Shower faucet-Precision guided utility

Most of us start the day with a quick shower that washes off any lingering traces of sleep or lethargy. Well, have you ever paid any attention to the humble shower faucet or bathtub faucet that you subconsciously turn on and off without as much as a glance? It is precisely this faucet that actually dictates the quality of various aspects of the water that is expelled from the shower diverter. A well designed shower faucet lends a superior feel to your daily showering experience. This in turn will ensure a great start to the day and will leave you feeling fresh and rejuvenated. These faucets are different in nature from the other types of faucets and are designed exclusively for use in showers. They are used for directing the flow of water into a shower diverter and also to control the temperature of the water. Turning the faucet in particular ways serves to control the flow of water. This motion which largely depends on the design of the faucet could be a top-down or a left-right motion or even a combination of both. Many home owners make the mistake of overlooking the shower faucet as a fixture that is of little consequence. But the fact is that they play the important role of ensuring that the water pressure maintains itself all the way to the shower. They can go a long way in preventing situations where you might confront shower diverter pressure. These faucets are usually mounted on the wall but can also be mounted in a tub in case of a tub and shower combination area.

What are the types of valves in the shower faucet?

Compression Valve shower faucet: This type of valve was present in the original design of the faucet. This type of faucet is the least expensive and is therefore highly popular. The stem on this type of faucet is fixed with the help of a washer. When the faucet is turned on the stem lowers and raises itself thus resulting in the passage of water.

Ball Valve shower faucet: The ball valve faucet is devoid of any washers. Thus the level of maintenance it demands is relatively less as compared to the compression faucet. This type has a ball that is placed inside the stem and is equipped with a few slots. These slots serve the purpose of regulating the flow of water whenever the handle of the faucet is turned.

Cartridge shower faucet: This has a movable cartridge that is placed inside the stem. The cartridge controls the flow of water when the handle of the faucet is moved in an up-down motion. The cartridge faucet is less prone to troubles because of the paucity of movable parts.

Ceramic Disc shower faucet: The ceramic disc faucet has two discs that are installed inside the stem. The disc that is placed lower is stationary while the disc which is set high moves up and down. Both the discs are placed in a way that forms a watertight seal. This type of faucet is the most expensive of the lot. To buy all types of shower faucets, all you have to do is visit vitalwares.ca.

What are the types of handles on the shower faucet?

Single handle: These types of faucets have one spout and a handle that perform the dual function of controlling both cold and hot water. They are also sometimes referred to as 'mixers' where the hot and cold water is combined. Some high end models available at vitalwares.ca offer the advantage of accurate control. There is a separate lever that controls the volume of water and another lever to control the temperature of the water. They are usually safer and more convenient to use as compared to the two handle model. With a little trial and error you can make yourself perfect at obtaining the desired temperature of water in the first go. This faucet is popular because of the ease with which it can be used. The advanced technology used has led to them efficiently usurping the place of the earlier models that were equipped with two handles. This shower faucet is much more proficient because it is easier to regulate the temperature of the water and will also not add to the bafflement of any guest who is likely to visit your bathroom. At vital wares, these faucets come with model specific features and particular finishes to boost your showering experience and also to offset the existing decor of the bathroom.

• Two handle faucet: Shower faucets are also available in two handle versions at vital wares. The two handles in this type of faucet are used for controlling the hot and cold water separately.
• Three handle faucet: The three handle faucet has two separate handles that is used for the combining of cold and hot water and a third handle that is use for channeling the flow of water. This depends on whether you want to direct the water through the shower or through the faucet to the bathtub.
• Center set faucet: These shower faucets comprise of the handle and spout in a single unit. These types come in models with single handles or double handles. Though most of them are designed for installation in a three hole basin, some versions require only a single hole to be fixed.
• Spread fit shower faucet: The spread fit faucet has separate spouts and handles. The connecting factor between the spout and handle is camouflaged beneath the deck of the sink. These types of faucets are ideal for an area that does not have much space for installation and are perfect for whirlpool tubs.
• Wall mounted faucets: These faucets are evidently mounted on the wall and are commonly used in showers that do not double as a bath.

What are the factors to keep in mind when choosing a shower faucet?

• Type and style: These faucets are available in different types of coating and finishes at vital wares which can be compatible with specific types of bathroom decor. The finish of the shower faucet is useful to lend a striking look to the interior of the bathroom. There are a wide variety of finishes to choose from like brass, stainless steel, nickel, copper, ceramic, chrome, pewter, platinum or even classic gold. Chrome is normally the cheapest and is good for resisting oxidation. But they do show up water marks prominently. Bronze and brass usually figure in the expensive over-the-top models because of their positive qualities of resisting corrosion and scratches. The style of the faucet can also uphold themes centered on the contemporary or traditional. Select a faucet that will complement the other bathroom fixtures and is consistent with the overall design and theme.
• Flexibility: The selection of a good shower faucet can make the difference between a good and a bad showering experience. Faucets are vital for the lifespan of the shower as well as for the overall look of the bathroom interior. If you want to use the water for a bath as well, choose a faucet that has a diverter. The diverters will allow you to specify whether the water should go to the faucet or to the tub faucet.
• Anti-scald feature: Consider if you would want safety features in the faucet that will save you from getting scalded by extremely hot water. The safety feature will prevent the temperature of the water from reaching high proportions in case the cold water pressure drops. Also look for a faucet that will perform consistently even in the face of diminished pressure.
• Handle: Take into account your preference for the handle of the shower faucet. Would you like two separate handles for hot and cold water or would you prefer to have one handle that will be used for mixing the water as well as to control the amount of water that is released?
• Replacements: If you are buying a new shower faucet for replacing the old one then pay attention to the configuration of the previous model. You certainly do not want to end up with a faucet that would be trouble installing.

How do I fix a leaky shower faucet?

You do not have to be a hot shot plumber to fix a shower faucet that leaks. All it takes is a few handy tips to get that faucet going again.

Shut off the supply of water to the shower.

Open the faucet and allow all the water to drain out.

Use a screw driver to pry the screw which would be there on the faucet handle.

Remove the faucet handle and check for any damaged or worn out washers. If this is the case all you need to do is to replace the washer with a new one.

In case this is not the problem see if any part of the faucet has loosened. Use an adjustable wrench to tighten any loose parts.

Resume the supply of water and check if the leak still persists. If the leak is still there check if the size of the washer is appropriate and also check if the parts are properly tightened.

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