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Your Quick and Easy Guide to Tub and Shower Faucet Handles
| Featured Image – SKU: KBX8132DL | The finishing touch on your bathtub and shower is the faucet. It does more than direct water into the tub or shower. It’s a decorative addition to the room. You may have noticed that shower and tub faucets come in many different options. One of the choices you need to make is how many handles you want. |
Tub and Shower Faucets: Key Terms
When shopping for a tub and shower faucet, it helps to know some of the terms you will see in descriptions and what they mean. The list below includes some of the more common words you may encounter.
Cover plate: Also called an escutcheon, the cover plate sits behind the handles to cover the hole in the wall where the rough valve is installed.
Diverter: A diverter valve lets you switch water flow from the bathtub faucet to the showerhead. They typically come in one of three styles. A lift gate style has a knob resting on the top of the spout. An integral diverter, where a button sits under the handle. An in-wall diverter is an independent valve that you turn to divert the flow of water.
Pressure balanced: A pressure-balancing shower valve keeps water temperature and pressure consistent while it’s open. This feature protects you from potentially dangerous temperature fluctuations if someone flushes the toilet or turns on the washing machine while you’re in the shower.
Tub and Shower Faucet Design
Tub and shower faucets typically come in one of three designs: one handle, two handles, or three handles. The right one for your space depends on several factors, including the amount of space you have available and the current faucet in the room. Here’s a closer look at the types of faucets to help you make a decision.
One-Handle Faucets
A one-handle faucet operates water pressure and temperature in a single unit. Some have a diverter on the control plate, while others have a tub spout or in-wall diverter.
Two-Handle Faucets
For a more vintage look, consider two-handle faucets with separate controls for hot and cold water. A pressure-balancing faucet features temperature control on one side and the diverter on the other. If the faucet is not pressure-balanced, you’ll see hot water on the left and cold water on the right with a tub spout or in-wall diverter. These faucets require a Tempera Valve to meet code.
Two and Three-Handle Faucets
A two or three-handle faucet like this one in polished chrome features two or three handles that each have a specific purpose. The left handle controls hot water. The right handle controls cold water. The middle handle is the diverter. Like two-handle faucets, these faucets require a pressure-balancing value to meet code.
Shop Kingston Brass for Tub and Shower Faucets
The faucet you choose can pull together the bathroom and add a touch of style. As you shop for a bathtub faucet, pay attention to details like the item name and SKU number. In many cases, a single digit designates slight differences in features, style, or function. When you find the faucet with the finish and number of handles you like, note the product number.
Kingston Brass is your one-stop shop for bathroom and kitchen fixtures. Explore the selection of tub and shower faucets available along with coordinating accessories.
