Ball faucet are commonly found in older homes. Ball faucets have a single handle that uses a slotted metal ball inside them to operate. The slots in the ball align with the cold and hot water inlets to control the flow and temperature of the water exiting the faucet. As you move the handle, the ball controls the flow of water. With many different components working together, ball faucets are more likely to leak than disc or cartridge faucets.