The single-lever bath faucet dates all the way back to the 19th century and the bathroom faucet look nothing like today’s advancements in technology.

Two single-lever bath faucets were invented during that time, after a modern drinking fountain was invented and plumbing was the next interest amongst inventors. One bath faucet was a full-ball valve faucet and the other a compression faucet, which became the faucet of choice due to its low maintenance.

Basically, both looks very rustic and had one single lever that was attached to the metal faucet or pipe which, when turned halfway, would cause the control of the flow of water. The full-call valve’s lever was located on the side while the compression faucet’s lever was attached to the faucet on the top. Both bathroom faucets have been seen in motion pictures, especially in those Clint Eastwood movies, and today, some homeowners are creating a similar design to have that rustic feel to their kitchen or bathrooms.

Luther Haws, a part-time plumber, sheet metal contractor and the sanitary inspector for the city of Berkeley, California, invented the first faucet designed for drinking by using spare plumbing parts. He took the ball of a brass bedstead and used a self-closing rabbit ear valve to control the flow of water. His father died from drinking contaminated water so Haws was intent on making sure the water supply was clean and purified.

Delta states matter-of-factly on its website that its creator, Alex Manoogian, manufactured his first single-lever kitchen faucet over a half-century ago and Moen also has stated that its first single-lever kitchen faucet was sold in San Francisco back in 1947 so the popularity has only grown.

Today’s single-lever bath faucets are not that remarkable but have a simple function: to control the hot and cold water and give you the water you need throughout the years to come. Single-lever bath faucets require little to no maintenance and only need one faucet drill installation. Everything is controlled in that single level either located on top of on the side of the faucet. These single-lever faucets are great for both kitchen and bathrooms and are very user friendly. They come in an abundance of finishes and styles and every single brand, from Kohler to Pegasus, carries single-lever faucets. This faucet is very common nowadays when space is limited and everyone wants convenience. Prices range according to the style of bath faucet you would like and finish/metal of choice.