Adding new faucets is a great way to make your bathroom exciting without the expense and hassle of a major remodel. If you're thinking of replacing your bathtub faucet, here are some things you should know.
The faucet you pick for your bathtub has to be designed for use in the bathtub. The water flows when filling a bathtub are much higher than that of other faucets. The next most important thing is the configuration of your existing faucet. Almost all bathtub faucets are mounted in one of three ways:
Wall mount/tub mount
These faucets are connected to pipes behind the tub wall or the bathroom wall. If the bathtub doubles as a shower, wall mounting is the most practical solution.
Freestanding
These are faucets that come up out of the floor through visible pipes that are secured to the wall or tub. The pipes are visible and are part of the look. This is most commonly used with freestanding tubs, like the ones with individual clawfoots. This is a good approach if you have a large bathroom and want to make the tub a centerpiece. Nothing draws attention like an antique tub with exposed pipes. It shouts out luxury spa. And it's perfect for a soaking tub.
Deck mounted
Larger tubs which don't double as showers, usually have deck mounted faucets. These are sometimes called Roman tub faucets. This design leaves more sitting room in the tub. It also gives a more modern look with a large variety of faucets available. Roman tub faucets are available with either two handles or one. Many people choose the one handle version, just to avoid the possibility of a blast of very hot water burning the bather.
With the tub faucet in particular, it makes sense to go for quality since it will most likely take more labor to replace it should it fail than the money you saved by going with a lesser quality faucet. Most quality tub faucets are made of brass. With that, you have a big choice in terms of finish and style.
Chrome is durable, easy to clean and inexpensive. Lots of people love the shiny, mirror like look of polished chrome. It does need regular cleaning to maintain that look. It's also vulnerable to the minerals in hard water.
Nickel with a satin finish can be just as attractive as chrome, without the hard mirror like look. Brushed nickel is popular due to a subdued, subtle finish. Nickel is also durable and easy to clean.
Brass finishes give your faucet a rich, gold hue. It can have a brushed finish for a quieter, more subtle look, or high-gloss finish that shines like chrome. Brass is very durable.
Pewter will give you that old-fashioned aged metal look. It's not going to be as durable as the others. It's a great choice for the old fashioned clawfoot tub with exposed pipes.
Some of the best items are Delta bathtub faucets, Clawfoot bathtub fauces, Kohler bathtub faucets, wall mount bathtub faucets and waterfall and freestanding models.
Of course, there's always solid gold faucets if you're just won super lotto. Or you can go for gold plated. Nice, attractive, but more expensive than the others and not as durable, unless it's been specially treated.
A handheld shower is a popular accessory to your bathtub faucet. It allows for easier rinsing of both you and the tub. And it's fun.