• Different types of faucet handles control water flow and temperature differently.sink and faucet image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
  
  People don't give much thought to their faucet handles, and, when they do, the focus generally is on form over function. Not all faucets are made the same, however. Some are more prone to issues such as leaking, while others better control temperature and water flow. The design of your faucet handle depends on the type of faucet you choose.
  
  

Ball

• Many kitchen sinks use ball-style faucets. You can identify a ball faucet by its single handle and the ball-shaped cap above the base of the spout. This faucet style uses many parts and is often more prone to leaking than other faucet styles.
  
  

Disc

• Disc-style faucets, with their lever handles, are a more recent development in faucet handle technology. Disc faucets consist of a single handle attached to a cylindrical base. This faucet style earns its name from the inner ceramic discs that slide over each other to control water flow and temperature.
  
  

Compression

• Traditional faucets, with separate handles for hot and cold water, are known as compression faucets. Typically, the handles turn in one direction to begin the flow and the other direction to shut off water flow. It is common in the U.S. to install the hot water handle on the left and the cold water handle on the right. Compression handle faucets compress a rubber washer to block any small amounts of water from flowing and causing drips.
  
  

Cartridge

• Cartridge faucet handles appear similar to other faucet handles. Cartridge faucets can have either one- or two-handle designs. Move single handled cartridge faucets either up or down to regulate flow while left and right movement controls temperature.
  
  Two-handled cartridge faucets look similar to compression faucets but do not use the compression of rubber washers to stop water flow. You can feel the difference when turning the handles to turn off water flow.