Porcelain Faucet Handle Failure Analysis

A porcelain faucet handle failed after years of use in a residential rental property. Determining the cause of failure was hampered by the fact that the failed handle was no longer available. The analysis included mechanical testing of exemplar faucet handles to measure the reasonable forces that could be applied by hand and the forces necessary to cause failure. Interface geometry between the porcelain handle and the interior metal nut was a factor. Finite Element Analysis facilitated the study. Results showed that if the faucet handle had sustained damage during a gasket repair, then the failure could be accounted for.