Should a Free-Standing Faucet Actually Touch the Bathtub?

Types of Faucets

• Bathroom faucets typically fall into one of three categories: free-standing faucets, deck-mounted faucets and wall-mounted faucets. A free-standing faucet has a supply line that attaches to the main water line. Deck-mounted faucets attach to the rim that surrounds the bathtub. Wall-mounted faucets attach to the sides of the bathtub, which designers sometimes refer to as the wall of the bathtub. While deck- and wall-mounted faucets touch the bathtub, free-standing faucets do not.

Free-Standing Faucet Features

• A free-standing faucet features one or more pipes that act as legs for the faucet. One or more of the pipes attaches to the water line inside the wall. You have the option of mounting the faucet on any side of the tub. These faucets work best on claw foot tubs, whether antique or newer reproductions. The tubs typically lack enough space for an attached faucet. Some older tubs lack any holes or areas for attaching traditional faucets.

Considerations

• Free-standing faucets feature a raised design. These faucets sit slightly above the tub itself. When you turn the water on, it comes out of the faucet and hits the space underneath, which might cause some slight splashing. Some designs feature an additional line or hose that attaches to the top of the faucet. This hose works as a moveable shower head, letting you direct the flow of water around the bathtub. The hose might sit flush with the bathtub but not the faucet itself.

Installing the Faucet

• Free-standing faucet kits include brackets that attach to the faucet and keep it upright. The brackets attach the faucet directly to the wall behind the bathtub, which keeps the faucet securely in place. Another bracket attaches the faucet to the tub itself. This bracket attaches to the top or side of the tub but still keeps the faucet away from the porcelain. With tub brackets, the brackets keep the faucet slightly higher than the ledge of the tub.