Handles FAQs

We've been building faucets for nearly half a century. And in that time, we've solved plenty of riddles for homeowners and pros alike. We've gathered some of our most-asked questions to life a little easier for you.

Handles

Can I change my single-handle knob faucet to a lever?

Single-handle lavatory and tub/shower models can be converted from a clear or smoked knob handle to a lever handle. However, the "action" of a lever handle differs from a knob handle, so you will also need a different ball valve (RP20111) in your faucet for the lever handle to operate properly. A single-handle faucet converted from knob handle to lever handle will operate slightly differently from an "original equipped" lever model.

Can I change the handles on my two-handle faucet?

Yes. Peerless® two-handle kitchen, lavatory and tub/shower models can be fitted with a wide variety of handle styles to suit your tastes. Changing Peerless faucet handles is simple and takes less than five minutes, a 3/32" hex wrench or Phillips screwdriver.

If you are changing from lever handles to knob or porcelain cross handles, you will need to re-orient the right (cold) handle stem stop, so that the stem stop faces inward.

If you are changing from knob or porcelain cross handles to lever handles, you will need to re-orient the right (cold) handle stem stop, so that the stem stop faces outward. Both left and right handle stem stops should orient to the right.

Can I use Brizo handles on my Peerless faucet?

No, the Brizo faucet handles will fit the same stem assembly, but they’re not compatible with the rest of the Peerless trim.

Why do my handles work backward on my two-handle faucet?

If the handles on your two-handle kitchen or lavatory faucet rotate in the wrong direction, simply rotate the right stem stop assembly 180 degrees. This will change the rotation of the handle to the other direction and will reduce comments about how weird your faucet is. Knob handles are designed to rotate counterclockwise by having the stem stops (1) toward the center.

Lever handles are designed to rotate from outside toward sink by having the stem stops (2) on the right side. The quarter-turn stops (3) prevent the handles from swinging into the spout.