Blog Layout

Bathroom Faucet Types and How to Identify Them
Sep 01, 2017
Bathroom Faucet Types and How to Identify Them

Whether you're renovating your bathroom, need some new plumbing fixtures or just need to find replacement parts for a leaky faucet, knowing what type of faucet you have is critical. The more you know about your current faucet, the easier it will be to find replacement parts or to decide on a new model.
Bathroom faucets can be categorized by several criteria, such as the type of mount or the internal function of the faucet. Here are the basics of each of these and how to tell which category your faucet falls into, as well as what that means for your renovation or replacement faucet.

Mounting
The biggest dividing factor in this category is how many holes must be drilled into your sink/vanity to install the faucet. Here are the details:
Wall-Mount Faucets
If your chosen faucet style is mounted on the wall, good news! You don't need any holes drilled into your sink's countertop. It's not necessarily a snap to install just because no holes need to be drilled, though. It does require extra hardware for its mount and if your current sink has holes drilled already, that will be another issue you'll have to deal with.
Center-Set and Widespread
This type of faucet will be more likely to work with a sink that already has holes drilled. Center-set faucets use three holes, at fairly standard distances apart, whereas widespread faucets feature handles that are much more distant from the spout. This means that widespread models are less likely to work with the kind of bathroom sink that has pre-drilled holes.
Single Hole
These faucets tend to feature a more minimalistic design, using a single hole and a slender faucet unit. Instead of separate faucet handles, these models may use a lever.
Function
When you're identifying your current bathroom faucet, either because you're looking for replacement parts or because you want to compare it to newer models so you can replace it, you'll need to consider its function as well. The internal workings of a faucet are what determine whether it's a reliable, modern model or an older design that's likely to be giving you trouble. Here are the details on different faucet categories by function.
Single-Handle Faucets by Function
Three types of bathroom faucets are likely to have a single handle: the ball, disc and single handle cartridge types. You can tell if you have a ball type if the handle rotates, wiggles and coasts in any direction like a joystick on what looks like a ball set into the top of the faucet.
You can tell the disc type apart because the handle doesn't move like a joystick. It can be lifted up and down and it can rotate back and forth, but it doesn't tilt and coast like the ball type. The single-handle cartridge type is similar to the disc type, but the disc type is more likely to be a high-end faucet with a stouter body.
Double-Handle Faucets by Function
The double-handle cartridge faucet and the compression faucet fall into this slot. Fortunately, they're relatively easy to tell apart. The compression type is an older design that requires more physical force to use. As you're turning the water off, you may feel like you're tightening a screw because that's basically how the mechanism works. The handles may have to turn several times to get the water to shut off.
The double-handle cartridge type is easier to use, doesn't require as many turns and doesn't have varying degrees of tension.
As you can see, there's more variation between bathroom sink faucets than just the one handle vs. two question and the all-important question of finish. These facts will help you learn more about the faucet you have and make informed decisions about repairs, replacements or installation.
Universal Plumbing Supply Co. is eager to help you find 
the parts you need and to answer any additional questions you may have. Simply call them at 713-225-2800 today.

Plumbing fixtures
29 Jun, 2018
If you want to upgrade your home without undergoing a major remodel, consider upgrading a few common plumbing fixtures. You can make a difference in the appearance of your kitchen, bathroom, or other areas of your home by updating the following plumbing fixtures in your home.
Plumbing fixtures
29 Apr, 2018
Plumbing is an imperative part of your home's function and family's needs. From washing clothes and taking a shower to doing the daily dishes and disposing of waste, it is easy to see the importance of your showers, tubs, toilets, faucets, sinks, and plumbing and septic lines. Your standard plumbing fixtures and appliances use a great deal of water and energy, which can negatively affect the environment while increasing your monthly water and electricity bills. Thankfully, help is available. With these eco-friendly plumbing fixtures , you can conserve water, energy, and money.
Record old well pump
28 Feb, 2018
Is it time to change out your pump and pressure tank on your well water system? There are several ways to ensure your water system is suitable and reliable after the swap. Here's what you should do. 
Tankless water heater
26 Dec, 2017
If you have a vacation home that you only spend a few weeks in each year and it is time to replace the hot water heater, then you should consider installing a tankless hot water heater instead of a conventional hot water tank. Tankless water heaters work well in every home, but they are an especially great choice for vacation homes. This post lists four reasons you should install a tankless water heater in your vacation home.
PVC piping at home
31 Oct, 2017
CPVC (Chlorinated Poly Vinyl Chloride) pipe is a type of plastic pipe that can be used for water supply lines inside your home, as opposed to PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) pipe, which is only suitable for drainage. This type of pipe has many advantages over galvanized steel or copper pipe. The material itself is less expensive and installation is less labor intensive than either of the metallic options. CPVC pipe will not rust or corrode from age or exposure to harsh contaminants in the local water supply, and can connect easily to existing galvanized or copper lines through the use of conversion fittings that are specially designed for that use. Best of all, installation of CPVC piping involves the use of a type of adhesive cement for connections, eliminating the need for soldering as with copper pipe or wrestling with heavy galvanized pipe to make threaded connections.
Water heater
01 Sep, 2017
Warm water is a homeowner’s favorite comfort, but it’s one that's often taken for granted. When you're between water heaters or when your heater is malfunctioning and won't supply you with hot showers, you can't take it for granted; you have to think seriously about choosing a replacement. The replacement water heater you choose should fit your volume needs, your budget, and your living situation. Here are some tips for how to choose based on these variables.
Gas water heater
03 Mar, 2017
A gas water heater is an excellent addition to a home when you need a reliable source of warm, clean water. However, it may break down eventually. In which case, you need to be able to perform some basic maintenance.
Sewer Snake
01 Jan, 2017
A sewer snake is a flexible wire you can send down a drain to break apart any troublesome clogs. It is a simple way to remove clogs in your home. With so many advantages to be gained, it is worth considering the next time you have drainage problems.
Tankless versus normal water heaters
29 Oct, 2016
There’s a whole debate out there on whether it’s best to purchase a water heater with a tank or one that is tankless. However, the truth is that both have advantages. Therefore, when it comes down to the final purchase, it is entirely up to the homeowners’ personal preferences. Some simple tips can help assist in the choice. Space - For the installation of a water heater, homeowners should first consider the amount of space they have. The size of the space where the water heater has to be located can be a determining factor of which type to purchase. Budget - Homeowner budgets have a large impact on which water heater to choose. The cost of water heaters varies depending on the capacity of the heater. Other factors include short-term savings versus long-term savings. Installation - Both tanked and tankless water heaters require installation by a licensed plumber. Depending the age of the home and the wiring, one type water heater may be recommended over another, especially if any additional wiring may be required to be in compliance with local building codes. After homeowners have all the information, they can then make an informed decision on which type of water heater to purchase. To find the right water heater for your home, contact Universal Plumbing Supply at 713-225-2800.
PVC Piping
16 Aug, 2016
When the pipes in your building are on their last legs, it is time to get a replacement. One option to consider is PVC piping for the variety of advantages it offers.
Share by: