Tips on how to install bathtub faucets
Once your new clawfoot tub is fixed and plumbing is prepared, you will need to install right bathroom faucet for your clawfoot tub. Usually there is necessary hardware and directions with your bathtub faucet, according to the faucet's style, the mounting location and manufacturer, the mounting will vary for different bathtub faucet. However, the general process for every clawfoot bathtub faucet installation will be the same.
Check your plumbing codes: Cross-reference the relevant plumbing codes with the faucet manufacturer's directions to see if they match well, so that you can determine the location of the faucet's spout, the connection to the supply lines or even the type of the faucet you install.
Shut off the water supply: You can simply close the shutoff valves of the bathtub supply lines, if there is no shutoff valve for bathtub supply lines, you can shut off the water at the meter.
Mount the faucet: Depending on the type of faucet and the style of clawfoot tub, the location of mounting the bathtub faucet will be different, so you need follow the manufacture's directions. You may have a free-standing faucet, deck-mounted faucet, hand shower faucet or standard faucet. For clawfoot tubs, some may have holes pre-drilled into the deck for the faucet installation.
Connect the supply lines: Make sure the supply lines are attached to respective hot and cold water feeds. Coat the threaded ends with plumber's putty or tap and then screw the threaded ends in the connections. In order to get a tight connection, you need take some adjusting and after that, connect the supply line arms to the faucet
Turn on the water and test the faucet: When the hot and cold taps are turned off, you need make sure both of them are in the same position. Then turn on the cold water and let it run for a few minutes, so that you can check if there is any leak existed at the connections. If the water beads at the connections, shut off the water supply and re-tighten the connections. If necessary, adjust the plumber's putty or tap. Once you are sure that there is no leak existed in the cold water line, test the hot water tap in the same way then.
Warnings and Tips:
Normally the hot water tap should be on the left.
If you do not have a smooth-jawed adjustable wrench for installation, you can avoid scratches to your tub by placing a rag between the jaws of your wrench and the chrome pipes.
Before testing the faucet, make sure you have installed the drain.
Check your plumbing codes: Cross-reference the relevant plumbing codes with the faucet manufacturer's directions to see if they match well, so that you can determine the location of the faucet's spout, the connection to the supply lines or even the type of the faucet you install.
Shut off the water supply: You can simply close the shutoff valves of the bathtub supply lines, if there is no shutoff valve for bathtub supply lines, you can shut off the water at the meter.
Mount the faucet: Depending on the type of faucet and the style of clawfoot tub, the location of mounting the bathtub faucet will be different, so you need follow the manufacture's directions. You may have a free-standing faucet, deck-mounted faucet, hand shower faucet or standard faucet. For clawfoot tubs, some may have holes pre-drilled into the deck for the faucet installation.
Connect the supply lines: Make sure the supply lines are attached to respective hot and cold water feeds. Coat the threaded ends with plumber's putty or tap and then screw the threaded ends in the connections. In order to get a tight connection, you need take some adjusting and after that, connect the supply line arms to the faucet
Turn on the water and test the faucet: When the hot and cold taps are turned off, you need make sure both of them are in the same position. Then turn on the cold water and let it run for a few minutes, so that you can check if there is any leak existed at the connections. If the water beads at the connections, shut off the water supply and re-tighten the connections. If necessary, adjust the plumber's putty or tap. Once you are sure that there is no leak existed in the cold water line, test the hot water tap in the same way then.
Warnings and Tips:
Normally the hot water tap should be on the left.
If you do not have a smooth-jawed adjustable wrench for installation, you can avoid scratches to your tub by placing a rag between the jaws of your wrench and the chrome pipes.
Before testing the faucet, make sure you have installed the drain.
