Installing a Single-Lever Faucet

When you need to replace a faucet, whether for the sake of appearance or out of necessity, consider the single lever style. All single-lever faucets are washerless, which means they require little maintenance. A single lever is more convenient than a two-handled faucet: One lever controls both water temperature and flow rate, and the faucet may be turned on with your elbow or arm at those times when your hands are very full or very dirty.

Variety abounds in faucet and sink styles; the examples shown with the instructions are typical. Refer to the instructions that accompany your new single-lever faucet unit.

Making a selection should include matching your taste to what will fit your sink and your budget. The price range for single-lever faucets is vast, beginning at less than a hundred dollars for a basic chrome model and increasing to hundreds of dollars for fancier, European models. The more expensive faucets commonly contain a ceramic-disk cartridge mechanism, which may last a lifetime. Less expensive models generally operate with other types of cartridges that must be replaced every three to five years.

Although single-lever faucets are available in an assortment of prices and styles, on the inside all are one of three types. Hollow-ball faucets have the most uncomplicated workings, including a hollow ball with three inlets; one each for hot and cold water, and one that functions as a spout channel. Moving the handle of a hollow-ball faucet changes the orientation of the inlets, varying both the proportion of hot water to cold water and the rate of the water flow.

Cam-and-valve faucets have internal workings similar to those found in two-handle faucets. The single lever controls a cam that activates spring-loaded valves. Moving the handle left and right opens and closes the hot and cold water supplies. Moving the handle forward increases the rate of the water flow.

Cartridge faucets contain a replaceable cartridge mechanism with overlapping inlets (similar to those found in the hollow-ball faucets) where hot and cold water mix.