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A faucet is a device for delivering water from a plumbing system. It can consist of the following components: spout, handle(s), lift rod, cartridge, aerator, mixing up chamber, and drinking water inlets. Once the handle is turned on, the valve starts and handles this movement modification under any temperature or normal water condition. The faucet is usually manufactured from brass, though die-cast zinc and chrome-plated plastic are being used also.

Nearly all home faucets are sole or dual-control cartridge faucets. Some single-control types use a plastic or metal core, which operates vertically. Others use a steel ball, with spring-loaded plastic seals recessed in to the faucet body. The less expensive dual-control faucets contain nylon cartridges with rubber seals. Some faucets have a ceramic-disc cartridge that is a lot more durable.

Faucets must adhere to water conservation laws. In the United States, bathtub basin faucets are now limited to 2 gal (7.6 L) of normal water per minute, while shower and tub faucets are limited to 2.5 gal (9.5 L).

Faucets run typically eight minutes per capita per day (pcd), relating to a report by the North american Water Works Association Research Groundwork completed in 1999 that was based on normal water use data collected from 1,188 residences. In daily pcd use indoor normal water use was at 69 gal (261 L), with faucet use third highest at 11 gal (41.6 L) pcd. In residences with water-conserving fittings, faucets shifted up to second at 11 gal (41.6 L) pcd. Faucet use was tightly related to to household size. The addition of teens and adults increases water use. Tap use is also negatively related to the amount of persons working outside the home and is lower for those who have an automatic dishwasher.The making process for faucets has become computerized highly, with computers controlling almost all of the machines. Productivity and efficiency have thus improved upon over time.

Output and efficiency have upgraded over the years. The essential process includes forming the key body of the faucet (some-times like the spout if no swivel is necessary), applying a finish, and then assembling the various components, followed by product packaging and inspection. The faucet industry in addition has been impacted by environmental regulations, which have required special processes to be developed.