Add shower to garden tub (sink, cleaner, install, plumber)
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I'd like to add a shower to my garden tub.
I know I'll have to waterproof the walls.
My problem is that the existing faucet is on the tub ledge, not the wall, and I can't find a tub faucet that fits that, much less one that also includes a shower.
I'd be happy with a hand-held shower. Can I use a sink faucet, or is that a plumbing no-no?
The cheap version: remove aerator and install adaptor that a handheld hose will screw onto. You can mount the wall hanger for the handheld and have essentially a regular shower. But, if you want a bath, you'd have to disconnect the hose to fill the tub- or wait agonizingly long for the tub to fill with the shower head.
The "better" version: have a plumber plumb a regular shower head through a diverter valve. When you turn the water on you can make the water go through the existing spout or to the shower head. Much cleaner look!
I need to replace the existing 1978 faucet in any event-it's ugly and leaks.
I'm asking if I can use a sink faucet in its place or if there is a place to get the right fixture.
I need to replace the existing 1978 faucet in any event-it's ugly and leaks.
I'm asking if I can use a sink faucet in its place or if there is a place to get the right fixture.
I find it hard to believe you will have trouble finding the right fixture.
Make sure your walls (and the seal to the tub) are really really watertight.
There are a couple of issues with using a sink faucet in a garden tub.
First, tub faucets are larger for a reason. It allows more water to flow out faster because more water is needed with a large tub. It would take hours to fill my large tub with a sink faucet. Sink faucets may not extend out far enough over a garden tub ledge to actually reach the tub. Again, tub faucets are larger for a reason.
And again, the openings in the tub intended for the faucet are larger than the openings in a typical sink. A sink faucet would fall through the opening (maybe an exaggeration, but you get the picture.)
Faucets are sold at multiple places online. I would though suggest that you visit a real plumbing showroom or supplier. NOT a big box store. The experts at a real plumbing place will be able to help you make a selection if you can tell them about your faucet: brand, model number (if you have it), size, etc. Take a picture and any measurements you can get.
There are a couple of issues with using a sink faucet in a garden tub.
First, tub faucets are larger for a reason. It allows more water to flow out faster because more water is needed with a large tub. It would take hours to fill my large tub with a sink faucet. Sink faucets may not extend out far enough over a garden tub ledge to actually reach the tub. Again, tub faucets are larger for a reason.
And again, the openings in the tub intended for the faucet are larger than the openings in a typical sink. A sink faucet would fall through the opening (maybe an exaggeration, but you get the picture.)
Faucets are sold at multiple places online. I would though suggest that you visit a real plumbing showroom or supplier. NOT a big box store. The experts at a real plumbing place will be able to help you make a selection if you can tell them about your faucet: brand, model number (if you have it), size, etc. Take a picture and any measurements you can get.
Thank you, that's just what I needed to know. I'll find a real plumbing supply.
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