Your Complete Visual Encyclopedia to Tub Faucet Parts

Understanding the anatomy of your tub faucet is crucial for proper installation, maintenance, and repair. With so many intricate components working together to deliver water, it's important to know the function of each part. This visual encyclopedia will provide a detailed overview of tub faucet components so you can become an expert on all things faucet-related!

Anatomy of a Tub Faucet

A tub faucet has several main parts that work together to control the flow of hot and cold water into your bathtub. We'll break these key components down piece by piece.

The Faucet Body

The faucet body contains the main structures that allow you to control the flow and temperature of water. This includes:

• Faucet handles - The hot and cold handles that you turn to adjust water flow and temperature.
• Cartridge or valve - The inner workings consisting of rubber washers, springs, and plastic or metal inserts that control the flow and mix of hot and cold water.
• Spout - The curved neck that water flows out of into the tub.
• Aerator - A small screen at the tip of the spout that mixes air into the water to prevent splashing.

The cartridge/valve inside the faucet body is one of the most important components. As you turn the handles, the cartridge opens and closes to regulate and mix hot and cold water before sending it through the spout.

Faucet Spout

The faucet spout directs water flow into the tub. Tub faucet spouts are typically 6-10 inches long with an arched design that swivels. This allows you to pivot the spout as needed for bathing or cleaning the tub. Some key spout features include:

• High arc vs low arc - High arc spouts have more clearance for filling pots or cleaning.
• Aerator - Reduces splashing and controls water flow.
• Materials - Brass, stainless steel, plastic. Metal is most durable.
• Finish - Polished chrome, brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze, etc.

Choosing the right spout reach and height is important for ergonomics and splash control. Spouts should be positioned centered over the drain.

Supply Lines

Supply lines carry hot and cold water from the main supply up to the faucet. This gives you precision control over water temperature. Supply lines are normally 1/2 inch metal or flexible braided polymer tubes. Copper, steel, PEX, and CPVC are common supply line materials. Each has pros and cons:

• Copper - Durable but rigid with soldered joints.
• Stainless steel - Strong, corrosion-resistant, but less flexible.
• PEX - Crosslinked polyethylene is bendable, reduces corrosion.
• CPVC - Plastic supply tubes, easier to install than metal.

Flexible supply tubes simplify installation. Steel braiding reinforces them. Supply lines feature threaded ends, allowing you to hand tighten connections from the faucet valves to the water supply with an adjustable wrench.

Tub Spout Diverter

Tub/shower faucet combos require a diverter mechanism inside the spout. This routes water flow from the faucet up to either the tub spout or the showerhead. When engaged, it stops water from coming out of the spout. The diverter is activated by a button, knob, or pull lever.

Deck Mount vs. Wall Mount

Tub faucets come in deck-mounted and wall-mounted configurations:

• Deck-mounted - Installed on countertop from above. The faucet rests on the tub rim. Couplers and sealing washers secure the faucet body and handles to pre-drilled deck holes.
• Wall-mounted - Faucet body mounts directly to wall. Handles and spout protrude from wall over tub. Provides sleek, minimalist look.

Deck-mounted faucets are more common in residential settings for easier access. Wall-mounts maximize space in small baths. Installation involves fastening a mounting bracket to studs before attaching the faucet.

Additional Tub Faucet Components

In addition to the main faucet unit, here are some other important accessories and parts you may encounter.

Showerheads

To enjoy both showers and baths, look for tub fillers with integrated shower components. This includes:

• Showerhead - Available in different spray patterns. Choose rainfall, massage, or combo.
• Adjustable shower arm - Allows angle adjustment.
• Shower hose - Flexible metal shower hose connects to faucet.

Handheld showerheads offer mobility and cleaning versatility. Slide bar kits allow adjusting showerhead height as needed. Keep showerheads free of mineral buildup by periodically soaking in vinegar.

Tub Spouts

While the faucet spout delivers a steady stream for filling, a tub spout is designed to rapid-fill a bathtub. Tub spouts include:

• Diverter tub spout - Contains a diverter for tub/shower combos.
• Non-diverter spout - If you only want a tub without a shower.
• Freestanding spouts - Stylish standalone tub spouts.

Focus on the right spout reach to avoid splashing. Clean and remove mineral deposits from tub spouts regularly for optimal water flow.

Faucet Aerators

The aerator at the end of the spout mixes air into the water stream to eliminate splashing. Aerators also constrict water flow, saving gallons over time while maintaining wetting effectiveness. Different aerator types include:

• Porous disk - Mixes water with air through small pores.
• Mesh screen - Uses fine mesh to introduce air.
• Laminar flow - Straight non-splashing stream.

Aerators are coded by flow rate in GPM. Faucet aerators are easy to remove and clean when clogged with mineral deposits.

Faucet Finishes and Styles

Tub faucets are available in a wide range of finishes and styles to match your bathroom's decor. Here are some top choices:

• Finishes - Chrome, brushed nickel, bronze, black, white, gold
• Styles - Traditional, contemporary, transitional, minimalist, industrial

Consider the finishes of other fixtures and hardware in your bathroom when selecting a faucet style. Oil-rubbed bronze or brushed nickel provide a warm vintage aestethic. Matte black is modern and sleek.

Traditional Style

Traditional faucets feature elegant, ornate detailing with accents like porcelain/ceramic handles. Decorative cross handles are also common for a classic look.

Contemporary Style

Contemporary or modern faucets have a sleek, simple, and geometric appearance. Minimalist faucets in matte black or white fit this style. Vessel sinks match nicely.

Transitional Style

Transitional faucets blend elements of traditional and contemporary styles for a versatile look. Bronze and brushed nickel finishes fit transitional spaces.

Faucet Repair and Replacement

Understand how to repair and replace faucets to keep your tub functional and leaks at bay. Some tips:

• Fix a leaky tub faucet by replacing old rubber washers and O-rings.
• Clean/replace the aerator if water flow is weak.
• Lubricate faucet valves and handles to fix stiff rotation.
• Call a plumber for complex leaks or to install a new faucet.

When purchasing a replacement, take the old faucet to ensure proper fittings and match your bathroom decor.

Replacing a Tub Faucet

While daunting, replacing a tub faucet is definitely DIY-friendly. The steps include:

1. Turn off water supply lines and open faucet to drain.
2. Remove old faucet. Clean sink surface thoroughly.
3. Place gasket seals on bottom of new faucet.
4. Insert new supply tubes and faucet tailpieces into holes.
5. Secure faucet assembly under the deck.
6. Connect water supply lines and test for leaks.

Use plumber's putty or silicone caulk to seal any gaps. Make sure to select the proper valve configuration and finish for your replacement faucet.

We hope this visual encyclopedia gives you a comprehensive understanding of tub faucet anatomy. The variety of spouts, handles, supply tubes, diverters, and finishes allow you to find the perfect faucet to match your bathtub and bathroom decor. With proper care and maintenance, your tub faucet can provide a soothing bathing experience for years to come!