Difference Between Faucet Vs Spigot Vs Tap

If you have ever wondered what the difference is between a Faucet and Vs Spigot and Vs Tap, you have come to the right place. Here we are, experts on everything related to water and plumbing, so we are more than happy to clear up any confusion you may have.

When it comes to household items that help you turn the water on and off, you have quite a selection to choose from. But many people don’t really know the difference between faucets, spigots, and taps. Are they the same thing? If not, what sets them apart from one another?

This blog will look at all three of them, to see the pros and cons, and how they are used in different scenarios.

Things You Must Know About Faucet Vs Spigot Vs Tap

There are many different types of faucets, spigots, and taps that you can use to dispense water in your home or business.

The first thing to understand is the difference between these three common terms. When many people hear the word faucet, they think of the tap they use in their kitchen or bathroom.

However, technically speaking, not all taps are faucets, but all faucets are taps! So, when we compare these three, we will always be comparing spigot vs tap vs faucet!

Faucets (What Are They?)

By definition of faucet is a household fixture that controls the flow of water. You can find them in your kitchen and bathroom sinks, as well as in your bathtub and shower.

In American English, the word “faucet” may be the most frequently used. Other words for faucet are faucett or fawcett, false, etc. as alternatives. The term faucet comes from the Old French word Fausset, which means spout.

The majority of faucets feature two handles: one for hot water and one for cold. There are also single-handled faucets that have a lever that you can move to control the temperature of the water.

There are different varieties of faucets, and they differ in terms of the design, number, and potential uses of their handles. The four most common types are ball faucets, disc faucets, cartridge faucets, and compression faucets.

On the other hand, traditional, transitional, and contemporary are the three basic groups into which faucet types fall.

How Do Faucets Dispense Water?

Faucets dispense water in one of two ways: they either have a handle that needs to be turned or they have a lever that needs to be pushed down. The type of faucet you have will depend on the type of sink you have.

If you have a sink with multiple holes, then you will need a faucet with multiple handles. If you have a single-hole sink, then you can choose between a single-handle or a lever faucet.

A single handle is easier to use because it only has one knob for controlling the flow of water. A lever faucet has more functionality because you can control the temperature of the water by turning it off when it gets too hot or too cold for your liking.

Spigots (What Are They?)

A spigot is a type of valve that controls the flow of water. Spigots are often used to control the flow of water from a hose or faucet. Spigots can also be referred to as sillcocks or hose bibs, although they all have the same purpose.

Spigots are also sometimes called valves. The word “spigot” is derived from the Latin word for “spica.” The majority of Americans from the South tend to use the word “spigot.”

A spigot may also be referred to as an outdoor faucet by some individuals. Spigots are put in so people may water their gardens more frequently. These spigots are installed in locations where hot and cold water are not necessary.

Spigots must deal with varying weather conditions because they are outside. Whether it’s the sweltering heat of summer or the icy grasp of winter, they are built to withstand the torture of flora and fauna.

Spigots come in different varieties, such as hose bibs, to which a hose can be attached, and frost-proof spigots, which install the valve in a special location on the fixture to prevent water from freezing in the part of the pipe that extends into the outside air by forcing the water to stay inside the building due to the position of the pipe.

A yard hydrant is another form of spigot; it has a long pipe that extends into the ground and a handle that may be used to pump water out of the earth.

From the other criteria, there are two types of spigots: those with a handle that must be turned and those with a lever that must be pushed.

How Do Spigots Dispense Water?

Spigots are designed to dispense water from a pressurized system, such as a city water supply.

It is usually fitted with a valve that can be opened or closed to allow water to flow through or be blocked off. Spigots are often used to dispense water from a hose or pipe and are often found on taps and faucets.

When water is turned on at the spigot, the valve is opened and water flows through the spigot and out the opening.

The amount of water that flows through the spigot can be controlled by adjusting the valve. When the valve is turned off, the water flow is stopped and the spigot is shut off.

Taps (What Are They?)

A water tap is another device used to direct the flow of water. Taps are often used in sinks, bathtubs, and showers.

The word “tap” is the most common one in British English. It largely replaced words like “faucet” and “spigot” in American English. The term “tap” is used to describe a device that can either allow water to flow freely or be tapped, like on a faucet in the United States.

Water tap types are varied, including those that are controlled by a handle, lever, or knob. Some taps also have a separate control for hot and cold water. Taps are usually made of metal, such as brass or stainless steel, but they can also be made of plastic.

Taps come in a variety of styles, but they all serve the same basic purpose. However, there are also under-sink taps that attach directly to the pipes below your sink for easy installation.

How Do Taps Dispense Water?

Taps are common in North America and dispense water by being turned to the left or right. The motion is stopped when the handle is in line with the spout.

When you want to turn the water off completely, you need to turn the handle perpendicular to the spout. Depending on the type of tap, there may be a separate lever or knob for hot and cold water.

To adjust the temperature, use the same hand that was holding the handle to press down on one of these controls.

Key Difference Between Faucet And Spigot And Tap

The main purpose of both of these fixtures, whether they are faucet vs spigot or faucet vs tap, is to regulate and release the water flow. This water supply is managed or dispensed from a water reservoir.

But the interior workings of these two appliances are different from one another. Given that both were created for various purposes and environments, their structural differences are obvious. Here’s a quick rundown of the key differences between faucets spigots, and taps:

Position Variation: Faucets are found in indoor plumbing fixtures like sinks, bathtubs, and showers, whereas spigots and taps are found outdoors.

Working Location:

Taps generally refer to faucets that are used for dispensing beer or other drinks from kegs, while spigots are typically used for drawing water from a hose or other container. And, faucets are used for cleaning and are installed over sinks or in bathroom showers.

A Difference In The Number of Handles:

A faucet usually has two handles – one for hot water and one for cold – whereas a spigot typically has just one handle. A tap usually has a single lever or knob that controls the flow of water.

How They Look:

Faucets also have two handles—one for hot water and one for cold—while spigots and taps usually just have one.

As faucets take place in the kitchen bathroom that is why it is pretty stylish in looking. But spigots or taps, as they are situated outdoors and have to face rough weather conditions, cold or hot, simply look like they are usually round in shape.

How They Operate:

When you open a spigot, a valve is opened that allows water to flow out. The water pressure in the system pushes the water through the valve and into your home.

In contrast, faucets are typically not connected to a pressurized system or lever and must be turned on by pushing or pulling on them. Taps can also be used for dispensing water, but they’re not as common because they don’t work with all types of plumbing systems.

Installation Differences:

Each type of fixture has its own installation requirements. Faucets are the easiest type of fixture to install. They can be mounted on the wall or sink, and the only necessary connection is to the water supply line.

Spigots are more difficult to install, as they require a connection to the main water supply line. Taps are the most difficult to install, as they require a connection to both the water supply line and the sewer line.

The majority of the time, faucets are utilized over sinks. There are, without a doubt, distinctions between faucets, spigots, and taps that go beyond even variances in geographical vernacular popularity.

These names each refer to a particular technical device, and while they all ultimately serve a largely identical purpose, their capabilities, and general appearance can differ greatly.

FAQs

When Was The Faucet Invented?

The faucet also referred to as the water tap, is a relatively basic yet clever invention that goes back to 1700 B.C. The faucet was initially created to manage the flow of water to fountains in private residences and public baths claims plumbing firm Plumbing Help Today.

Why Is Water From A Faucet Called “Tap” Water?

In East India, the term “tap” was used to refer to the handles of the faucet. This handle was used to turn them on and off the water flow.

Hence, it was called ‘tap water. The term was later used as a synonym for “faucet” in America as well. In England, the term ‘tap’ was used to refer to ‘faucet’ since the early 16th century.

What Is The Purpose of A Faucet Check Valve?

Every check valve’s function is to permit water to flow in one direction while blocking the opposite direction. When there is a demand on another portion of the system, check valves may be required on faucets to stop hot or cold water from flowing through the faucet.

Final Verdict

What is the difference between a faucet vs a spigot vs a tap? Faucets, spigots, and taps are all plumbing fixtures that control the flow of water.

They are all similar in function but have differences in some points. With all of these definitions from the post in mind, you should be able to navigate your way around your home with ease!

Thank you for your interest in this blog post about the difference between a spigot and a faucet and a faucet vs tap. If you’re interested in learning more about how to install a faucet, we recommend that you visit easyflow.com.

They offer free guides for installing various faucet types, including touchless faucets and faucets with a lever.