# ­xkcd thread **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** comic-strips\ **Created:** [May 28, 2020, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xkcd-thread/854574 "2020-05-28T00:57:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 92
**Author:** ![Askance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/askance/32/8281_2.png) [@Askance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Askance)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2022, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xkcd-thread/854574/1823 "2022-11-30T00:21:54Z")
Every hotel I’ve ever stayed in has a different device in the shower/bath. I hypothesise there’s a krafterk in Germany somewhere churning out unique tap configurations for some nefarious purpose. As to why they either have no hot/cold markings, or they are tiny and black-on-black or silver-on-silver so making them effectively invisible to your average \>50yo customer without their glasses on, I have no idea. ---
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2022, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xkcd-thread/854574/1824 "2022-11-30T03:19:24Z")
“Yes, we should develop a new standard for shower valve configurations to solve the proliferation of designs!” Sure Steve, then there will be a new xkcd thread mocking the new standard. . . psst, I know there is one already, see USB connectors. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2022, 9:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xkcd-thread/854574/1825 "2022-11-30T09:04:42Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > My old shower knob solved the problem, as far as I was concerned. You lifted it up to adjust water pressure, and turned it to adjust temperature. > > Sure, the pressure control wasn’t high precision, and it did rotate a bit when you pushed it back down (so you couldn’t keep an exact water temperature to return to) but it worked. You mean something like this? [![](https://hamat.co.il/uploads/product_images/121-image.jpg) ](https://hamat.co.il/uploads/product_images/121-image.jpg) (Raise for pressure, rotate for temperature). Every faucet in my house and in every house I’ve seen in the past 20 years is like this. I’ve never had any problem with pressure control or unwanted rotation. I was actually surprised by the strip - as far as I’ve concerned, faucets are a solved problem. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2022, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xkcd-thread/854574/1826 "2022-11-30T15:17:14Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > Every faucet in my house and in every house I’ve seen in the past 20 years is like this. I have never seen a faucet like that. It might be a solved problem; but if so, the solution hasn’t made it to around here. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2022, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xkcd-thread/854574/1827 "2022-11-30T15:28:48Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > You mean something like this? > [https://hamat.co.il/uploads/product\_images/121-image.jpg](https://hamat.co.il/uploads/product_images/121-image.jpg) > > (Raise for pressure, rotate for temperature). Perhaps, though that’s not the formfactor mine had. It was those crystal-style knobs, but it didn’t just rotate. It would also tilt up and down. I unfortunately can’t seem to think of what to google to find a pic. I’ve seen the crystal on sink faucets, too. But more often it takes the form with a single lever–at least, on kitchen faucets, like this: [![](https://images.thdstatic.com/productImages/0ce6e68f-76f7-4a06-b4d3-81b47111b4da/svn/stainless-steel-glacier-bay-pull-out-kitchen-faucets-hd67737-1208d2-64_600.jpg) ](https://images.thdstatic.com/productImages/0ce6e68f-76f7-4a06-b4d3-81b47111b4da/svn/stainless-steel-glacier-bay-pull-out-kitchen-faucets-hd67737-1208d2-64_600.jpg) The crystal version looks like this: [![](https://assets.wfcdn.com/im/95528570/resize-h700-w700%5Ecompr-r85/3240/32409872/Foundations+Centerset+Bathroom+Faucet+with+Single+Push+Tilt+Handle.jpg) ](https://assets.wfcdn.com/im/95528570/resize-h700-w700%5Ecompr-r85/3240/32409872/Foundations+Centerset+Bathroom+Faucet+with+Single+Push+Tilt+Handle.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2022, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xkcd-thread/854574/1828 "2022-11-30T15:31:07Z")
Sure, like the upper one - they’re called mixer taps, apparently. I’m not sure why they would need to be improved, as a technology. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2022, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xkcd-thread/854574/1829 "2022-11-30T16:16:57Z")
> [@BigT](#): > > I’ve seen the crystal on sink faucets, too. But more often it takes the form with a single lever–at least, on kitchen faucets, like this: I find both of those next to impossible to adjust properly. Any attempt to adjust either flow or temperature winds up affecting the other. Possibly I’m just a klutz. I can adjust a two-handle fixture just fine, though. ---
**Author:** ![tofor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tofor/32/13727_2.png) [@tofor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tofor)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2022, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xkcd-thread/854574/1830 "2022-11-30T16:18:23Z")
And often the tiniest adjustment changes the water from freezing to scalding. ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2022, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xkcd-thread/854574/1831 "2022-11-30T16:20:06Z")
For a video on the subject: [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/KlqheXZ-cXM/maxresdefault.jpg "Why Are Shower Handles So Sensitive?") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlqheXZ-cXM) ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2022, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xkcd-thread/854574/1832 "2022-11-30T18:48:32Z")
> [@thorny\_locust](#): > > I find both of those next to impossible to adjust properly. Any attempt to adjust either flow or temperature winds up affecting the other. Possibly I’m just a klutz. The trick is first to adjust the temperature, than adjust the pressure. (Although why someone would set a shower at less than maximum pressure is beyond me). ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2022, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xkcd-thread/854574/1833 "2022-11-30T18:56:18Z")
Ditto, but with all those vertical shower heads out there it must appeal to some people. The text often refers to "rainshower’ or something like that. Note that they include am auxiliary wand for washing your undercarriage. [![](https://secure.img1-cg.wfcdn.com/im/51410950/resize-h600-w600%5Ecompr-r85/1140/114080456/Dual+Shower+Head+Combo+Rain+Shower+Heads+System+with+Solid+Brass+Rail+and+Height+Adjustable+Holder.jpg) ](https://secure.img1-cg.wfcdn.com/im/51410950/resize-h600-w600%5Ecompr-r85/1140/114080456/Dual+Shower+Head+Combo+Rain+Shower+Heads+System+with+Solid+Brass+Rail+and+Height+Adjustable+Holder.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![tofor](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tofor/32/13727_2.png) [@tofor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tofor)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2022, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xkcd-thread/854574/1834 "2022-11-30T18:56:47Z")
> [@Alessan](#): > > (Although why someone would set a shower at less than maximum pressure is beyond me). Haven’t you ever been in a shower with a spray head that downright _hurts_ at full pressure? ---
**Author:** ![k9bfriender](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/k9bfriender/32/3283_2.png) [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2022, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xkcd-thread/854574/1835 "2022-11-30T18:59:07Z")
I miss those showers. You get out and you have a new layer of skin to start the day. ---
**Author:** ![Zyada](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zyada/32/3028_2.png) [@Zyada](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zyada)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2022, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xkcd-thread/854574/1836 "2022-12-01T01:46:59Z")
No. Where do I find one of these? ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2022, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xkcd-thread/854574/1837 "2022-12-01T01:52:11Z")
> [@Zyada](#): > > Where do I find one of these? It depends as much on the ambient water pressure as anything. However, water-saver shower heads make things worse (counterintuitively). My parents live close to the pumping station and have excellent water pressure. That, combined with this head: [![](https://metaefficient.com/wp-content/uploads/ultra-saver-showerhead2.jpg) ](https://metaefficient.com/wp-content/uploads/ultra-saver-showerhead2.jpg) made for a truly painful showering experience. It did have a terrible little adjustment rod, but there was no pleasant compromise between decent flow and leaving the shower with red marks. ---
**Author:** ![Alessan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alessan/32/465_2.png) [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2022, 9:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xkcd-thread/854574/1838 "2022-12-01T09:07:31Z")
> [@tofor](#): > > Haven’t you ever been in a shower with a spray head that downright _hurts_ at full pressure? God, yes. I love those. ---
**Author:** ![dtilque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d6d6ee/32.png) [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2022, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xkcd-thread/854574/1839 "2022-12-01T12:55:40Z")
> **[Spacetime Soccer](https://xkcd.com/2705/)** > > Spacetime Soccer, known outside the United States as '4D Football' is a now-defunct sport. Infamous for referee decisions hinging on inconsistent definitions of simultaneity, it is also known for the disappearance of many top players during... \[more\] I understad there were also problems with Schoedinger’s goals… ---
**Author:** ![Civil\_Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d78d45/32.png) [@Civil\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Civil_Guy)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2022, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xkcd-thread/854574/1840 "2022-12-01T21:14:51Z")
Okay, just how do we see the ‘[more]’ text? ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2022, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xkcd-thread/854574/1841 "2022-12-01T21:32:33Z")
First, you need a singularity. Now convince some soccer/football players to gather round… ---
**Author:** ![Tired\_and\_Cranky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a87d85/32.png) [@Tired\_and\_Cranky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tired_and_Cranky)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2022, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xkcd-thread/854574/1842 "2022-12-01T22:38:27Z")
> [@thorny\_locust](#): > > I find both of those next to impossible to adjust properly. Any attempt to adjust either flow or temperature winds up affecting the other. Possibly I’m just a klutz. You are perfectly normal and correct that any single faucet control works unpredictably. Those in this thread who think single faucet controls work well aren’t paying enough attention to what actually happens when they use them. Perhaps it’s because of the feedback delay. > [@Alessan](#): > > (Although why someone would set a shower at less than maximum pressure is beyond me). I use the handheld sprayer in my shower to rinse cleaner off when Im scrubbing the bathroom. I could use it at full blast and the world wouldn’t end but since I can adjust the pressure and temperature easily with my separate hot and cold controls, I don’t need to. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xkcd-thread/854574.md?page=91) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/xkcd-thread/854574.md?page=93)