>Unless you are changing the valve set up in the wall: that brass thing that the hot and cold waterlines run into and the shower supply line runs up from--unfortunately you may be stuck with the three ugly knob thing. To clarify - we can change everything behind the wall. The reason I thought I had to go with a 3 handled faucet is because we have three existing holes cut in the existing tile and no spare tile with which to patch/change the configuration. But suero has an interesting proposal! Do you have suggestions of faucets that have these components? Or a suggestion for what to search for to find them? writersblock, the Kohler faucet looks pretty good. Non-offensive, at least! And I'd get to pick out a showerhead that I like, which I like. I'll keep that one in mind!

We use Moen valves and faucets. A professional, licensed plumber, experienced in performing a tub/shower valve replacements can cut the tile with a grinder or multi-tool, install a new Moen valve and install a Moen repair plate to cover the holes from the previous two handle valve. If performed correctly, there will be no evidence that there was a two handle valve except for the repair plate. It is recommended that you have a licensed plumber perform this type of work, as it will require soldering in the wall in a confined area. This is not something the average DIYer should attempt. Typical cost $800-$1200. Trust me, it's worth it. We have to bail DIYer's out all the time who try projects like this and get in way over their heads. Do not go with the cheapest tub and shower faucet. It is not an easy job to replace one, once it is installed. Purchase the best that you can afford. You only want to do this once. Ask your plumber for recommendations. Purchase it through your plumber, if possible, he will usually stand behind it if there is a problem. He will not warranty one that you provide. If you are going to remove the tile and tub, then the valve replacement is much simpler, however, you are turning this into a major project. Pulling the tub usually results in drain issues and flooring issues. Most of the time, this requires floor repairs or replacement and drain replacements. In most areas of the country, there are also ordinances requiring this work to be performed by a licensed plumbing contractor with a permit. If you hire a contractor, please make sure they have a plumbing license and will procure all necessary permits and inspections that your local municipality requires. If they will not do this, look elsewhere, no matter how cheap they are. Good Luck with your project. Here is a link that might be useful: Lemay Plumbing, Inc., a St. Louis Plumbing Contractor

After living with single handles for most of my adult life, I hate using the 2 handles at my mother's. If I have something in one hand (i.e. rinsing dishes when washing them) I can only turn on full hot or full cold with the free hand. I end up rinsing with cold (which is really cold during the winter in Maine) since her hot is too hot for me. I love being able to control the temp of the water with one hand (instead of putting an item down to turn 2 handles to mix the water just right.) Our pull down faucets feel very precise. I keep the lever turned to the temp I use most often. Turning on the faucet to that temp requires just one motion of pulling the lever out and washing dishes is so much more pleasant without the limited choice of scalding or freezing. If needed, changing the temp is easy. When my hands are gunky, I can usually turn on nice warm water with just my pinky finger (which is usually less gunky than the others.) Can you tell I would NEVER go back to 2 handles? I actually prefer the look of 2 handles but my love of the function of 1 handle far overrides it. It's also nice to have fewer things to clean around (I really hate keeping up with the gunk that likes to accumulate around the base of the faucet and soap dispenser--the less stuff around the sink, the better, imho.)

OK, different story after I actually met with the maintenance guy and performed some tests. Here are the facts: 1. Single-level handle for tub/shower with pressure-balanced valve. 2. Tenant does not experience water temperature fluctuations, but supposedly tenants in unit below complain. 3. No water heater in unit, but circulating hot water in building (big boiler). 4. It takes a long time before water actually turns hot when the hot is turned on, both on bathroom sink and tub/shower. Not sure if that's related. 5. So here are the tests: a. Turn hot water on at tub/shower until it's piping hot; turn off; turn HOT on again --- water comes out very cold. b. More interestingly: Turn tab/shower faucet on hot; turn off; then Turn hot water on bathroom SINK faucet --- this is a two handle faucet, so only use hot water handle; water comes out hot, then slowly turns cold; then hot again. c. Now shut off tub/shower valves, so no water gets into the faucet. Do the same thing with the sink faucet as before, i.. e turn on hot; now water will not turn colder but stay hot. So, my question is now: Did the previous plumber incorrectly install the faucet after he took it apart when he fixed a leak, or is the pressure-balancing valve in the tub/shower faucet busted? Either way, I just called a plumber.