Spigots, faucets, and taps are fixtures that complement our applications. They make water accessible for us from the source to our homes. They are often taken as the same products or different names of a single item. Their structure and work make them stand poles apart. These products are an outcome of revolutions in the plumbing industry. Here are the spigots vs. faucets vs. taps differences.
What is a Spigot?
A spigot manages liquid flow from a container, like a water tank. It consists of a slight tap or valve that we can turn on or off to start or stop the liquid flow. Spigots are standard in outdoor water tanks, garden hoses, or kitchen sinks.
Consider having a water tank in your backyard. You can attach a spigot to the bottom to get the water out of the tank. The spigot has a handle that you can turn. When you turn the handle, the spigot opens up, allowing the water to flow. When you’re done, you can return the handle to its original position to close the spigot and stop the flow.
Spigots are handy because they let us control the amount of liquid in a container. If you’re filling up a bucket from a water tank, you can open the spigot enough for a stream of water into the bucket. You can close the spigot without turning off the water supply if you want a temporary flow stop.
What is a Faucet?
Also called a tap, it is a device that maintains water flow in our homes. It is applicable in the kitchen, bathroom, or other areas where we need water. A faucet uses to wash our hands, get a drink, or fill a container with water.
A faucet consists of a spout or nozzle where the water comes out. Turning the handle opens a valve inside the faucet, allowing water to flow. The more we turn the handle, the more the valve opens and the faster the water flows. When we turn the handle back, the closure of the valve stops the flow.
Faucets connect to a plumbing system in our homes. This plumbing system joins with a water source, such as a reservoir or water supply. When we open the faucet, water travels through pipes and emerges from the spout.
What is a Tap?
A tap implements the regulation of water in sinks or gardens. It mounts in the kitchen or bathroom and helps to get water for washing hands or cleaning dishes.
A tap consists of a handle or knob that we can turn to control the water flow. Turning the handle opens a valve inside the fixture, allowing water flow.
Taps also connect to a plumbing system that brings water into our homes. This plumbing system somewhere connects to a main supply of water. When we turn on the tap, water travels through pipes and emerges from the spout or nozzle.
Working Mechanism.
Working Mechanism of Spigots:
A spigot has a simple working mechanism. It consists of a slight tap or valve that we can turn on or off. When we turn the spigot’s handle or knob, it opens up the valve, allowing the fluid to flow out.
Turning back the spigot handle shuts the flow. It is like turning a key to open or close a door. Using a spigot, we can easily control the liquid from a water tank or a faucet.
Working Mechanism of Faucets:
A faucet’s working mechanism is relatively straightforward. It consists of a spout or nozzle where the water comes out and a handle or knob that we can turn to control the water flow. Turning the handle opens a valve inside the faucet, allowing water to flow.
This way, we can easily control water flow from the faucet to wash hands, get a drink, or fill a container with water.
Working Mechanism of Taps:
The tap has a handle or knob that we can turn. Turning the handle opens a valve inside the fixture, allowing water to flow. As we turn the handle, the valve responds by opening up wider and wider. It causes the water to rush out at a more rapid pace.
Types.
Types of Spigots:
Outdoor Spigot:
This type of spigot is applicable outside our homes. We use it for watering plants, filling buckets, or washing outdoor equipment.
Garden Hose Spigot:
This spigot is designed to attach a garden hose. It has a threaded outlet that allows us to connect a hose. It makes watering the garden or spraying water for various outdoor tasks easy.
Dispenser Spigot: This is on beverage dispensers like coolers or juice dispensers. It allows us to fill our cups or glasses with drinks quickly.
Types of Faucets:
Here are the most operated faucet types.
Compression Faucet:
This faucet has separate handles to control cold and hot water. They are durable but may develop leaks over time that need the replacement of the washer.
Ball Faucet:
Inside the tap is a ball with special openings that align with cold and hot water inlets. The ball rotates as the single handle turns, allowing desirable water combinations to flow. Ball faucets are durable and less prone to leaks.
Cartridge Faucet:
Cartridge faucets have a single handle but use a cartridge mechanism to control the flow. The cartridge contains movable parts that regulate the mixing of water. Cartridge faucets are famous for their smooth operation and ease of use.
Types of Taps:
Single Handle Tap:
This tap type has a single handle that manages the water flow and temperature. Handle turning adjusts the flow rate. The rotation controls the temperature to find the desired temperature.
Double Handle Tap:
Double-handle taps have segregated handles for cold and hot water. Each handle has independent control of flow and temperature.
Sensor Tap:
Sensor taps have built-in sensors that detect the presence of your hands or objects. When the sensor detects movement, it automatically turns on the flow. This type of tap works in places where touchless operation is best for hygienic purposes.
Applications:
Applications of Spigots:
- Spigots attach to water tanks or barrels allow us to fill buckets, cans, or jugs. This makes it convenient for cleaning, gardening, or collecting water for various purposes.
- They connect to water tanks or barrels to help fill buckets with water. This is useful for mopping floors, washing cars, or cleaning outdoor equipment.
- Spigots with attached hoses or spray nozzles work for outdoor cleaning. They allow you to clean outdoor furniture or vehicles by providing a steady water flow.
- In bathrooms and kitchens, they apply for washing hands. We can control the water flow and temperature to ensure our hands are clean and hygienic.
- They provide a water source for campers in camping areas or RV parks. They allow you to fill containers, wash dishes, or access water for various camping needs.
Applications of Faucets:
- Faucets are essential for washing fruits and vegetables, filling pots, or cleaning utensils.
- In bathrooms, they fill bathtubs or adjust the temperature in showers for a relaxing bath.
- They help in cleaning tasks like filling buckets for mopping the floor.
- Faucets with extendable nozzles or spray attachments keep indoor plants healthy.
- They fill water bowls or bathe our pets, keeping them clean and hydrated.
Applications of Taps:
- Taps assist in filling pots, dishwashing, and rinsing vegetables. They provide a convenient water source as kitchen taps for cooking and cleaning.
- Taps in gardens or outdoor areas allow easy access to water for watering plants or filling cans.
- They fill buckets with water when connected to water tanks or barrels. This is useful for mopping floors, washing cars, or cleaning outdoor equipment.
- We use taps with attached hoses or spray nozzles for outdoor cleaning. They can clean outdoor furniture, patio areas, or vehicles.
A List of General Differences Between Spigots, Faucets, and Taps.
Features. | Spigots. | Faucets. | Taps. |
Definition | Spigots manage the liquid flow from a container. | Faucets are devices we use in homes to pour water from the supply. | Taps serve the same function as spigots and faucets in houses. |
Location | Spigots lie outdoors. They attach to water tanks, barrels, or garden hoses. | Faucets install in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas where we need water. | Taps are present in sinks to manage outgoing water from reservoirs. |
Operation | Spigots have a handle or knob whose turning start or stops the liquid flow. | Faucets have a handle or knob which lets us manage flow and temperature. | Taps consist of a knob or handle to maintain and manage the water stream. |
Water Control | Spigots control liquids on/off flow without precise temperature adjustment. | Faucets provide more precise control and come with separate cold and hot handles. | Taps provide accurate flow and temperature management. They also come with twin handles for different temperatures. |
Design | Spigots have a basic design. They often consist of a valve or tap joining a container. | Faucets have evolved in multiple designs to match the decor and functionality of a specific area. | Several tap styles are available for the aesthetic needs of a particular space. |
Water Source | Spigots join to a water source such as a tank, barrel, or outdoor water supply. | Faucets connect to the plumbing system, which is linked to the main water supply in the house. | Faucets are fastened to the plumbing system, which links to the water source of the residence. |
Appearance | Spigots have a basic appearance. Their priority is functionality over aesthetics. | Faucets are visually appealing, with various finishes to match the decor. | Taps are not only practical but also aesthetically pleasing. Many styles are available to complement any decor. |
Common Applications | Watering plants, filling buckets, or washing outdoor equipment. | Drinking water, cooking, and cleaning bathrooms and kitchens. | Washing hands, drinking water, cooking, and cleaning bathrooms and kitchens. |
Conclusion:
The above differences show that spigots, faucets, and taps are different plumbing items. Their appearance is the first difference that makes each three of them unique. Their usage and demand kept changing over time. We can regard spigots as traditional while taps and faucets as modern trends. Yet, each one has its perks and demands in the industry.