Now that you have got your beautiful new clawfoot tub installed you will want to know how to take good care of it.  We are often asked “what products should I use to clean and maintain the type of tub I have?”  The following is your guide for the care and cleaning of both Acrylic and Cast Iron tubs.  

TUB CARE

Acrylic tubs:
1. Use no abrasives
2. Acrylic is very difficult to penetrate …. As a result mild soap is all that is needed to clean and maintain unless a damaging chemical comes in contact with your tub.
3. AVOID!!!! Any chemical like “finger nail polish remover “or other solvents or stains.
4. If damage to your tub does occur…. We highly suggest contacting a local tub refinisher to make any necessary repairs. 

Cast iron tubs:
1. Use no abrasives
2. Cast Iron which has porcelain finish on the interior….is very difficult to penetrate …. As a result mild soap is all that is needed to clean and maintain.
3. Tub exterior is normally a painted finish…. Either with a conversion coat or enamel; Care of conversion coat …. If not painted to match color décor … we suggest you use mild soap to clean first…..but… if there are scuffs or other construction effects…. We suggest the use of pure white tooth paste … or Bar Keepers Friend available at most local markets. Since conversion coat is on this tub…. You can always have painter trim it out to match décor and then easy to touch up.
4. Care of Enameled exterior… If not painted to match color décor … we suggest you use of mild soap to clean first…..but… if there are scuffs or other construction effects…. We suggest the use of pure white tooth paste … or Bar Keepers Friend available at most local markets. Be Gentle on enameled finish…. Damage to it is expensive to repair and aggressive scrubbing can dull finish.
5. If damage to your tub does occur…. We highly suggest contacting a local tub refinisher to make any necessary repairs.

Many of our blogs are published as an aide to our customers and are based on most often asked questions about our plumbing fixtures, sinks and clawfoot tubs. We exclusively sell Kingston Brass products which are the highest quality items…and we can sell them at 45%-50% below the manufacturer’s retail prices.  If you do not see the clawfoot tub you are looking for currently listed on our website please browse our eBay store for exceptional discounts: www.stores.ebay.com/faucetsuite  

Faucet Suite have a look around…….www.faucetsuite.com

How hard can it be right? I will let you decide after reading this information whether you want to venture on or call you local plumber. I will start with this disclaimer:

EACH TUB … DEPENDING ON SLANT OF TUB BACK & SIDE WILL CREATE VARIATIONS THAT YOU WILL NEED TO ADAPT TO WE SUGGEST THE USE OF A QUALIFIED PLUMBING CONTRACTOR

This is what you will need:

Sealant, Tools & People

• Pipe Wrench …. Smooth & Cushioned to avoid finish damage… Attempts to return product damaged by improper tools … is not acceptable!
• Channel locks or Similar for use on nuts/bolts for attaching feet.
• Trim tools for drain… Tubing cutter or hacksaw
• Our drains are 1 ½ diameter… if not using our quality … you will need an adapter
• Teflon paste or other sealant that is SAFE FOR ALL FINISHES (BEWARE OF PLUMBERS PUTTY)
• 15” or Larger level
• Two People
• Tub or cut sheet that has been reviewed and any questions asked …WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND HAVING THE ACTUAL TUB DRAIN, SUPPLIES AND FAUCET… ON SITE.

DRAIN ….Usually … your rough in will consist of ½ to 5/8 “of threads projecting above floor level ( INCLUDING TILE/WOOD OR OTHER MATERIAL) of 1 ½” pipe.
The waste and overflow assembly should be assembled according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The drain and overflow tubing should be cut to fit. As mentioned above…. Hand tightens … or…use a smooth-jawed wrench to prevent damage to the finish. Threaded connections should be secured with a thread sealant. We only sell a higher quality ( Code acceptable )1 ½” tub drain… use of lower quality 1 3/8 inch drain will require an adapter from the manufacturer … or oversized O ring.
Placement…. Tub drain placement is determined by Tub … slant of back & Center or end drain. We highly suggest having tub at jobsite BEFORE… Roughing for drains & supplies.
SUPPLY LINES …
Placement… Depending on slant of back of tub and type of faucet and supplies used… a wide assortment of Supply configurations will be used.

1. Mickey Mouse type tub configuration where tub overflow and faucet hole resemble Americas favorite rodent. We highly suggest the use of our double offset supply lines. Depending on slant of tub back …. General rule is floor rough should be centered 8” apart with centerline running at back of drain. (See illustration). Your rough can be either ½ “IPS projecting no more than 5/8” above finished floor… ( you should have an escutcheon deep enough to cover this including a ½ IPS to ½ OD connector)> OR> ½ “Copper rough which will be trimmed as needed… ( when rough is done …leave at least 6” above finished floor line) When trimming copper…. Allow for depth of escutcheon….with room for connector… if not using a shutoff.
Our supply lines come with a ½” OD bell escutcheon that will work if proper planning is made. It is NOT designed for ½ IPS or ½ “Copper to pass through.
WE HIGHLY SUGGEST THE USE OF SHUTOFF/STOP VALVES… If stop valve are used… it looks better, is easier to install (Shutoffs become your connector) You will need additional escutcheons for ½ “IPS or ½” copper (11/16 OD ) depending on floor connection & Shutoff used. Very important>>>>>Please see illustrations… > Tub drain & Supply configurations.

2. Deck Mount….type tub configuration is where faucet mounting holes…..are on the Deck of tub and straight supplies are used. <<<We highly suggest the use of our 491 series supply covers… this allows the use of an adjustable cover to hide your plumbing from Tub rim to floor. Simplifies installation and looks GREAT. If using our straight supplies (481 Series). Depending on slant of tub back …. General rule is floor rough should be centered 8” apart with centerline running at back of drain. (See illustration). Your rough can be either ½ “IPS projecting no more than 5/8” above finished floor… (You should have an escutcheon deep enough to cover this including a ½ IPS to ½ OD connector) or ½ “Copper rough which will be trimmed as needed… ( when rough is done …leave at least 6” above finished floor line) When trimming copper…. Allow for depth of escutcheon if not using a shutoff. Our supply lines come with a ½” OD bell escutcheon that will work if proper planning is made. It is NOT designed for ½ IPS or ½ “Copper to pass through.
WE HIGHLY SUGGEST THE USE OF SHUTOFF/STOP VALVES!!! … If stop valve are used… it looks better, is easier to install ( Shutoffs become your connector) You will need additional escutcheons for ½ “ IPS or ½” copper ( 11/16 OD )…See our XXXX series escutcheons

3. Setting the tub …… Check floor to make sure it is level. Be prepared to shim if floor is not level! Set your tub in place, and then double check to make sure it is level. Depending on your floor type…. You should consider the use of coasters to spread the weight of tub over a larger area… these come in many types… and can usually be acquired at your local furniture or piano showroom.

4. Connecting Drain and supplies ….. Once the tub has been positioned, Leveled and shimmed … It is time to connect your drain and supplies.
Your supply lines connect directly to the tub faucet by a compression fitting. There are usually 2 pair of cone washers and 2 sets of nuts … Both have large & small. If your faucet has ½ NPT threaded fitting…. You will use the smaller set of nuts & cone washers….AND …. If your faucet has ¾ NPT fittings… you will use the larger set of cone washers & nuts. Cut the lines on the BOTTOM to adjust length… The top has a stop … to compress on cone washers & Create a seal. To fit.
If this is cut off…. Supplies become useless! PLEASE… Review drawings. ! …to determine trim needs and determine needed trim. 

Lastly, make sure you or your plumber turns on the water and tests the tub and hardware for proper operation and drainage assuming all is connected correctly or before your plumber leaves your home. 

Now you can admire and enjoy your beautiful new Clawfoot tub!  We offer the highest quality and best prices on the Internet for Clawfoot tubs and fixtures…here is an example of one our package deals you will love!

http://www.faucetsuite.com/prodview.asp?PN=9361

When doing new home construction, a kitchen and/or bathroom remodel or just need to replace that old warn out faucet the question is “how do I choose the right faucet?” The majority of people today buy their plumbing fixtures on line so being an informed shopper reduces frustrations, returns and delays with your project.

Yes, the first consideration is the type of faucet fixture you need to correctly fit and function on your sink or tub. However gone are the days that it is just about function and fit! The current trend has made faucets rise to a center stage position in many homes.

Faucets and other designer style plumbing fixtures have become “The” fashion statement in homes today. Style and finish have become the top priority in making the right choice. The main headliner at this time is Vintage or Victorian Style faucets bringing back the old to create a “new” look in your kitchen or bathroom. Although, contemporary and conventional style faucets still have a significant role to play as many people still prefer a sleek, sophisticated modern look to their home.

Ok, so to answer the question “how to choose the right faucet?” first choose the style then determine what fit you will need. You will also want to consider coordinating or matching your sink, tub and shower fixtures. Next you will want to choose the finish that most appeals to you or compliments the décor of your room. There are many finishes to choose from these days the standard polished chrome, the warm vintage look of polished brass, the elegant look of satin nickel or the rustic vintage look of oil rubbed bronze.

Now that you have made your style and finish choices what type of sink or tub will they compliment? For your kitchen faucet you will want to decide whether you want/need a mono deck which is a one whole faucet with or without a pull out sprayer or a mono deck with a side sprayer. Other options are 3 hole deck mount or a 4 hole for a deck mount with side sprayer, wall mount or a bridge faucet. Additional types of faucet for the kitchen are pot fillers and pre-rinse faucets. The standard for choosing the correct fit is:  mono deck is a one hole application, all other faucets are measured center to center whether it is a fixed center or adjustable mount.

You will want to use this same standard for measuring the correct fit with your bathroom sink and tub faucets. Mono deck mount, mini-wide, wide spread and bridge faucets are used with under mount (dropped in the counter) sinks. Tall mono deck mount or wall mount is the best choice for a Vessel (above counter) sink , mini wide or basin faucets for small déco art pedestal sinks and a wide spread for a large console pedestal sink. As for tubs do you have a roman or claw foot tub? Most roman tub fillers are a 3 hole application or 4 hole to accommodate a side sprayer however you can still get a Vintage Look by installing a Claw foot tub faucet on your roman tub. To make the best choice for claw foot tub faucets please refer to our Claw foot Tub Plumbing Fixture E-Guide

All this is so worth it when that first house quest comes in and says “I love your faucet!”

Everything you need to know about buying Claw foot Tub Plumbing Fixtures for your Claw foot Tub

You are all excited you just bought your first claw foot tub! Your next task is to buy and install or have installed the plumbing fixtures for it. Like most people you first check your local stores only to leave empty handed because of the sticker shock for the plumbing fixtures and other parts needed for your tub. You then decide to go online because you have heard that the prices are definitely better… so you starting browsing and shopping. You know that you want quality but at the best price you can get after all isn’t that what online shopping; eBay and auctions are all about!

You are right, you can get a better price online but you want to make sure that what you are buying is the correct fixture for you tub and is of a high quality construction as well as the style and finish you are looking for. Claw foot tubs with Vintage fashion plumbing has made a huge comeback. To have one in your bathroom these days is like having a Mercedes in the driveway. And better yet to get that Mercedes at Chevrolet pricing is even better…right! At Faucet Suite you will find we specialize in Vintage and Restoration Plumbing fixtures and offer the highest quality at the lowest possible prices. After you have gotten the information this E-Guide contains on what to buy and how to choose the correct fixtures you may want to browse our online catalog at: www.faucetsuite.com , or our eBay store and auctions for additional discounts, www.stores.ebay.com/faucetsuite.

Faucets, Supply lines, Drain kits…oh my!

Faucets

Let start with the Faucets they are the foundation for your setup and you will find that there are different models for different applications. Always make sure any faucet you buy is of solid brass construction as this is the highest quality and will stand the test of time. You can mount your faucet at the foot of the tub, on the side or on the wall behind the tub.

Claw foot tub faucets are antique reproductions made to resemble the faucets from the early 1900’s. There are small inside tub mount tub fillers only type faucets but for more function and style most people prefer the larger tub fillers with a hand held shower.

There are several basic types of these Claw foot Tub Faucets: Deck Mounts, Wall Mounts, Inside Tub Mounts and Floor Mounts.

1

Let’s start with the Deck Mounts. There are fixed center deck mounts and adjustable mounts. The standard application for fixed mounts is 3 3/8”, 6”, 7” or adjustable 3 3/8’ to 13”. If there are holes already drilled on your tub for a deck mount at the foot of the tub or on the side then you need the measurement of the distance between the holes measuring center to center to choose the correct size. If you do not have holes drilled yet

then the choice is yours. But remember to have the holes drilled to fit the standard faucet measurements that most manufacturers offer.

3 3/8’ is the smallest standard measurement on old restored tubs and new. It is very important to get the right size if it is a fixed mount however, if you are still not sure after measuring and want an optional situation then an adjustable deck mount maybe a better choice.

Next, let’s look at the Inside Tub Mount. There are two standard fixed mount measurements; 3 3/8, 7” and then adjustable. The standard adjustable for this application measurement is 3 3/8” to 8 ½ “. Measuring for the correct fit would be the same as for the deck mount. If there are existing holes drilled in the tub then measure the distance between the holes center to center. Again the adjustable mounts are for the option of mounting the faucet any where between 3 3/8” and 8 ½”. This gives you some margin for error in measuring and still be able to mount the faucet on your tub.

Lastly, there are wall mount and floor mount faucets. The wall mount are faucets that are actually mounted on the wall of your bathroom above your tub. You maybe replacing an old wall mount faucet in which case you would need to choose carefully as before measuring for a correct fit. If you are in the building phase or remodeling an existing bathroom then you will have the option to choose the faucet you want and then have the holes and supply lines customized to fit the faucet attachment. There are also fixed and adjustable mounts offered for this application as well. 

A floor mounted faucet is a faucet that is attached to freestanding supply lines. The faucet spout hangs over the tub but the faucet is not attached to the tub. This is a great look however, you will need to consider that this type of faucet will be restricted to a down spout and hand held shower piece only. Use of a shower riser and enclosure attachments are not recommended with this type of faucet application. .

Ok, now that you have chosen the style, finish and measured for a correct fit you will need to consider the type of supply lines you will need and the style of drain kit you prefer.

2

Supply Lines

Supply lines are the water pipes that go from the floor rough-in to the tub faucet. They need to be chosen to fit both the proper faucet configuration and rough-in through your floor. I will be discussing the exposed type of supply lines.

Supply lines come in several styles and are choose more for functional purposes and correct attachment application than for style. There are straight, Single Offset, Double Offset and Freestanding supply lines. And, yes…oh my!

I am going to keep this simple. Straight supply lines are used with deck mount faucets. They come up from the floor and connect from underneath the tub lip through the holes to the faucet connection. If you do not find the exact length you need they can be cut to desired length.

Single Offset and Double Offset supply lines are for an inside tub mount faucet application. Generally, the single offset supply lines have one bend and are for use when hot and cold water supply rough in and faucet are both on a 3 3/8” centers. Double offset have two bends and are used when hot and cold are roughed in at 8” centers and the faucet is on a 3 3/8” center. These supply lines can also be cut to fit the correct height required for you tub.

Freestanding supply lines are used for an alternative means to mount the faucet when there are no holes drilled in the tub and the tub will not sit close enough to a wall to wall mount the faucet. This also referred to as a floor mount. These water supply lines are sturdy and easily support most faucet attachments however, they will need to have support braces that will connect to a wall or in some case a sturdy wooden free standing box type stand that is secured to the floor. As stated before it is strongly recommended against using a faucet with a riser and shower enclosure attachments with freestanding supply lines. Riser and shower enclosures are best used with faucets that are mounted to the tub.

Now where there are supply lines there is the option of shut off valves. Shut off valves are optional and can be both functional and decorative. Most people opt to have them so they can shut off or control the flow of water when needed. They are installed at the lower end of the supply line close to the flanges just above the floor. You will want to choose a straight quarter turn valve with the handle style to match your faucet handles.

3

Drain, Waste & Overflow Units

This may be the easiest item to choose as drain, waste and overflow units are a necessary functional part that is needed and are usually referred to as a drain kit when ordering.

Typically the style is a matter of preference, the most popular and closest to the antique or vintage style is the chain plug type. Other options are twist and turn, the British lever style or the trip lever and grid style.

Shower Risers and Enclosures

This is very basic and a matter of functional shower options. On tub mounted faucets you can attach a shower riser and enclosure which will provide the option of rinsing off with the hand held shower handle or using an over head shower. At Faucet Suite we offer the Everything for your Claw foot tub package that includes the Faucet, Supply lines, drain kit, valves and all the parts you will need for the shower riser and enclosure setup. 

Finishes

This is a matter of choice where many want to go with the popular Vintage finishes like the Satin Nickel or Oil Rubbed Bronze. I thought I would mention that there is something to be aware of when you are choosing a finish. Chrome, Satin Nickel and Polished Brass are generally standard but may have slight variations in shades from manufacturer to manufacture. It is always best to buy your fixtures, parts and accessories from the same manufacturer. The Oil Rubbed Bronze finish is the finish that is most likely to have variations in color from the same manufacture from different lots. Also, different manufacturer’s Oil Rubbed Bronze finishes can range from very dark almost black to a lighter more coppery bronze. It is much like buying fabric where if the fabric is from different lots and or different companies it could be way off to being slightly off and not come out exactly the same shade showing as lighter or darker.

In conclusion, this E-Guide was written because I have heard from many of our customers that are new to the Claw foot tub experience that purchasing the correct items for their tub can be a difficult and confusing task. I hope that this simple little guide will help you make the correct choices for your tub and bathroom needs so that you may start enjoying your new tub! We have also tried to make it easier for our customers by offering various types of complete Claw foot Tub Packages that include all you will need to setup your tub. We are committed to offering the highest quality plumbing fixtures at the lowest possible prices. When you are online shopping for Claw foot tub fixtures you may want to check us out: www.faucetsuite.com