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Clawfoot Tub Drain Tips |
Shop 4 Classics offers many different types of clawfoot tub drains. The following clawfoot tub drain selection tips are provided as a service from Shop 4 Classics. We hope you will find this information helpful in your selection of a claw foot tub drain. |
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What is the difference between a clawfoot tub drain and a waste and overflow?
The clawfoot tub drain is also often called a waste and overflow. Although waste and overflow may be more technically correct, the term clawfoot tub drain is preferred by most people. Clawfoot tub drains have a waste tube that connects to the drain hole in the low point of the tub and an overflow tube drilled through the wall of the tub. The overflow hole is above the drain hole, usually a few inches from the rim of the bathtub. The waste allows the tub to be emptied. The overflow prevents overfilling the tub and flooding the home.
Where are the waste and overflow holes on my tub?
The waste and overflow holes are usually drilled at the end of traditional and slipper freestanding bathtubs. If the tub is a double-ended clawfoot tub, the holes will likely be in the center of the tub instead. See Clawfoot Bathtub Tips for more information about clawfoot tubs.
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How is a drain for a clawfoot tub different than a drain for a built-in tub?
Built-in tubs conceal the drain tubing so only the overflow escutcheon and drain stopper are finished. Clawfoot tub drain tubing is exposed so the entire drain is finished. Typically, customers choose a clawfoot tub drain finish to match the clawfoot tub faucet. See Finish Tips for more information about finishes.
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How do I know what size of clawfoot tub drain to choose?
Clawfoot tub drains are designed to be fitted to the tub. The drain tube (part F) and overflow tube (part K) are extra long so that they can be cut to shorter lengths to adjust to most any clawfoot tub.
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What is the difference between the various types of clawfoot tub drains?
Despite offering the same basic function, there are a variety of clawfoot tub drain options.
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 Shown clockwise from top: overflow strainer, toe tap stopper, lift & turn stopper, and rubber stopper. |
- The clawfoot tub drain with a rubber stopper is the most traditional drain for a clawfoot tub. It includes a rubber stopper at the end of a chain. The chain is anchored to the overflow strainer which allows the stopper to be pulled out of the drain without reaching back into the bathwater.
- Lift & turn style clawfoot tub drain has a stopper that twists up to open the drain or down to seal the drain. The lift & turn drain eliminates the disorderly rubber stopper at the end of a chain.
- A toe tap clawfoot tub drain has a stopper that pops up and down with the touch of a toe. Like the lift & turn drain, the toe tap drain eliminates the chain and rubber stopper.
- A tower drain has tall overflow tube with a pull up knob at the top. Similar to a pop-up knob on a lavatory faucet, the pull up knob opens the drain stopper. Tower drains are especially popular in applications where the tub is centered in a room. They also can provide stability for bracing a freestanding clawfoot tub faucet.
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Where do I find parts for my clawfoot tub drain?
All clawfoot tub drains serve the same function but all clawfoot tub drains are not the same. If you know the manufacturer and model number of your drain, it will be easier to purchase parts. Without this information, you may be better served to simply replace the drain. Drains from one manufacturer may assemble differently than clawfoot tub drains from another. The original clawfoot tub drains used 1 3/8" diameter tubing but modern clawfoot tub drains are 1 1/2" diameter tubing. Some manufacturers of antique reproduction clawfoot tub drains use modern standards while others replicate the original specifications.
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