Shower Faucet FAQ

Some manufacturers sell the handles separate from the faucet to give the consumer the ability to mix and match styles. If your faucet does not come with handles our site will indicate a separate purchase is necessary.

Multiple usage of water in your house causes fluctuations in water pressure. If, while showering, your water temperature changes substantially and pressure drops when water is called for elsewhere in the house, your faucet is not equipped with a pressure balance device. Under certain circumstances, this could present a safety hazard. While no faucet manufacturer can compensate for the water pressure fluctuation, some offer pressure balance valves and some features thermostatic capabilities. This safety feature maintains a balanced pressure of hot and cold water to maintain water temperature within +/-3° range when a valve is turned on or off elsewhere in the house.

Single-control pressure-balance valves sense the change in the ratio of cold and hot water as the user turns the handle. A pressure-balance valve does not sense the actual temperature of the water, just the ratio of hot to cold water supplied to the valve. The bather must select the temperature of the shower each time it is used. Thermostatic valves have two handles, one that controls the mix of hot and cold, and another that turns the water on and off, and controls the volume of water passing through the valve. The mixing valve in thermostatic valve senses the temperature of the water, and constantly adjusts the mix of hot and cold to maintain the temperature selected. It is not necessary to turn the mix handle to turn the water on or off. Once the bather selects a temperature, the valve will automatically go to that temperature again when the water is turned on.

When purchasing a valve for your faucet you may be asked "would you like the valve with or without stops?"  Stops are traditionally used in apartment buildings or where you, the installer, do not have access to shut off the water to an entire building or house.  Stops allow you to shut off the water at the valve so you can work on the faucet if any problems arise.

A pressure-balancing tub and shower faucet balances incoming hot and cold water pressure to compensate for fluctuations in water flow. Balancing the water flow keeps shower temperatures constant and comfortable, within ±3°F (1°C) of the original temperature, despite other demands such as flushing the toilet or starting the dishwasher.

If you have a Touch-Clean® showerhead (look for rubber-like nubs on the showerhead face), wipe the face of the showerhead to loosen and break away deposits.  If you have a large build up of mineral unscrew the showerhead and soak it in a 50/50 vinegar and water solution for several hours, rubbing it with a toothbrush if the deposits are stubborn.

Traditional Polished Brass finishes were coated with a clear coating to inhibit tarnish. Over time, this clear coat can be broken or scratched with regular wear and tear, abuse or chemical attack, causing the finish to tarnish or the coating to peel. Unfortunately, it's not possible to repair the clear coat so you will need to replace any parts of your faucet that are tarnished or badly scratched.  However you can replace many of common faucet parts where the finish deterioration is most noticeable.

To determine the parts you need, contact one of our customer service specialists.  You can Contact Us us for assistance, or call 1-800-275-3403.

To care for your faucet, wipe with a clean, soft, damp cloth. The ideal cleaning technique is to always blot dry any water from metal surfaces as often as possible. In addition, buff drying should keep your product looking beautiful. Occasionally apply a non-abrasive polish to prevent water deposits and remove build-up of household soaps, creams and sprays to all finishes.

Finally, never use abrasive cleaners or pads, or chemical cleaners of any kind (including window cleaner) on any product with a protective coating or custom finish. Such cleaners will attack the protective coating and use of products like these will void the finish warranty.