Santec FAQs

	Standard Terminology AERATOR: A device located in the faucet spout that mixes air with water. It is made from a screen and restrictor that limits the flow of water while increasing water pressure. BIDET: This is a plumbing fixture similar to a toilet bowl, but no solids are to be deposited in a bidet. It is used for washing genitals and posterior areas of the body. It is floor mounted, usually next to a toilet, and incorporates a washing basin, faucet and sprayer. Bidets are commonly equipped with a hot and cold mixing valve to provide warm water for washing. BROACH: The thickness of the grooves on the stem is called the broach. CENTER SET: Sometimes called four inch center set. This is a one-piece faucet with hot and cold valves that is set on four inch center to center. CENTER to CENTER (CTC) also called inlet to outlet: This dimension typically refers to the points where the water enters the faucet to where it exits the faucet. It also can refer to the distance between the hot valve and the cold valve. CERAMIC DISC: Two pieces of ceramic within the valve that open and close to allow volume control. CONNECTING TEE: This part attaches the hot and cold flex hoses to the inlet of the spout. DRAIN ASSEMBLY: The trim and rough mounted to the bottom of the basin to hold or release water. This assembly also includes the mechanical linkage that attaches to the lift knob on the spout. ESCUTCHEON: Plate used to cover unused mounting holes on sinks. Also known as cover plates, flanges or bells. FLEX HOSE: These parts connect the outlet of the valves to the connecting tee on the spout. They’re also referred to as supply lines. The hoses are typically fabricated from braided stainless steel to allow for ease of installation. LIFT KNOB ASSEMBLY or POP-UP ASSEMBLY: Knob mounted on a vertical rod to operate the pop-up drain. ROUGH IN: Any part that is installed in the wall, floor or ceiling or under the counter or deck. SPLINES: The length of most stems that has grooves around the perimeter. The handle has matching grooves machined into it. The grooves are called splines. VALVE: Threaded housing for the cartridge. WIDE SPREAD SET: A three-piece faucet with spout, hot and cold valves and trim. This type can typically be installed on 8”, 10” or 12” centers. SANTEC Frequently Asked Questions & Answers


	Q:	Why is the finish deteriorating on my faucet's spout, handles and aerator?
	A:	Normally, finish deterioration is due to years of wear and tear, abuse or chemical attack. There is no repair once the finish is damaged, however you can replace many common faucet parts where the finish deterioration is most noticeable.
	Q:	Can I remove water restrictions in showerheads or aerators?
	A:	Plumbing codes require our faucets to meet a certain flow rate depending on the model. Removing the water restrictors or aerator would cause our faucets to no longer meet this code. If you are noticing decreased water pressure or a poor quality flow rate, you may have debris in your aerator or showerheads.
	Q:	Why does my tub/shower faucet have low water pressure?
	A:	Low water pressure is normally the result of debris in the water supplies, the valve, the tub spout or showerhead.
	Q:	Why does my water pressure and/or water temperature change when I'm taking a shower and water is called for elsewhere in the house "Dishwaher, Washing Machine or Toilet"?
	A:	Multiple usage of water in your house causes fluctuations in water pressure. If, while showering your water temperature changes substantially and pressure drops when water is called for elsewhere in the house, your faucet is not equipped with a pressure balance device. Under certain circumstances, this could present a safety hazard. While no faucet manufacturer can compensate for the water pressure fluctuation. Santec offers pressure balance devices for your shower/tub.
	Q:	Why is water leaking through my lavatory spout when the water is turned off?
	A:	We use ceramic disc cartridges for our lavatory valves. The ceramics can easily be scratched if valves are not flushed properly. You may try the following:
		1. Be sure to shut water off below sink at angle stop.
		2. Remove cartridge from valve body by using an adjustable wrench and turning it to the left. Flush the cartridge under running water to clear any sediment or debris that may be caught in between discs.
		3. Flush out valve body by slowly turning the water back on from below the sink at the angle stop for about 30-45 seconds. This will clear the valve body from any debris that may have settled in the lines.
		4. Turn water off from below the sink at the angle stop and reinsert cartridge with an adjustable wrench by turning it to the right.
		5. Slowly turn water back on from below at the angle stop.
		6. Test by turning the water on and off a couple of times to be sure leak is contained.
		7. If water continues to leak, replace cartridge.

	Q:	What is a thermostatic valve?
	A:	A thermostatic valve measures the tempearture of the water and maintains that temperature as long as you have hot water going to it with no fluctuation in temperature.

	Q:	What are stop valves (also known as shut-off valves and volume controls) used for?
	A:	A stop valve is a valve that turns the water on and off. Starting at the "off" position, you can steadily increase water flow through to the "full on" position.

	Q:	What does a diverter valve do?
	A:	A diverter valve directs the flow of water. It cannot turn water off or on. A diverter valve would be used to select between your tub, showerhead, body sprays, hand shower, etc.

	Q:	What is a pressure balance valve?
	A:	Pressure balance valves automatically adjust to compensate for changes in temperature due to water pressure fluctuations, such as when a toilet is flushed.When the balance between cold and hot water flowing out of the showerhead changes, the valve adjusts to maintain the desired temperature at +/- 3 degrees. It prevents hot water scalding or cold-water shock due to pressure fluctuations.

	Q:	How high do you position showerheads or body sprays?
	A:	Showerheads should be at least 12 inches higher than the tallest person in the household. Body sprays are "usually" in groups of three. Ideally, one should be positioned to hit you in the shoulder area, one at the thigh area, and one at the lower back area.

	Q:	Why does my bidet leak from both the rim flush and the douche spritzer at the same time?
	A:	The diverter/vacuum breaker is intentionally designed to function this way in order to keep the bowl fresh and clean. It's called a dual operation mode. While the douche spray is functioning, the rim flush will run to some degree to flush waste down the drain so as not to become stagnate and vice versa.

	Q:	Why do I seem to not have enough pressure coming up through the spritzer?
	A:	This is brought upon by a possible lack of water pressure. It can easily be remedied by sending your customer a special spritzer insert that can simply be exchanged out in the field.

	Q:	Who can I call if I need help while I'm installing my faucet?
	A:	Call us at 1-310-542-0063 Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST or email us.