Tub and Shower Faucets, Shower Heads, Bathtub Fillers,
Fixtures and Accessories
Tub and Shower Faucets come in a wide range of designs that
will perfectly complement your bathroom decor with elegance and style. Although
tub and shower
faucets work similarly to bathroom and kitchen faucets, there are some distinct differences between them,
which we will will examine in this article.
Unlike
regular sink faucets which are vertically oriented, tub and shower faucets are oriented horizontally and the
parts are larger and more heavy-duty.
Some faucets have a single lever
or ball handle; other faucets have separate hot and cold water handles and have a more classic look. Some units
have a three handles - two for hot and cold water, and one to control the overall flow of water to the shower head.
Single-handle faucets are by far
the most popular style today. This style of faucet has an inner cartridge that allows the flow of only hot or cold
water and allows a mixture of each to adjust for various temperatures. Two-handle faucets on the other hand
separately control the hot and cold water flow.
A single or two-handle shower
faucet utilizes a stem and washer that presses against a seat to seal off water. A three-handle unit contains a
stem-like diverter that either directs the water down to the tub spout or up to the shower
head.
Follow the
Instructions
Installing a tub or shower faucet can be a challenge,
so it's important to read and follow written directions completely.
When installation is complete, put the instructions,
model number and parts list in a plastic bag and tape it to the inside bathroom vanity door. This will come in
handy if you ever need to do a repair in the future, and beneficial for a plumber who needs to do repairs or a
future homeowner.
Tub and shower faucets come in a
wide range of designs, styles and finishes such as nickel, chrome, brass, bronze and two-tone finishes.
Keep in mind that your bath and shower faucets will get a lot of use, so you should buy the best quality
faucet you can afford. Avoid lower quality, inexpensive faucets. Good quality faucets generally cost
more, but you need not spend a fortune for a very well-made faucet.
Brands
Top brands include American
Standard, Danze, Delta, Elements of Design, Kingston Brass, Moen, Kohler, Newport, and Price Pfister, among others.
Prices range from about $25.00 for an inexpensive chrome set from Delta up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars
for more expensive sets. For example, Herbeau offers premium designs that cost upwards of
$8,000.00.
Where to
Buy
Do some research beforehand
to look for a faucet style that complements your decor. A good place to start is on this site, where
you'll find a large selection of tub and shower faucets fulfilled by our retail
partner, Amazon.com. We're sure you'll find quality brand name faucets at a price that fits within your
budget.
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