Freestanding Tub Installation: What to Know Before You Buy

A freestanding tub is the centerpiece of a lot of bathroom remodels, and we install a lot of them. They look simple, but because they sit out in the open, every part of the plumbing has to be planned around exactly where the tub goes. Here's what to know before you buy one.

1. The Drain Has to Be in Exactly the Right Spot

A built-in tub hides its drain against the wall. A freestanding tub's drain sits underneath it, out in the room, and it has to line up with the tub's drain opening. Most freestanding tubs use a drain kit that connects through the floor.

In most Tampa Bay homes, the bathroom sits on a concrete slab. If the new tub's drain isn't where the old one was, the slab has to be cut to move it. That's routine work, but it should be in the plan and budget from the start. Pick the exact tub before rough-in, since drain positions vary by model.

2. Choose Your Tub Filler

Freestanding tubs don't have a faucet built in, so you need a separate filler. The main options:

• Floor-mounted filler: a standalone faucet that rises from the floor beside the tub. Its supply lines run under the floor, so on a slab, that means more trenching. Pick the model early, because it needs a rough-in valve set before the floor goes down.
• Wall-mounted filler: mounted on the wall behind the tub. The tub has to sit close enough to the wall for the spout to reach. The valve goes in the wall before tile.
• Deck-mounted filler: for tubs with a wide rim that has faucet holes.

3. Space Around the Tub

Freestanding tubs look best, and are easiest to clean around, with room on all sides. Plan clearance from walls and other fixtures, and make sure the door and path into the bathroom are wide enough to get the tub in. Many are heavy and can't be tilted much.

4. Weight

A filled tub plus a person adds up, especially with stone or cast-iron tubs. On a slab, weight isn't usually a concern. On a raised or second floor, check that the floor framing can support it.

5. Hot Water

Large soaking tubs can hold more hot water than an older or smaller water heater can supply in one fill. If your tub holds a lot, check your water heater's capacity or consider an upgrade. See what size water heater you need.

6. Plan It With the Rest of the Remodel

A freestanding tub usually comes with other changes: a new shower, vanity or layout. Our post on bathroom remodel plumbing covers the decisions to make before tile goes down, and moving plumbing generally requires a permit.

Installing a Freestanding Tub?

Believe Plumbing installs freestanding tubs, fillers and the plumbing behind them across Tampa Bay. See more finished bathrooms in our work, our tub and shower services, or contact us for a free estimate.