Faucet — fixture valve that controls water flow at home

A faucet is a plumbing fixture valve that controls water flow and temperature at sinks, tubs, showers, and outdoor spouts.

Faucet diagram — labeled parts, dimensions, and installation context

What It Is

A faucet is the fixture you operate to start, stop, and mix water at the point of use. Inside the body, valves or cartridges control how water moves from the supply lines to the spout.

Types

Common residential types include compression, ball, cartridge, and ceramic-disk faucets, along with single-handle and two-handle designs. Kitchen, bathroom, tub, and outdoor faucets also vary by mounting style.

Where It Is Used

Faucets are used at kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks, tubs, showers, utility sinks, bars, and hose connections. The exact style depends on the fixture and how the water will be used.

How to Identify One

Any visible fixture with a handle or handles that dispenses water is a faucet. To identify repair parts, note the brand, handle count, and mounting style.

Replacement

Replacement is common when the body cracks, the finish corrodes badly, parts are unavailable, or ongoing leaks make repair uneconomical. Supply tubes and mounting seals are often replaced at the same time.

Faucet — FAQ

What does a faucet do?

It controls water flow and temperature at sinks, tubs, showers, and outdoor spouts. In a home, that helps the surrounding system work the way it should.

How can I tell if a faucet needs attention?

Drips, low flow, stiff handles, wobbling, and leaks under the sink are the usual warning signs. A cracked or badly corroded body is a strong reason to replace rather than repair.

Can I replace a faucet myself?

Many sink faucets are DIY-friendly if the shutoff valves work and the mounting nuts are accessible. Tub and shower faucets vary more because the valve body may be inside the wall.

How much does faucet repair or replacement cost?

Basic faucets can be inexpensive, but premium finishes and pull-down models cost more. Installed cost rises when old shutoffs, supply lines, or deck openings need additional work.