Best Types of Bathtub Faucets (2024 Review)

Last Updated On December 1, 2024

Updated on January 11, 2024

by

|

Reviewed by

best types of bathtub faucets

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. 

We will only be covering bathtub faucets in this article. If you need a shower faucet, read our review on the best shower faucets

In this PlumbingNav review, we cover:

  • What are the best bathtub faucets?
  • What are the different types of bathtub faucets?
  • How do bathtub faucets actually work?
  • What should you look for in the best bathroom faucets?
  • Top 5 Bathtub faucets reviewed

ImageProduct
digital-business-prep-table__image
POP Sanitaryware Matte Black Waterfall Bathtub Faucet with Handheld Shower
  • Multiple functions
  • Attractive
  • Premium ceramic valve
  • Multiple functions
  • Attractive
  • Premium ceramic valve
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
Sumerain Black Deck Mount Widespread Waterfall Bathtub Faucet
  • Widespread waterfall effect
  • Attractive modern design, matte black finish
  • Ceramic cartridge
  • Widespread waterfall effect
  • Attractive modern design, matte black finish
  • Ceramic cartridge
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
Delta Faucet T5759-BLWL Trinsic Matte Black Wall Mount Tub Filler
  • High water pressure 
  • Standard fittings
  • Long spout
  • High water pressure 
  • Standard fittings
  • Long spout
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
Moen T908BN Genta LX Two Handle Deck Mounted Modern Brushed Nickel Roman Tub Faucet
  • Widespread design
  • ADA Compliant
  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • Widespread design
  • ADA Compliant
  • Limited lifetime warranty
View on Amazon
digital-business-prep-table__image
Rozin Free Standing Single Handle Tub Faucet with Hand Shower
  • Handheld shower included
  • Reliable and strong floor base
  • Increased mobility
  • Handheld shower included
  • Reliable and strong floor base
  • Increased mobility
View on Amazon

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

Updated On December 1, 2024

Our #1 Rated Pick: POP Sanitaryware Matte Black Waterfall Bathtub Faucet with Handheld Shower

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.

Our Top #5 Bathtub Faucets

What's In This Guide?

      What Are The Best Bathroom Tub Faucets?

      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. 
      did you know best types of bathtub faucets

      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.

      Our #1 Rated Pick: POP Sanitaryware Matte Black Waterfall Bathtub Faucet with Handheld Shower

      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.

      Pros

      • Multiple functions
      • Attractive
      • Premium ceramic valve

      Cons

      • Difficult to install
      • Can’t use both features at once
      • Reports of water flow problems

      Our #2 Rated Pick: Sumerain Black Deck Mount Widespread Waterfall Bathtub Faucet

      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.

      Pros

      • Widespread waterfall effect
      • Attractive modern design, matte black finish
      • Ceramic cartridge

      Cons

      • Can’t use existing hardware
      • Difficult to align the knobs
      • Drain not included

      Our #3 Rated Pick: Delta Faucet T5759-BLWL Trinsic Matte Black Wall Mount Tub Filler

      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. 

      Pros

      • High water pressure 
      • Standard fittings
      • Long spout

      Cons

      • Expensive 
      • Valves not included
      • Chrome can show water spots

      Our #4 Rated Pick: Moen T908BN Genta LX Two Handle Deck Mounted Modern Brushed Nickel Roman Tub Faucet

      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.

      Pros

      • Widespread design
      • ADA Compliant
      • Limited lifetime warranty

      Cons

      • Valves and drain assembly sold separately
      • Reports of scratches 
      • Single-function

      Our #5 Rated Pick: Rozin Free Standing Single Handle Tub Faucet with Hand Shower

      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.

      Meet Your Plumbing Navigator

      Plumbing Navigator: plumbing advice

      About Plumbing Navigator

      We’re passionate about all things plumbing, and love sharing tips, “how-to”, and reviewing the latest products to help make your project a success!

      Learn More Plumbing Tips

      Want to tackle more plumbing projects? Check out these helpful guides!

      best water heater stand
      tankless water heater flush kit
      best mesh drain strainer
      Best Shower Drain Cover

      Got Plumbing Questions? Search For In-Depth Answers Below!

      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.

      Recently Published Guides