Fixture and installation costs are usually much higher than for a standard tub.
Q: We’re planning our new bathroom and I want to install a freestanding bathtub in the middle of the room. While I am familiar with the concept of a freestanding bath, I am not sure about the type of tub filler needed. What is a good choice for the hot-and-cold-water fill valve?
A: A freestanding bath is a special plumbing fixture because it is a self-supporting tub with finished sides. Basically it’s like a big bowl you can place away from the walls.
While this type of bathtub can be a striking centerpiece for any bathroom, fixture and installation costs are usually much higher than for a standard tub.
In most cases, a special floor-mounted tub-filler tower is needed to fill the tub with water. These very high tub fillers can be double- or single-handle fixtures, and some even include a hand shower setup on the long pedestal water pipe. On top, a large spout reaches up and over the edge of the tub that can fill the bath up quickly.
Filling a freestanding bath with water can be a very tall order, so look into a tub-filler tower.
Master contractor/plumber Ed Del Grande is known internationally as the author of the book “Ed Del Grande’s House Call,” the host of TV and Internet shows, and a LEED green associate. For more information, visit eddelgrande.com.