Tub & Whirlpool Faucets

Tub faucets, often called tub fillers, are selected in the same manner as lavatory faucets. Together they comprise a bathroom ensemble. They are normally chosen to match or complement each other and selected at the same time.

Typically, the lavatory faucets are chosen first, thereby pre-determining the style and finish of the tub or whirlpool faucet.

Tub faucets are not interchangeable with kitchen faucets, even when they appear similar.
Tub faucets have a much higher flow rate than kitchen faucets.
Most building codes will not allow a kitchen faucet at a tub.

It takes many gallons of water to fill a tub or whirlpool and this water needs to be delivered in a relatively short period of time. High-flow bath valves with an increased flow rate make it possible to fill large baths or whirlpools more quickly.

This is accomplished by using ¾ inch inlet pipe connections rather than ½ inch typically found on other types of faucets.

Filler Types
Tub fillers are offered in three major varieties: free-standing, wall-mounted, or deck mounted.

Free-Standing
A free-standing tub filler is one that is mounted to the floor, and all piping is exposed. This type of tub-filler is almost exclusively sold for use on clawfoot or antique tubs.

The faucet is attached to the piping, and postioned above the tub. Drain and overflow pipes connect to the tub. In order to stabilize the faucet assembly, brackets (which look like pipe) secure the faucet to the wall. The floor mount faucet shown at the immediate right, from Sunrise Specialty is an example of this type of tub filler.

Another version of tub filler for clawfoot and antique tubs, also from Sunrise Speciality, is pictured at the far right. This is an example of a tub mount faucet . Although the plumbing extends from the floor, and is exposed, the faucet bracing is through two holes in the tub itself. This type of faucet is considered to be exposed or unconcealed. It is self-supporting and needs no brackets attached to the wall.

Which of the two styles used will depend on the tub itself.

Know before you buy:  Antique tubs were typically drilled for sizes
that are no longer standard. Special sized faucets may be required.

Wall / Deck Mount
In most tub models, only the handles and spouts are exposed; the rest of the faucet body is hidden in the wall or deck. These are called "concealed" units.

Wall-mounted and deck mounted models are sometimes mounted directly on the tub (bath-mounted), the choice being determined by the tub on which it will be used.

When the faucet is part of a tub & shower combination, water is directed to the shower head by means of a special valve called a "diverter."

There are two types of diverter valves, the "in-wall" switching valve or the spout type of diverter. With the "in-wall" type, the diverter valve consists of a handle or push-button which is positioned near the control handles, as shown at the right.

The spout-mounted diverter is integrated in the tub filler, shown at the left. Their function is simple: when activated, the mechanism blocks the flow of water through the spout, forcing the water to back up the pipe to the showerhead.

On combination tub and shower units, the faucet is usually mounted on a side wall of the unit.

Garden tubs and whirlpools are normally built into an deck enclosure, in which case the faucet is usually mounted through the deck or surrounding wall. Deck mounted faucets are sometimes called "Roman-Spout" faucets.

On most single-control and two-handle tub and shower valves, optional "screwdriver stops" are installed. These are shut-of valves at the supply inlets that permit the servicing of the basic mechanism without the need to shut of the water supply to the entire house or building. To save space, these stop valves are usually furnished with slotted stems that can be turned with a screwdriver.

Another option available on some two handle tub and shower valves is the bypass that enables water to feed fixtures mounted on a floor above it through the same pipe. To accomplish this, the casting provides connections at the bottom to receive the incoming supply piping, and connections at the top to attach the piping, which rises to the tub and shower valve on the floor above.

Faucets bought for use on tub and shower combinations are typically sold with a "full combination" of components, which includes the basic valve, tub filler spout, showerhead, shower arm (chrome bent pipe), flange and diverter provision (either spout type or separate valve.

However, the faucet combination does not include the tube waste and overflow (shown at left). This assembly is always sold separately.

A popular accessory with tub fillers is the handshower (shown at right). This is a handheld spray mounted near the filler spout. It can be used for personal bathing, to wash the dog or large objects, or simply to clean the tub.

To reduce the chance of scalding to children or the elderly, a thermostatic valve can be mounted at the hot water inlet of the tub filer to limit water temperature. Alternatively, a TAFR valve can be installed in the tub spout that restricts flow if a specified temperature is exceeded. (see Thermostatic Valves)

Combination Units
Estrella Single Control by Danze	IV Georges Tub/Shower faucet by Kohler	Finesse Tub/Shower faucet by Kohler	3-shower faucet w/handheld by Sunrise

Wall Mount Faucets
1890's Tub Filler by Soho	Tub Filler Model 6862 by Delta	Renaissance Leg Tub Faucet by Chicago Faucet

Period Faucets
Tub Mount Model 533 by Sunrise	Wall Mount Model K-101K-101 by Kohler	Wall Mount Filler by Cifial	1890's by Soho

Deck Mount Faucets
Roman Faucet Grand Collection by Santec	Roman Faucet Model HK-63PC by Delta	Roman Faucet Asceri Collection by Moen	Roman Faucet 2200 Series by Newport Brass

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