Last Updated on August 25, 2021 by Kimberly Crawford
Bathtub faucets are a must-have in every bathroom. However, they can be tricky to choose from. The choice of bathtub faucet is important because it determines how easy it will be to use the tap and how convenient your bathing experience will be.
You need to get this right because there’s no point in buying an expensive model if you don’t like using it or find it hard to control water flow when taking a bath or shower.
Choosing the type of bathtub faucet that best suits your needs isn’t rocket science. But it requires some research on different options to make the best decision possible regarding which one is right for you.
This article provides helpful information about various types of bathtub taps available on the market today. This will help you have all relevant facts at hand before making a purchase decision.
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1. Deck Mounted Faucets
These are the most popular faucets in homes and come in a variety of designs. The deck-mounted bathtub spout is suitable for use with a shower only since it requires more space than other bathroom taps.
Deck-mounted faucets give you the freedom to place your bath where you want it to be and are more compatible with most bath types. Their installation is not that difficult, but they come at a higher price than other faucet types.
2. Floor-Mounted Faucets
Floor-mounted bathroom faucets are the most commonly used type. Depending on how they were made and their design, they can be installed on the wall or floor. They usually include hot and cold water valves that allow the mixing of cold and hot water.
They have a unique look and have a similar price range to wall-mounted bathroom faucets. This type of bathtub faucet is not for an average DIY amateur as it requires you to punch some holes in the floor and lay piping for a water source.
3. Freestanding Bathtub Faucet
Freestanding bath faucets are made to look like they are installed on the wall, but their base is not attached to anything. It has a similar mechanism to wall-mounted ones in that it includes hot and cold water valves and mixers.
If you choose a freestanding bathtub tap, be ready to get plenty of possibilities. Whether you’re looking to recreate the look of yesteryear or something modern and luxurious, you’ll get a freestanding bathtub faucet.
4. Minispread Faucets
Minispread bath faucets are spread wider compared to other standard bathroom taps and sinks. They have a long arching spout, accompanied by three knobs for hot, warm, and cold water.
They’re almost the same as widespread faucets. The difference is that the spray head is attached to the faucet and not detachable.
The installation cost is low, and they’re perfect for small bathroom projects. They are available in a wide array of styles, finishes, and colors, so finding the right one is easy, but there’s a need to consider your taste and budget.
5. Roman Bathtub Faucet
This faucet type replicates the luxury of a Roman bath. It is best suited for bathrooms with a modern interior design.
It has a pull-down spray head and sculpted curves that add to its elegant look. It is available in several finishes, including chrome, polished brass, oil-rubbed bronze, brushed nickel, and Antique Copper.
These finishes can easily match your existing fixtures, such as the sink, toilet, and other accessories. Sometimes you may want to have a bathtub that is inviting as well as practical. They come in several curved, corner, or oval styles, depending on your taste and budget.
6. Single-Hole Faucets
Single hole faucets are meant for the sinks with single handles, and they usually have a pop-up drain. They are useful when replacing all of your bathroom accessories to match up one standard style throughout your whole bathroom.
The most popular finish is brushed nickel that can be used as a substitute for stainless steel.
They are very common and in demand because of their wide variety and their price range. Single-hole faucets are very useful when you’re renovating a whole bathroom without replacing or adding any fixtures.
7. Spout Only Bathtub Faucet Installation
If you already have the faucet, you’ll need a bathtub faucet with spout only, two adjustable crook wrenches or pipe wrench pipe tape, and silicone caulk.
This is perfect for those planning to replace an old tub or replacing a tub with a shower. If you’re looking to change the spout of your bathtub and not the handles, then this is a great option. Changing the spout can change the look of your
8. Spout Only Bathtub Faucet With Diverter
Installation of a spout-only faucet with a diverter is similar to that of a standard spout-only tub faucet. The installation process is not much different from the above two ways, but there are some additional things you need to consider.
Alternatively, you will also need a faucet with a diverter if you have a shower installed in your tub.
9. Three-Hole Bath Faucets
The most common bath faucet is the 3-hole bathtub faucet. It has a separate emergency shutoff valve that is required by many national plumbing codes. You can choose from pull-out spray and stationary spouts, depending on your taste and style preferences.
This type of faucet has three sections, two handles, and a spout. The handles work well and can handle hot and cold water. This three-section setup helps you avoid getting burned since you can control temperature closely using two handles.
10. Vessel Filler Faucets
A vessel filler is a spectacular addition to any bathroom and can make your bathroom look like it came right out of a high-end home design magazine. This faucet has an artistic flair that will enhance the appearance of your bathroom in general. Vessel fillers are long, sleek, and elegant.
They are easy to install. Also, they come at a very reasonable cost considering the aesthetic value you get from them.
11. Vintage Faucet
A vintage faucet enhances the antique look that most bathrooms have. They come in different styles and finishes to match your chosen decor.
Many people love them because they are easy to install, making them an excellent choice for DIY bathroom remodeling.
12. Wall Mounted Faucets
This is the most common and affordable faucet for the bathroom. It’s user-friendly and affordable. This type of faucet can be installed anywhere you want within the bathroom, either on the wall or the countertop, depending on how you want your space to look.
It is also a space saver faucet as you can mount it close to the wall. The downside of this is that it requires a little more installation time as there are many parts in the mounting process.
13. Waterfall Faucet
No, it’s not a waterfall. It is a faucet that looks like one. You might have seen it in very expensive bathrooms, and you get to enjoy it at an affordable price.
This kind of faucet uses high-tech sensors that can detect the motion around the sensor area without you having to touch any part of the faucet.Â
You can find waterfall faucets in both contemporary and classic styles. They come in various colors and finishes as well, of course at an expensive price. If you are looking for a unique touch to your bathroom without spending too much, then this kind of faucet is the right pick.
14. Widespread Three Pieces Faucets
These faucets come with three pieces, usually two handles and a spout, just like three-hole faucets. The only difference is that they are connected and spread far out by a plate. This allows you to easily control the temperature and volume of water.
There are more than ten varieties of widespread three-piece faucet styles that you might have to choose from, and needless to say, these come at very affordable prices.
This setup also comes with more space in between the fixtures, providing you with additional space for shower spray and soap dispensing.
Faucet Materials
1. Brass
This is the most durable faucet material on the market. It is also corrosion-resistant and does not require frequent polishing.
Most brass faucets are originally gold-plated, but this will wear off after a period of time. The good news is that you can opt to have it re-plated at affordable prices.
2. Zinc
Zinc is another bathtub faucet material for your consideration. It’s not as durable as brass, but it does resist corrosion and tarnishing.
This makes it less expensive than brass, which makes it a practical choice for homeowners on a budget or those who don’t want to replace their faucets often.
3. Stainless Steel
This is another material for bathtub faucets. It’s a strong and durable material that’s easy to clean. If you don’t like the look of brass or need something affordable, stainless steel is another option for your consideration.
4. Plastic
If you opt for plastic, you get a faucet that’s free of nickel and will not need to be replaced often. You can also use this material if you are working with a smaller budget.
Bathtub Faucet Handles
1. Knob Handles
This type of handle is a very basic one. It comes with a simple spout and lever. You use this type of handle when you need an easy-to-use faucet. Some plastic knob handles may have a decorative design on them to make them look more attractive.
2. Lever Handles
This is the most common type of handle. When you pull a lever, water flows out of your faucet. This is a low-cost option that’s easy to replace if it wears out.
3. Cross Handles
Cross handles look like a cross. There is a stem at the bottom of the handle that you turn to control water flow. You can easily replace them if they become worn out or damaged beyond repair.
Facts to Consider When Buying A Bathtub Faucet
When remodeling your bathroom, there are many factors you have to consider when it comes to choosing a bathtub faucet. The most important factors to put in mind are:
- Price
- Longevity
- Material
- Style of the faucet.
Related: 5 Types Of Shower Valves Explained (With Pictures)
Conclusion
A bathtub faucet is the last thing you want to have problems with. They can be a pain to replace when they start to wear out or break down. But if you understand what you’re looking at and choose a high-quality faucet, it will last for many years. And that’s money that you can use elsewhere to remodel your bathroom.
