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What is the difference between a spigot and a faucet?

Essential Differences Between Spigot and Faucet


I. Different Core Missions
Spigot
Specializes in external connections: providing quick-connect connections for hoses and pipes, commonly found in gardens, oil tanks, and industrial equipment
Unidirectional output: Pure functionality—either fully open or fully closed (a few ball valves offer adjustable flow)
Faucet
Precise flow control: Regulates water temperature and volume for everyday uses like handwashing, dishwashing, and bathing
Mixed media: Built-in diverter valve core allows for mixing hot and cold water (Spigot is always single-ended)


II. Structural and Genetic Differences

Feature Spigot Faucet
Body Construction Straight-through flow (no detours) Multi-chamber design (anti-scald/flow restrictor)
Sealing Method Brute-force gasket crush (thread torque) Ceramic disc precision seal (drip-free silence)
Outlet Orientation Parallel to pipe (space-saving) Vertical downward (anti-splash)
Operation Stubby lever/handwheel (glove-friendly) Sleek handle/single lever (ergonomic priority)
Pressure Handling Raw pipe pressure (no dampening) Built-in pressure compensator (steady flow)
Failure Mode Gasket blowout under surge Cartridge fracture if grit present


III. Life-or-death taboos
What you absolutely shouldn't do with a Spigot: Connecting a hot water pipe → Gasket failure at high temperatures will cause steam to spray (except for industrial spigots)  Installing a water purification system → Heavy metal precipitation (not certified for drinking water)
What you absolutely shouldn't do with a faucet:  Connecting a pipe cleaning machine → High-pressure water hammer will shatter the ceramic valve core ️ Dispensing diesel fuel/acidic or alkaline solutions → Corrosion of the coating will clog the aerator


IV. Expert identification tips
Check the threads
Spigot: Male male connector (active attack)
Faucet: Female female connector (receptive acceptance)
Removing the valve core
Spigot: Open to reveal the rubber gasket and metal stem
Faucet: Use an Allen key to remove the ceramic chipset
Testing the feel
Spigot: Fully open after rotating beyond 270 degrees (force-saving lever design)
Faucet: Opens and closes within 90 degrees (short-range precision control)

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