Choosing the Standard Tub Spout Height (Let’s Find Out!)

Perhaps you may need to replace your old tub filler with a new one or attach a tub spout to a new bathtub. Installing your tub spout can be difficult because you have to consider many factors before you install it.

One of the questions you must answer before starting the installation process is, what is the standard tub spout height? It would help if you were very careful when attaching a tub spout or filler to your tub. Installing it in the wrong place will produce a bad result and reduce the space you have to yourself in the bathtub.

If you don’t know how and where to start, you need to learn how to determine the standard tub spout height before installing it. We hope that this article will provide accurate answers to all the questions you may have.

Factors to Consider When Determining the Standard Height of a Tub Spout

Some of the things that you need to put into consideration when you want to determine the standard height for a tub spout are:

• The spout must not be closer to the wall or too short. If the tub filler or spout is too close to your bathroom wall or too short, water will splash down the edge and sides of the tub and fill up your bathroom floor.

• On the other side, the tub filler must not protrude too far. Otherwise, the spout will become obstructive and also poke you in your back.

• Tub filler shouldn’t be placed too high above the tub because the water will splash violently when it hits the bathtub. The splash can get worse if the water is flowing at a very high rate.

• Ensure that the showerhead, valve, and spout are positioned in the center. A backsplash will be created if it is placed by the side.

• Finally, you need to know if the spout will be used for baths only or baths and showers before choosing the standard tub spout height.

Choosing the Standard Height for the Tub Filler

• If the faucet and the tub filler are attached, you should place them about 2 inches above the rim of your tub. To prevent accidental backflow, you need to leave enough gaps. Accidental backflow occurs when water is forced to go back into the tub filler or spout. You must avoid accidental backflow because the water source can become contaminated if contaminated water flows back into the filler.

• If the tub filler is combined with a shower or if the faucet control is separated from the filler, you should place the faucet handle somewhere between 12-18 inches above the edge of your tub. If you place it in the right place, it would be very easy for the bather sitting inside the tub and the person using the shower to access the faucet controls.

Determining the Perfect Location for Your Tub Spout/Filler

After determining the standard tub spout height, the next thing you need to determine is the location of the tub filler. One major factor you need to consider when choosing the perfect location for your tub spout is the type of bathtub in your bathroom.

Freestanding Tub

• If you are installing the spout on a freestanding tub, you need to ensure that it reaches inside the tub. The spout should point directly inside the tub so that water coming out of it falls inside the tub and not on the floor.

• You also need to ensure that the faucet control is easily accessible. The controls must be placed where you quickly access when taking your bath inside the tube. You should also be able to reach the controls even without entering the tub.

• Freestanding tubs are in different shapes. If you are using a slipper tub (i.e., a tub with one lower end and a higher end), you should install the spout on the lower end. If the lower end is in the middle, you should install the spout in the middle very close to the wall.

That will make it very easy to access the controls and also make the bathtub more comfortable.

Enclosed Tub

• Walls surround an enclosed tub, and it is different from a freestanding tub. It would help to put the enclosed tub spout in the center of either the first or second end for a better result.

• Considering cosmetic purposes, it is advisable to align the controls and the spout with each other.

Is It Possible To Attach A Shower Head To The Bathtub?

There are two different methods to attach a shower head to your bathtub. One method is straightforward, and the other method is complicated.

Using a Diverter

One of the ways to add showerheads to any tub is by using a diverter. This is the simplest method, and you can quickly fix it by yourself.

You may decide to buy a diverter piece, and then you will attach a shower head to the new diverter. So, water will flow through the hose to the showerhead when the water is turned on.

Other types of diverters are attached to a tub spout. If you want to choose these types of diverters, you will need to remove the existing spout. After removing the existing spout, you will replace it with a new diverter.

Then, you will attach a hose and the showerhead to the new diverter. You may also decide to get a bracket for holding the shower to the wall.

Creating another Plumbing Installation That Will Include a Showerhead

This method is complicated because you will have to do some plumbing work before installing the showerhead. It will require that you break the walls or floors around the bathtub.

The process can be complicated, so you may need to hire a plumber to handle the project.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it possible to use a sink spout with a bathtub?

You may find a well-designed sink spout that looks like a tub spout, but you can’t use it with a bathtub because they are not interchangeable.

Their mode of operation is also different from each other.

What is the recommended height for a tub spout?

If the faucet control is attached to the spout, you will place it 2 inches above the tub’s edge. And if the faucet control and the spout are not attached, you should place them between 12-18 inches above the edge of the tub.

Conclusion

There are many things that you need to consider if you want to determine the standard height and location of a tub spout or tub filler. Ensure that you consider all factors to get the required result.

The type of spout you want to fix to your bathtub is one factor that will help determine a standard tub spout height.

Installing the spout in the right place will help to improve the aesthetic look of your bathroom. You can also prevent backsplash and accidental backflow when you place the spout in the correct position.