Are Two and Three Handle Shower Faucets Illegal? (Find Out!)

Apparently, the legality of shower faucet installation has something to do with the number of handles they have. To be more specific, it’s the two or three-handle options that are in question.

But is it a matter of fact? Are two and three handle shower faucets illegal?

Two and three-handle shower faucets can be illegal due to the reason that these usually don’t come with an anti-scald feature. The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), International Building Code (IBC), and ASSE 1016 require shower/tub faucets to be of the pressure balance or thermostatic mixing valve type.

So clearly, the legality of any shower faucet typically depends on the presence of the anti-scald function.

Now are all two and three-handle shower faucets deprived of scalding protection? Does this mean you need to immediately change the fixtures? And if yes, does it require a professional?

All of these important queries that might be soaring in your mind are what I will be covering today!

Two and Three Handle Shower Faucets Are Illegal Due to This One Reason Typically

The legality of any shower faucet actually does not relate to the fact of how many handles it has. So, the core factor is whether there’s scald protection included or not.

Also, depending on the local plumbing codes, it is possible that even without the scald protection you will be able to install shower faucets.

The Most Common Legal Code for Shower Faucet Includes:

This is why it is important to check with a local regulation consultant about the latest plumbing codes. Single-handle showers are compliant with the codes (if it exist) and so people consider it the safest bet.

Exploring the Legality of Two-Handle Shower Faucets

Two-handle shower faucets are great for preventing any accidental change in water temperature. This is often the main reason why people love it over one-handle faucets. However, most two-handle designs don’t come with an anti-scald feature.

Now, in that case, are two handle shower faucets illegal?

Two-handle shower faucets are illegal according to the uniform plumbing code and international building code if there is no thermostatic mixing valve or pressure balance mechanism.

So even though the two handles allow customizing the temperature of water according to need, it can cause hot water scalding. Making it a rather unsafe option.

Exploring the Legality of Three-Handle Shower Faucets

Much like two-handle faucets, three-handle shower faucets also come with separate operations of hot and cold water. However, the third handle can make it further convenient by allowing the user to divert water towards the shower head/faucet.

But despite this benefit, one more factor that 3-handle faucets share with 2-handle options is the lack of an anti-scald function.

Are 3 handle shower faucets illegal just like the 2-handle faucet then? Unfortunately, yes!

3 handle shower faucets are illegal just like 2 handle shower faucets due to the same reason. These are generally not up to the plumbing code due to a lack of scald protection.

Exploring the Legal Codes for Two and Three-Handle Shower Faucets in Different States of the U.S.A

Let’s go a step further and have a look at the legal codes for shower faucet installation in three main states of the U.S.A. I will discuss how these codes indirectly suggest not using 2 or 3-handle shower faucets.

Are Two and Three Handle Shower Faucets Illegal in Texas?

Finding exact mention of legality regarding using two or three handle shower faucets is difficult for Texas.

However, according to Section 424 of the Plumbing Code of the Texas Industrialized Housing and Buildings Program, some relevant codes can help determine:

From these codes, the rulings for temperature control and safety are quite serious. So having shower faucets with an anti-scald feature is a must-have safety function no matter how many handles there are.

But typically, it is a single-handle shower faucet that can meet the standards, not 3-handle and 2-handle designs.

Are Two and Three Handle Shower Faucets Illegal in Florida?

Section 412 of 2020 FLORIDA BUILDING CODE, PLUMBING, 7TH EDITION has shower valves and temperature control installation guidelines that one must maintain for their plumbing system.

According to the codes provided in Sections 412.3, 412.4, and 412.7:

Again, there might not be a direct mention of legal usage for two or three-handle shower faucets.

But from the codes and standards, it is quite likely that an anti-scald feature is required. And of course, most of the 2-handle and 3-handle faucets won’t have it.

Are Two and Three Handle Shower Faucets Illegal in California?

According to Section 408.3 in California Plumbing Code 2019, there must be control valves that provide:

Similar to the codes of Texas and Florida, the standard ASSE 1016/ASME A112.1016/CSA B125.16 and ASSE 1069 are applicable for California as well.

The valve requires handle position stops as well as maintaining a temperature of 49°C. And the thermostats available in the water heater are not enough.

In this case, as well, the need for the anti-scald feature is prominent. And using a 2 or 3-handle shower faucet without the feature will violate the regulations of California.

Do You Have to Replace Your Two and Three Handle Shower Faucets Immediately?

Those who have already been using 2 or 3-handle shower faucets can consider replacing them. However, this is not compulsory. Because the regulation is mainly for new construction or remodeling. So, if there’s no fault in your shower faucet’s performance, you can keep using it.

Now, if something goes wrong, for example, you need to replace the two-handle shower valve, then this is a different situation. The new valve must be a thermostatically controlled valve or single-handle pressure-balanced one. And the same goes for three-handle shower faucets.

It is wise to follow the common regulation whenever the need to repair a broken shower handle arrives. But until then, you don’t have to replace it immediately.

One more thing to note is that scalding is actually pretty serious and can be a high risk for households with kids, elderly, and disabled members.

According to Seattle Children’s Hospital, the most common injury in young kids and babies is scalding. Data from John Hopkins Medical clarifies that almost three-quarters of scalding cases in kids can be avoided.

This is why even if there’s nothing wrong with the existing two or three-handle shower faucets, you should still consider upgrading it to avail the anti-scald function.

Single Handle Are the Best Alternatives to Two and Three Handle

Single-handle shower faucets are hands down the best bet because you won’t be violating any codes, even accidentally. However, there are more benefits than simply this one thing.

The conversion to a single-handle shower faucet might be a little trickier. However, once you are sorted with it, replacing the fixture later when needed will be a simple task.

Also, having one handle to control the temperature and flow seems more user-friendly to many homeowners. In fact, most elderly and kids find single handles easier to operate.

Importance of Consulting with a Professional Plumber in This Matter

Now if you have decided to change the two or three-handle shower faucet into a single handle, there’s the option to do it yourself or consult a professional.

In this case, switching to a single-lever shower system can be challenging. But it is by no means an inaccessible task. In fact, some kits can make the conversion simple.

But if you are someone who has less experience with doing household DIYs and repairs, this might not be the best first-time project to give a shot.

Also, if your bathroom walls have tiles, then to keep them intact, special steps might be required. And that is something an expert will handle better without causing damage and additional expense.

Hiring a professional is also a sensible idea for those who are looking into larger-scale remodeling.

Wrapping Up

Are two and three handle shower faucets illegal? Now that you have the whole picture, I hope you can decide the answer for yourself easily. It can be overwhelming to understand several codes and regulations.

To cut it short, just keep using the 2 or 3-handle shower faucets if there’s no problem with their performance and you don’t want to spend money for conversion. Once there is a need for repair, switch to a single-handle shower faucet.

So if you have the budget, then consider switching it, even if there’s nothing wrong with the functionality of your 2 or 3-handle shower faucets.

The safest bet both in terms of scalding prevention and respecting local code, is single-handle shower faucets indeed.

That’s It! I will see you soon in my next guide.