Types of Exposed Shower Stall Faucet Assemblies

Compression

• The compression faucet is the most common type used for residences. In this type of assembly, the water flow is regulated by turning a lever, which is attached to a T-shaped handle or a four-ball handle, then mounted on the shower wall. The handles are attached to a threaded spindle. To turn the water on, the spindle turns upward and a washer or disk opens the water flow valve to release the water. The actions reverse when the handle is turned to the off position to shut down the water flow.

Fuller-Ball

• Fuller-ball assemblies have a hard rubber or composition ball attached to the faucet. The ball assembly is usually finished with some type of metallic plating material. The ball is attached by nuts or a screw to the faucet shaft. Fuller-ball units always have one lever to control the hot and cold water, while other types of assemblies -- such as a compression unit -- might have two levers, one for hot and one for cold water. Fuller-ball faucets operate independently from the bathtub faucet. Some homeowners prefer fuller-ball faucets because they don’t use washers. This makes them lower on maintenance in comparison to other types of assemblies, such as compression shower faucets, which do have washers.

Ground-Key

• Ground-key assemblies are identifiable by their tapered, cylindrical plunger-like plug. The plunger fits into a vertical sleeve inside the body of the faucet. When you rotate the hot and cold levers to the on position, the plunger moves, releasing the water flow. Conversely, when you rotate the levers off, the plunger blocks the water from flowing. Ground-key faucets can be used in shower and tub combinations. You lift the cylindrical plunger to direct the water flow to the showerhead and lower the plunger when you want to fill the bathtub. Ground-key assemblies have fewer moving parts than compression and fuller-ball assemblies, and some view this as an advantage in terms of reducing the potential for problems with the shower faucet.

Ceramic Disc

• The ceramic disc assembly is more expensive than other types of faucets because of the use of ceramic materials rather than metals. The faucets have two ceramic discs housed inside the assembly's neck. The lower disc remains stationary and the second disc moves up or down. When the shower lever is turned to the off position, the upper disc lowers and connects with the bottom disc, forming a tight seal that blocks the water flow. When the water is turned on, the disc raises and detaches from the lower disc.

Combination

• A combination faucet has one spigot arm from which the hot or cold water flows. A combination faucet can be wall-mounted, or like most other types of faucets, installed into the sink. Combination faucets operate with either two or three valves. A three-valve combination faucet has both a hot water and a cold water valve. The third valve directs the water through the spout of the showerhead. Combination faucets are often used in shower and tub combination units.