What Is a Faucet?

Faucet is an accessory that connects to your plumbing system and lets you use water from it. It is often used in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. It usually has two handles - one for hot and another for cold water.

Modern faucets have improved a lot since they were first designed in the late 1800s. They now offer a variety of features, including adjustable sprayers and levers that allow you to turn off the water with one hand while keeping your other hand over the sink bowl to catch dripping water.

A faucet's construction is usually a metal or ceramic body that can be plated with brass, nickel or chrome. These finishes are applied through a process known as physical vapor deposition (PVD).
Finishes can be sprayed on with a clear polymer or epoxy plastic with color added, depending on the design. Decorative finishes can also be achieved by powder-coating, which is applied with a dry powder that cures when exposed to heat.
There are also some faucets with built-in filters to help you avoid contaminants in your water. These are especially popular in commercial settings.