H20 in order to make it safer and healthier.

Water filter faucets are one of two POU (point of use) systems that you can have in your kitchen sink area. Under the sink models generally require separate faucets for water filters, the thin spout that most people recognize.

However, you usually don't need separate faucets for water filtration systems if you have a countertop model. This type of system has a spigot that attaches to your main faucet. If you want purified H20, you press a button or move a valve to access it.

When it comes down to water filter faucets versus countertop models, it really is a matter of personal preference. Separate faucets for water filters can be preferable for people who don't have the counter space for a topside unit or don't like the look of a unit sitting out in plain sight. For them, an under the sink unit may be preferable.

However, faucets for water filtration systems require installation, and this may take twenty minutes or so, plus tools and mechanical aptitude. Some people prefer a countertop system because installation generally requires just snapping a valve onto the main faucet and only takes a minute or so. Also, some people have absolutely no space under their sinks and prefer a countertop model.

Whether you want water filter faucets in your home or prefer a countertop system, the important thing to consider is the quality of the overall H20 purification system you are purchasing. The absolute best type of unit you can purchase is one that contains a multi-step, dual filter system.

Faucets for water filters that only contain one strainer have a tendency to not remove all contaminants from H20. If that one strainer becomes blocked, contaminants can slip into your drinking supply. Having two strainers ensures that all unwanted elements are removed.

Typically the first strainer catches larger elements such as sediment while the second one blocks molecularly smaller chemicals and particles. Faucets for water filtration systems attached to a multi-step processing unit give you the cleanest and safest H20 you can drink.

Whether you choose water filter faucets or under the sink models for your home, be certain to purchase a multi-step unit that is capable of stopping anything unpleasant from ending up in your glass.

Martin Spencer is a health researcher who has been studying water filtration for over 25 years. He is a regular contributor to Water Purification Guide, a site dedicated to various methods of treating and purifying water. Learn about the best faucets for water filters on our site.

Classy Bathroom Faucets Bring Amazing Life to a New Bathroom Vanity

Are you an excellent do it yourselfer? If so, then remodeling your bathroom may be an excellent home job that could be enjoyable and rewarding for you. The bathroom is usually the smallest room in your home and if you have any doubts at all regarding your abilities, such as plumbing, electrical, etc. then you may want consider having professionals do the remodeling job for you. Regardless of the task, whether it's installing a bathroom vanity, bathroom showers, bathroom faucets, bathroom sinks or even shower curtain rods, they all take some type of specialized skill. When it comes to compiling a list of the professionals required you will need a flooring installer, painter, bathroom vanity installer, electrician, tiler, and a plumber.

The bathroom can be a showcase of your wildest creativity. You may choose to do a cosmetic redecorating job only or a full remodeling job. One thing about a bathroom, when it comes to wallpaper or paint, this room is usually more receptive to colors that you wouldn't normally use in any other room in the house. Sometimes materials that are prohibitively expensive when it comes to decorating larger areas in your home will fit into your bathroom-decorating budget. In new homes, special attention is being given to large bathrooms with custom bathroom shower stalls, multiple-sink bathroom vanities, toilet and bidet combinations, custom tile work, and huge walk-in closets.

One thing to remember is that there are always the basic necessities when it comes to a bathroom such as a sink, tub, shower and toilet. The extra accessories are always nice and when it comes to redecorating your bathroom the sky is the limit! Consider the following custom touches such as a claw-foot bathtub, a sunken whirlpool tub, and one of your least expensive alternatives are pre-molded fiberglass bathroom shower stalls and tubs. Regardless of what theme you choose for your bathroom, it's important to have fun and create a bathroom just for you!

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Selecting the Right Kitchen Faucet for Your Sink

Today’s “must have” kitchen upgrade is the kitchen faucet. Faucets have been revolutionized to be the “star” of the kitchen. Manufacturers have made faucets more stylish and versatile than ever, while keeping the needed functionality consumers demand.

Kitchen faucets come in a variety of styles, finishes, shapes, and sizes. Options include sprayers, matching soap dispensers, hot water dispensers, and escutcheons/ deckplates. Each of these options requires a separate mounting hole. The most important thing to know before buying a kitchen faucet is knowing the type of sink that the faucet will be used with:

• The style of the sink. Are you matching the sink color?
• Does your sink have 3 or 4 mounting holes?
• What is the the space between the holes?
• Is the faucet spout long enough to reach the center of the bowl? Size the faucet to complement the sink, not overwhelm it.
• Do you have extra mounting holes for desired accessories: soap and/or lotion dispenser, sprayer, hot water dispenser, etc.?

Faucets today have many finish options available to suit any décor. Some options include; chrome, polished brass, chrome/brass, brushed nickel, satin nickel, French gold, brushed chrome, oil rubbed bronze, weathered copper, French bronze, pewter, white, almond, biscuit, satine, and platinum.

One of the most important things to remember about finishes is that each manufacturer’s finishing process is different, and the color will vary slightly. To ensure that all the faucets and accessories match, buy them from the same manufacturer. Most manufacturers have made choosing easy by offering beautiful collections of related kitchen accessories such as, soap dispensers, cutting boards and bottom grid racks.

Visit http://www.faucet.com for a wide variety of quality kitchen faucets and sinks. Call and speak with one of our product specialists to find the right faucet for your kitchen.