Do you need a bathtub faucet for your home’s bathtub but don’t know what to look for, or your best options? We go over the different types of bathtub faucets in depth below, as well as the details to should look for before buying.
This single-handle bathtub faucet saves space and uses that space to include beneficial features, such as a handheld shower. The adjustable spout generates water at a rate of 11 GPM with a pleasing waterfall effect, while the showerhead does not exceed 2.5 GPM.
You can control the water temperature by using the valve, and you can switch between the two modes with the push of a button.
Bathroom tub faucets fill up your bathtub when you want to take a bath and are specifically designed to fit the water supply connections that specifically go to your tub.
Since the material comes into contact with hot water regularly, manufacturers construct bathtub faucets with material that can withstand corrosion and heat.
Most DIY plumbers can install a bathtub faucet themselves with the right preparation.
Once installed, you want a faucet that fits your preferences.
Most of the time, you will find bathtub faucets with two lever-style handles (one for hot water and one for cold water). You can also find single-handle designs that use one lever or a metal cross faucet handle that resembles a wheel.
Once you turn the water on, it will come out of one of three different types of spouts:
Gooseneck
Downspout
Low Spout
Advanced features, such as thermostatic temperature control, can allow certain products to enhance your bath experience even more.
However, you need to establish your budget to determine if those luxurious extra features are worth it for you.
In order to keep expenses down, you should also look for faucets the same size and installation type as your current setup so that the install doesn’t require extra work, such as drilling a new hole.
Types of Tubs
The best bathtub faucet will match your tub.
Here are the different types of tubs you will encounter:
Hot Tub – Hot tubs can make you feel like you’re at the spa as the hot water coming from the jets soothes your aching body and even creates pleasant bubbles. The most expensive option, many people only enjoy a hot tub while on vacation.
Freestanding – Attractive and classic, freestanding tubs create an impact and often act as the focal point in the center of the bathroom. A freestanding tub in the middle of the bathroom will use a floor drain to connect to the plumbing.
Drop-in – Drop-in tubs mount into a deck so that it matches the appearance of the rest of the bathroom. While the tubs are deep, allowing for a great soak, it can be hard to get in and out.
Three Wall Alcove – With three finished sides and one longer unfinished side that installs into a recess in the bathroom, this type of tub can save space or provide you with a luxurious feel. Alcove tubs also often cost less since they only have three finished sides.
What Are The Different Types Of Bathtub Faucets?
Wall Mount Bathtub Faucet
A wall mount bathtub faucet installs into your bathroom wall and uses the water connections already in the wall without needing access to the supply lines underground.
You may also choose a wall mount bathtub faucet if you have a tub without holes.
Deck Mounted Bathtub Faucet
A deck mounted bathtub faucet installs into two predrilled holes in the bathtub itself. You need to connect the faucet to the water supply under the floor with two supply lines, so you need access to the plumbing underneath your floor.
Wideset Roman bathtub faucets are a classic and elegant version of a deck-mounted bathtub faucet, offering a wide variety of handle options that match the rest of your bathroom hardware.
A Roman bathtub faucet resembles deck-mounted faucet installation, except that it uses three holes instead of two.
Waterfall faucets are also a deck-mounted widespread bathtub faucet, but they create a more modern spa experience.
Freestanding Bathtub Faucet
If you don’t have pre-drilled holes in your bathtub or the wall, you can get a freestanding bathtub faucet that comes with a stand and can be placed anywhere around a freestanding tub, giving it a greater amount of flexibility.
Underfloor access is required, like with the deck mount bathtub faucets.
How Does A Bathtub Faucet Work?
A bathtub faucet works by connecting to your water supply lines.
When you activate the faucet, a valve opens, and gravity allows water to flow upward to the desired fixture.
Waste water will escape down the drain where a drain pipe will lead the water to the sewer pipe and out to the local water treatment center.
As water escapes out your drain, it takes anything you rinse down the drain with it. Some materials accumulate in your pipes, such as hair, clay, and soap scum, and may create a stubborn bathroom drain clog, so take the proper precautions to prevent a clog before it develops.
Want to stop bathroom drain clogs without damaging your plumbing? Hair is the biggest culprit. Read our review of the best natural drain cleaners for hair.
What Do You Look For In The Best Bathtub Faucets?
User Friendliness
It’s important that you can control the water in your tub easily and according to your preferences.
You will learn that some tub faucets offer more control and versatility than others depending on the features they offer and the construction of the faucet.
You will also need to pick the type of faucet spout and handle that works best for you.
While most of this comes down to practicality, some people require faucets that adhere to ADA accessibility standards, meaning that they accommodate most people’s needs, despite mobile limitations.
Efficiency
Your bathtub faucet needs to generate water at a high level so that it fills up your tub in a reasonable amount of time.
Manufacturers quantify water flow using gallons per minute (GPM).
Bathtub faucets with high water flow will fill up your tub more quickly, but they can create more water waste, too. If you want to control the water flow to your tub faucet better, you may want to consider a bath and shower diverter.
Best Products Reviewed
Now let’s explore our favorite tub faucets so you can decide on the perfect choice for your situation.
This single-handle bathtub faucet saves space and uses that space to include beneficial features, such as a handheld shower. The adjustable spout generates water at a rate of 11 GPM with a pleasing waterfall effect, while the showerhead does not exceed 2.5 GPM.
You can control the water temperature by using the valve, and you can switch between the two modes with the push of a button.
Clean and modern, this widespread deck mount faucet has a two-handle design (solid brass knobs) and an attractive matte black finish. The water enters your tub in a relaxing waterfall effect at a rate of 8.58 GPM. Install in a tub with three 2” holes for easy installation.
The package comes with the spout, valves, handles, fittings, and hoses.
If you want to add a bit of luxury to your bathroom, consider this high-end Delta faucet that mounts into the wall with three holes 8” apart (not widespread). Made from brass, this faucet has a shiny chrome finish.
The spout reaches over 12” from the wall, and the faucet doesn’t come with a flow restrictor, so the water will have high water pressure.
Made by Moen, you can trust this faucet to perform as expected and look great. As part of Moen’s Genta LX collection, you can find an array of matching products to ensure your bathroom has a cohesive design.
This two-handle faucet with a classic brushed nickel finish has a widespread design that requires three installation holes and valves from the common valve system Moen developed.
You can use this freestanding faucet with a sturdy tripod base design to fill up just about any tub that can accommodate a 4.33” spout at a rate of 11.9 GPM. It comes with an additional 59” single-function hand shower.
The faucet is made primarily from brass and has an attractive oil-rubbed bronze finish. A handle controls the water, and another switch controls the diverter between the faucet and hand shower.
Pros
Handheld shower included
Reliable and strong floor base
Increased mobility
Cons
No simultaneous operation
Can’t ship to California
Shows hard water buildup
Final Thoughts On The Best Types of Bathtub Faucets
Tub faucets can add style to your tub and enhance your experience. Some people try to match their bathtub faucet to the bathroom faucet with the bathroom sink, while others like to make the tub faucet stand out. Whatever your style, you can find a great bathtub faucet in our review.
FAQs For The Best Types of Bathtub Faucets
What are the different types of bathtub faucets?
The three main types of faucets are deck mounted faucets, wall mount faucets, and freestanding faucets.
Are all tub faucets the same?
Faucets vary based on installation type, efficiency, design, and finish.
What is a Roman faucet?
A Roman faucet is a widespread type of deck mounted faucet.
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About Plumbing Navigator
We write about "all things plumbing," helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
About Plumbing Navigator
We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
