Four Different Types of Bath Shower Faucets

Most home owners are going to at some stage or another be faced with the prospect of having to buy a new faucet for their shower or bath. Because this is something that does not happen regularly, we tend to be nervous about making the wrong decision, but rest assured it is not a difficult process. The first thing you need to decide when purchasing a new faucet for your shower is whether you want two handles or one. The easiest solution is to go with the same setup that you have now, however if you are installing a new bath, you have more options available to you. Having two handles (one for hot water, and one for cold), gives you a lot more control over water temperature, but some people prefer the stylish look of the single handled faucets.

The most popular style of handle is the cross shaped one, closely followed by the wing levers. As far as material is concerned, chrome is not only the most popular choice, but also one of the strongest available. If longevity is what you are after, then a chrome faucet and handles are definitely the way to go. Some people like the look and feel of enamel or epoxy, and while these materials can indeed look great in the right bathroom, they are likely to get scratched and dinged over time. One material that is even stronger than chrome is physical vapor deposition, or PVD. This material is, however, very expensive.

There are four main types of faucets…

Compression Valve – This is the original faucet design, and is the most popular of the four as well as being the least expensive. The stem of the faucet is held in place with a washer, and when the faucet is turned on, the stem is lowered and raised, allowing water to pass through.

Ball Valve – This type of faucet benefits from having no washers, which means that it is much lower maintenance than a compression valve. It is designed with a ball inside the stem that has slots in it. It’s these slots that control the flow of water as the faucet handle is turned.

Cartridge – These faucets have a movable cartridge installed in the stem that controls the flow of water. Usually these faucet handles are lifted up and down, unlike the other designs where the handle is twisted. Because there are less moving parts involved with this style of faucet, there is less chance of it breaking down.

Ceramic Disc – This is the most expensive option of the four. It consists of two ceramic discs inside the stem. The lower one is stationary, while the top one is moved up and down. The discs are polished flat, and when placed together form a seal that doesn’t allow any water through.