You may not have considered what your shower faucet handles look like. They play an essential role in the aesthetics and functionality of your bathroom.
Whether buying new handles or replacing old ones, it’s essential to know the different types of shower faucet handles to choose the one that best meets your needs.
Here are 15 different types of shower faucet handles and how to choose the right one for your home.
Types of Shower Faucet Handles
Mixer Bathroom Faucets
A mixer bathroom faucet has one handle that controls hot and cold water. This is an excellent option if you want a sleek, minimalist look in your bathroom. It’s easy to control the water temperature with just one hand.
However, keep in mind that these types of shower faucet handles can be more expensive than other options.
For some people, this is worth the price because they want to update their whole bathroom at once.
For others, they would buy a different type of faucet that doesn’t cost as much upfront but needs more maintenance over time.
Wall Mounted Bathroom Faucets
Wall-mounted bathroom faucets are one type of shower faucet handle. They are attached to the wall and have a long neck that extends over the tub or shower.
Wall-mounted bathroom faucets are available in various styles, including traditional, contemporary, and transitional.
When choosing a wall-mounted bathroom faucet, consider the style of your bathroom and your budget. Before you purchase a faucet, measure the height of your space so you know what type will fit best.
Shower Systems
A shower system includes all components necessary for a complete shower experience, including a showerhead, valve, and handle.
There are many different types of shower systems on the market, so choosing one that fits your needs is essential.
The most common type of shower system is the single-handle system, which is easy to use and can be adjusted with one hand.
Another popular type is the dual-handle system, which allows you to control the water temperature and flow with two handles.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious shower experience, consider a thermostatic shower system, which provides precise temperature control.
Finally, if you have a small bathroom, you may consider a compact shower system that takes up less space.
Touch On/Off Technology Bathroom Faucets
Most people know you must twist the traditional shower faucet handles to turn on the water.
However, newer types of shower faucet handle use touch-on/off technology. This means you can touch the handle to turn on the water.
This is a great option for those with arthritis or other conditions that make it difficult to twist a traditional handle.
The best part about this type of faucet is that when the water is turned off, it will automatically stop running without any additional help from you.
Try an electronic faucet if you don’t want to use this type of handle because, due to its design, it may not work as well in your bathroom.
These types of shower faucet handles use motion sensors and require no physical contact at all. You only need to wave your hand near the sensor, and the water will start flowing!
Hose Reel Bathroom Faucets
A hose reel faucet is perfect for those who want a modern look in their bathroom.
This type of faucet is also great for those with limited space, as it can be mounted on the wall. Plus, hose reel faucets are easy to use and can be operated with one hand.
When choosing a hose reel faucet, consider the finish. Make sure the hose is long enough to reach all areas of your shower. Finally, remember that hose reel faucets can be more expensive than other faucets.
Pressure Balancing Bathroom Faucets
Pressure-balancing bathroom faucets are a great option if you’re looking for a shower faucet handle that provides hot and cold water.
These types of shower faucet handles also help prevent scalding by maintaining a consistent water temperature.
Another benefit of pressure-balancing shower faucets is that they can help reduce water waste.
Deck Mount Tub Faucet
A deck mount tub faucet is one of the most popular shower faucet handles.
They are designed to work with several different bathtub shapes and sizes, including corner cast iron bathtubs, round whirlpool baths, rectangular baths, standard oval baths, and standard round baths.
Deck-mounted tub faucets may also include diverters that allow you to switch between showers and bathtub fillers at the turn of a knob.
They are easy to install and come in various styles. When choosing a deck-mount tub faucet, consider the finish, handle type, and spout shape. You should also make sure that the tap is compatible with your shower.
Floor Mount or Freestanding Tub Faucet
A floor mount or freestanding tub faucet is a great option if you have a freestanding tub. These types of shower faucet handles are also suitable for clawfoot tubs.
If you have a shower with a glass door, this shower faucet handle can also be a good option. You must drill two holes in your tub for this shower faucet handle.
Double-Handle Shower Faucets
The most common type of shower faucet handle is a double handle. It has two handles, one for hot water and one for cold water.
You can adjust the temperature by turning the handles left or right. Some double-handle shower faucets have a third handle in the middle that controls the water flow.
Handheld Shower Heads
A handheld showerhead is an excellent option if you want the flexibility to move around while showering. It can also be a perfect addition for kids or pets needing a little help getting clean. But ensure you have a good grip before buying one, as they can be slippery when wet.
Rain Shower Heads
A rain shower head is an excellent option for a more luxurious showering experience. They provide a gentle, relaxing stream of water that can help you feel refreshed and invigorated.
Shower Knob
One of the most common types of shower faucet handles is the shower knob. Shower knobs are easy to operate and usually have a single handle that controls the temperature and water pressure.
They are easy to operate, can be used with one hand, and usually have a single handle that controls temperature and water pressure.
However, they can be challenging to turn on/off if you have arthritis or limited hand mobility, and they can become loose over time.
Fixed Shower Heads
A fixed shower head is attached to the wall or shower arm with a pipe or hose. A popular choice for many, fixed shower heads provides a wide variety of options in terms of style and functionality. You can find fixed shower heads with different numbers of spray settings, from one to multiple sprays.
A rainfall shower head is a fixed shower head that offers a unique experience, simulating the feeling of raindrops falling on your body.
Thermostatic Valves
Thermostatic valves are shower faucet handles that help regulate the water temperature. This is important because it can help prevent scalding, which can be especially dangerous for young children or the elderly.
Plus, it can give you more control over your shower experience by letting you fine-tune the temperature to your liking. When choosing a thermostatic valve, pick one compatible with your shower system and has a good reputation for quality.
Pressure-Balancing Valves
A pressure-balancing valve is a shower faucet handle that can help regulate the water temperature. This is important because it can help prevent scalding, which can be especially dangerous for young children or the elderly.
Shower Head Shapes and Sizes
A shower head is one of the most critical components of a shower. It can affect both the function and style of your battery.
Many different shower faucet handles and heads are available on the market.
So, knowing what you are looking for before purchasing is essential.
The five most common shower heads are round, square, rain, handheld, and adjustable.
Round shower heads have a classic look that adds personality to any bathroom.
Square shower heads have an industrial look that fits well with contemporary homes.
Rain shower heads deliver water in a gentle downward spray pattern that feels like natural rainfall.
These are great for people who prefer lukewarm water since they produce less heat than other showers.
Handheld showers are best suited for small bathrooms or as part of an accessible bathtub since they do not require much space on the wall or ceiling.
They need good upper body strength to hold and move them around while bathing.
Conclusion
After researching, you’ve decided you want a shower faucet with a handle. But what kind? There are many types of handles for shower faucets to choose from. Here’s a quick rundown of each class to decide which is right for your bathroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
A shower faucet typically consists of four main parts: a handle, an escutcheon plate, a valve stem, and a showerhead. The handle turns the water on and off, the escutcheon plate covers the hole in the wall where the shower faucet is installed, the valve stem controls the water flow, and the showerhead delivers water to your shower.
It is essential to identify the correct shower faucet handle for your shower. There are five shower faucet handles: ball, cartridge, compression, disc, and gate. The type of handle you need will depend on the kind of shower faucet you have. A ball-style handle would be best if you have a ball-style shower head. An appropriately sized compression or disc-style handle should work well if you have a cartridge-style shower head. A more decorative handle style may not be appropriate for these two showers because they require low water pressure to function correctly.
A shower faucet trim kit is a collection of pieces that create a complete faucet. The most critical part of the trim kit is the valve, which controls water flow to the shower head. The other elements in the trim kit include the handle, escutcheon plate, spout, and diverter. You can choose from various styles and finishes to find the perfect look for your bathroom.
Not all shower valves are created equal. There are five main shower valves, each with unique benefits: ball, cartridge, ceramic disc, compression, and thermostatic.
Before purchasing a new shower faucet handle, you need to know what type of valve you have. There are three main types of valves: compression, cartridge, and ceramic disc. Compression valves are the most common and have two handles that control hot and cold water. Cartridge valves have a single handle that controls both hot and cold water. Ceramic disc valves have a single handle that controls water flow but not temperature. To determine your type of valve, look at your existing shower faucet handles. If there are two handles, you have a compression valve.
