A faucet controls water flow primarily through the interaction of its handle and internal valve.
Understanding the Mechanism
The basic function of a faucet is to allow you to start, stop, adjust the flow, and sometimes the temperature of water coming from your plumbing system. This is achieved through a coordinated mechanism:
- The Handle: This is the part you physically interact with. By moving the handle (turning, lifting, or tilting), you are initiating the process of controlling the water.
- The Valve: Located inside the faucet body, the valve is the critical component that directly regulates the water supply. It acts as a gatekeeper for the water lines (hot and cold).
According to the reference, the handle is manipulated to adjust the water's temperature and pressure, sending signals to the valve, which modulates the water flow through the faucet.
The Flow Path
Once the valve is adjusted by the handle, water is allowed to pass through:
- Water enters the faucet from the supply lines, directed by the valve.
- This water then travels up the faucet body and out through the spout, where its flow and direction are determined. The design of the spout and any attached aerator can further shape the stream and affect how much water comes out per minute.
In Summary
The handle acts as your input device, communicating your desired water settings (flow rate, temperature, pressure) to the internal valve. The valve then physically opens, closes, or partially restricts the water pathways to achieve those settings, allowing water to travel through the faucet body and exit the spout.
