- A faucet controls the amount of water that comes into a home through the plumbing. It also controls the temperature of the water. Faucets can be found in many sizes and designs, and are usually found in the kitchen or bathroom.
- Water comes into the house through a series of underground copper or plastic pipes that lead to a water main outside, usually near the edge of the yard or the street. The water main is connected through more pipes to the city water tower. The water is under pressure, and this pressure is what causes the water to rush out when a faucet is turned on. Water pressure can vary from home to home depending on the land elevation and how close the home is to the main water supply. Most homes average around 60 psi (pounds per square inch).
- The water coming into a home is also piped into a device called a water heater, usually located in the basement. The heater, run by electricity or gas, contains a thermostat to control the temperature inside the tank. The cold water, being more dense than the hot water, remains at the bottom of the tank. The water coming into the shower is pumped from the top of the tank, causing warm water to pour out. Water that turns cold during a shower may indicate that the heating coil at the bottom of the tank is bad.
