Ceramic vs. Compression Cartridges

Compression:

Gerber compression style stems use a rubber washer at the end of the stem, and removable seat inside the valve body. The rubber washer draws open and closed on the seat ring inside the valve. This operation is a classic design used and trusted for decades not only by Gerber, but other manufacturers as well. If you are replacing an existing two handle tub and shower valve from an older building, most likely you are replacing a compression style valve. This is true to original valves that have not already been replaced. 

Ceramic Disc:

Gerber ceramic disc cartridges are great for positive shut off and for easy turn use. Ceramic disc cartridges use two flat ceramic discs that make a seal by gating off the waterway of the valve. This design is newer in the plumbing world and has only been around for about 15 to 20 years at most. Ceramic cartridges are used commonly on newer installations where copper lines are installed.

The Facts:

From our experience, compression style stems work well with hard water build up, rust and sediment. Ceramic disc cartridges are more fragile and are prone to shorter life span in these scenarios.

• With a compression style stem, even a small drip can be solved by turning the handle harder and using the flexibility of the rubber to make a seal. If the leak worsens, you can easily change a $0.25 washer or $2 seat.
  

• With a ceramic disc cartridge, a small drip may cause you to replace the entire cartridge without any other option. This is more costly over time, seeing as the ceramic cartridges cost about $20 each.