Which Way Do Bathroom Faucets Turn?

The faucets are an essential element in the bathroom, as you turn them on every time you want to wash your hands or face or take a bath. They are available in different designs, and the direction to turn them off and on depends on the design and manufacturing of the faucet.

Which Way Do Bathroom Faucets Turn? Bathroom faucets for the cold water are on the right side and turn counter-clockwise to open and clockwise to close, while the hot water faucets on the left side turn clockwise to open, depending on the design of the handle. Turning them in the wrong direction can cause damage to the rubber seal and washer, and you have to replace the broken component.

Different brands manufacture different styles of products that work efficiently and add beauty to the bathroom look.

However, the components can get cracks if you turn them in the wrong direction with much pressure and force. Therefore, this fixture has a fixed position and direction to turn it on and off.

Which way should bathroom faucets turn?

The direction for turning them on and off depends on the model, design, and position for hot and cold water. According to the building codes in the USA, the cold water faucet is on the right side, while the hot water one is on the left side. 

Typically, you turn the handle on the right side counter-clockwise to turn on the water and clockwise to turn off the water in cross handles faucets.

This is the same mechanism that you apply to rotate the nut counter-clockwise to loosen it and clockwise to tighten it. The code regulations for the position of cold and hot water handles may vary for different states and countries.

The hot water handle work opposite to the cold water handle, such as you turn the handle on the left side in a clockwise direction to open it and counter-clockwise to turn the water off.

Lever handles work opposite to the cross handles, such as the right side lever turn clockwise to open and counter-clockwise to shut off the water and vice versa for the hot water handle.

The mechanism to turn the handles on and off for hot and cold water can differ for different designs and models, and you can select the one that is more convenient for you to use.

In the case of single-handle faucets, the water flow and temperature are controlled by the single handle or knob. You can turn the handle right for cold water and left for hot water. 

The two supply lines under the sink are connected to the main sink faucet and hot and cold water lines. In addition, touch-free faucets work by the sensors when you place your hand under the spout and allow water by turning the fixture on.

What happens if you turn the bathroom faucet handles in the wrong direction?

Turning them in the wrong way can cause damage to the rubber seal or the washer, and you may have to change the components for better performance.

The mineral and dust accumulation around the rubber seal causes it to damage if you apply the pressure in the wrong direction to turn the handle left or right.

This also causes leakage in the rubber seal or washer, and water can start dripping all the time around the handles when you turn them on.

The O-ring in the handles assembly can tear apart when you turn them in the wrong way or causes cracks in the ring. This will affect the performance of the fixture, and you have to face leakage and other problems when you want to turn it on to wash your hands or face.

You can call a professional plumber to deal with the problem if you cannot fix the problem yourself, and it causes a lot of repair and labor costs.

You can fix the problem by changing the rubber seal and the washer to keep the fixture in good condition and maintain its performance.

A damaged handle can keep moving and does not stop the water coming out of the spout, which shows that the washer and the rubber seal are worn-out and you have to replace them.

What are the different types of bathroom faucets?

Various designs are available for bathroom faucets; you can select them depending on the interior and your preference.

Lever handles faucets

Lever handle faucets are available in single-handle and double-handle and are commonly used in the sink and shower area. 

The double handle is like a metal bar extended out at a right angle to the handle stem that forms a small lever. You can use it to turn on and off the hot and cold water using the lever handle.

The single handle follows the rule of right turn for cold water and left for the hot water supply.

The handle can control the water pressure and volume coming out of the spout. The side-to-side motion of the lever handle allows different water flows and is easy to manage and use. 

Ball faucets

Ball faucets are single-handle fixtures that sit on a single round hole in the sink and control the water flow in the right and left direction, depending on the ball position.

It has a metal or plastic ball inside its body, and the single handle above its base controls the temperature and water flow from the spout.

They are less expensive, but the assembly of ball faucets is more prone to leakage and water dripping over time.

The material used in the manufacturing is durable, but the internal assembly is not durable and needs more maintenance and precaution than others.

Cartridge faucets

They are smooth and convenient to use in bathrooms, as the handles turn in either direction to get hot or cold water.

It is also available in a single handle and double handle that controls the quantity of water by a smooth turn without much pressure or compression on the handle.

They are much more durable and avoid leakage in the fixture, as it also allows you to stop the water flow with the handle installed under the sink.

They are easy to fix, require less maintenance, and are affordable, depending on the model and quality of the material used in the formation.

Disc faucets

They have a cylindrical body and a single lever handle that controls the water temperature and mixing of water in the mixing chamber using a pressure balance cartridge.

It is one of the most advanced technologies and is an ideal choice for people who cannot have a proper grip on the handles to apply pressure to turn them on.

The two ceramics disc at the chamber base can control the water flow and volume by lifting or lowering it and the water temperature by the side-to-side motion of the single handle.

Compression faucets

They are the oldest type of faucets, usually found in old homes, and they have separate handles or knobs for hot and cold water, such as the right side handle for cold and the left for hot water.

They are less expensive and are not durable because of the old technology used in manufacturing.

In addition, they are more prone to leakage because you need to tighten the handles to turn the water on and off with some pressure.

They use a compression stem with a washer to press against the valve seat, and these components are easy to repair if damaged.

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