Hello Sean and thank you for the feedback you posted on the Home Depot website. We are sorry to hear that the T2901BN Gibson Single-Handle Posi-Temp Valve Only Faucet Trim Kit in Brushed Nickel did not meet your expectations. The gap between the handle and the escutcheon will depend on where the valve body is placed behind the wall; the gap can be reduced by 1/2" by purchasing the 162BN trim ring which fits behind the escutcheon. While there will be a small amount of space around the stop tube that goes in the center of the escutcheon, water should drip off the bottom of the stop tube. The splined front part of the temperature limit stop slides into the groves of the back piece and is held in place by the Phillips screw that goes through the handle adapter. If these parts are loose, we suggest uninstalling and reinstalling them. Our product specialists are available for pre-purchase, installation and warranty assistance. They can be reached at 1-800-289-6636 and are currently available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am – 7:00 pm Eastern Time.