Compression Valve Faucets
Compression valve faucets are noticeable by separate hot and cold water handles. They are the oldest and simplest form of valve, controlling the water by turning a screw-like handle that compresses a valve against a seal, usually a rubber washer. These valves tend to wear out the fastest, causing dripping faucets. However, they are usually easy to maintain.

Ball Valves
Ball valves are in single lever faucets. Slots within the ball valve regulate and mix the hot and cold water flow through the back and forth, side to side motion of the lever on top of the valve body. These valves don’t have washers but do have more parts making them a bit more complex.

Cartridge Valve Faucets
Cartridge valve faucets use a brass and plastic cartridge that is more reliable than the washer system used in compression faucets. There are also fewer problems with this type of faucet because they aren’t as complex as the other types of valves. This also means they are easier to repair when something does go wrong.

Ceramic Disc Faucet Valves
A ceramic disc faucet valve uses two highly polished and very hard ceramic disks that slide across each other. This movement controls the water flow by opening or restricting the passage of water through openings in the disk. This type of faucet construction is considered the most durable and long-lasting. However, it is more expensive than other types of valves to fix when something goes wrong.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Choosing a Faucet
Now that we’ve discussed the many different types and styles of faucets you have to choose from, we will discuss some of the basic considerations you need to think of when choosing one of them.

When possible, choose a faucet and sink together. This can help you avoid potential problems that could come up if the two fixtures are purchased separately. The sink also needs to have enough holes to accommodate the faucet you choose. Both will also need to match the countertop, if your faucet will be mounted on the countertop surface.

If you are just buying a new faucet, then your options are limited to your existing sink’s configuration.

The bottom line is, whenever possible, choose a faucet and sink together that will work well together to avoid headaches and product returns.

Single-lever faucets offer several conveniences that include the ability to have one free hand to hold dishes, food or anything else while the other can make adjustments the water control. Two-handled faucets require you to use both hands to turn on the water and regulate temperatures.

There are also fewer requirements for faucet holes, which means fewer holes needed to be drilled into the countertop. This also means an easier and cheaper countertop installation, especially if you have a stone countertop.

Choose a faucet size that complements your sink. A large faucet will tend to overpower a small sink, while the opposite is true when a small faucet is used with a large, three-bowl sink.

Make sure the faucet you choose has adequate reach, meaning that it can swing in an arc large enough to dispense water to a good portion of the sink’s basins. The faucet’s reach is determined by the horizontal distance from the spout opening to where it connects to the sink or countertop.

In regards to pull-out and pull-down faucets, this isn’t really an issue because these features effectively increase the range of where the water can be delivered.

When possible, choose your faucet before your countertops. Custom countertops require the knowledge of how many holes your faucet configuration will require ahead of time. This doesn’t mean that additional holes can’t be drilled after the countertops are installed, but it may require more hassle and cost than if they are made and installed pre-drilled for the kind of faucet you plan on installing.

Faucet Technologies
Even though the main purpose of a kitchen faucet is to deliver water, with current faucet technology, today’s faucets do offer an amazing array of conveniences and functional options.

You owe it to yourself to look into all of the new advancements in kitchen faucets before making a decision. Some of the advancements in kitchen faucet technology include: