What type of valve is used in sinks and showers to control water flow?

In sinks and showers, the device that directly controls the flow of water is the faucet or tap. This component is designed specifically to allow users to start or stop water flow and to mix hot and cold water to achieve the desired temperature. The faucet operates by manipulating one or more handles or levers, which can either open or close the pathway through which water travels, thereby regulating the flow and temperature effectively right at the point of usage.

Understanding the roles of various components in plumbing systems enhances the recognition of their specific functions. For example, shutoff valves are typically used to isolate parts of the plumbing system for maintenance or emergencies rather than for daily water control. Regulator valves, on the other hand, are designed to maintain a specific pressure within a system rather than to directly manage flow. Manifolds are used to distribute water to various branches within a plumbing system, but they do not control flow at the user interface where the actual water is accessed. Thus, the faucet is the correct answer as it is the primary mechanism for controlling water flow in sinks and showers.