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WASHERLESS FAUCETS INTRODUCTION

Washer less faucets are, as mentioned earlier, always of the single-handle type, and though termed washerless they are not -- they have replaceable parts, including a part that resembles a washer.

The washerless faucet comes in two basic styles -- ball and cartridge -- and both work essentially the same way. On the ball type, the water emerges from either of two holes in the faucet body; the holes contain springs and washerlike pieces. When in the off position, the ball is located -- manipulated by the single handle -- so that its solid parts block the water ports. To turn it on, the ball is manipulated so that holes in the ball align with the water ports and the water flows through them and out the spout.

The same thing happens with the cartridge type, which is a one-piece cylinder with holes on one end. When these holes are aligned with the water ports, the water flows.

Though individual parts are available for cartridge and ball faucets, the best bet when repair is needed is to get a new cartridge, or the complete kit for replacing all parts of the faucet.

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