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Clawfoot Tub Shower Enclosure Tips
Shop 4 Classics offers shower enclosure sets in many different prices, styles, and finishes. The variety can make it difficult to choose a shower enclosure. The following tips are provided as a service from Shop 4 Classics. We hope you will find this information helpful. Shop 4 Classics urges you to consult with a professional if you have any doubts or questions about the installation of these products.
What is included with the shower enclosure sets?
Shower enclosure sets include a faucet, shower surround (curtain ring), riser (exposed shower pipes), and supports. Many also include a showerhead. Product detail pages will include specifics as well as links to installation instructions. To complete your project, you may also need leg tub supply lines, drain and overflow, and accessories such as soap baskets or a shower curtain.
What type of shower enclosure is right for my tub?
There are three basic designs in clawfoot tub faucetry: rim mounted, tub wall mounted, and free standing. The most common design in the U.S. is tub wall faucets which mount through holes drilled in the tub wall; typically on 3 3/8" centers but other dimensions are possible. For new tubs, many people prefer tubs with faucet holes drilled in the rim. This style is popular because the faucet does not take up space inside the tub walls. Clawfoot tubs that have been drilled with faucet holes in the rim require rim or deck mounted faucets. Tubs that have not been drilled with faucet holes require faucets mounted on freestanding supplies or mounted to a flat wall. Many faucets designed for tub wall applications will also work with freestanding supplies or in-wall installations, although special couplers may be required. Shop 4 Classics offers shower enclosures for all of these possibilities. The first step in selecting a shower enclosure for your tub will be to determine which of these designs fit your application.
What are my options if I cannot install the shower enclosure as shown in the photos?
Not all clawfoot tubs are installed with the faucet side of the tub near a wall, as shown in the photos on our website. Through the use of elbows and longer supports, shower rings can be suspended from the ceiling or braced to walls. Longer braces and couplers are available to accommodate high ceilings. Shower enclosure configuration is more flexible than you might think. Please email customerservice@shop4classics.com for help with selecting the appropriate mounting hardware for non-default installations.
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Shower Enclosure Check List
- Shower Enclosure
- Select the appropriate type of shower enclosure set for your tub. Many options for finish and style are available for every configuration.
- Showerhead
- Check the product specifications for your favorite shower enclosure set. Many include a showerhead.
- Drain
- Choose a proper size drain in a matching finish.
- Supply Lines
- Add supply lines in a matching finish to complete the installation.
- Accessories
- Accessorize for convenience and flair.
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Will this shower enclosure meet local plumbing codes?
 Thermostatic Shower Set  Vacuum Breaker  Pressure Balance Supply System |
Selecting a shower enclosure to meet plumbing codes can be more difficult than one might guess. The problem with plumbing codes is that there is no uniform code for the United States. Each political unit is free to define their own set of standards. Some areas are more restrictive than others. The following tips will help you select a shower enclosure set that meets code for your area:
- Most clawfoot tub faucets that mount on the tub wall have spouts that extend below the rim of the tub. Anti-siphon ordinances may require the spout to be above the rim to prevent bath water from being drawn back into supply lines, possibly contaminating the water supply. Gooseneck faucets are popular because the mouth of the spout extends above the rim of roll top tubs, satisfying code in most areas. Another option is the Sign of the Crab thermostatic faucet which features a built in anti-siphon.
- Hand showers can be added to our shower enclosure sets for hand held convenience in addition to the stationary head. Anti-siphon ordinances may require a vacuum breaker on the hand shower to prevent backflow. Shop 4 Classics sells a vacuum breaker for Sign of the Crab handheld showers which can be purchased if code in your area requires it.
- Some locations may require a pressure balance system. Pressure balance valves are not an integral component of most clawfoot tub faucets. However, we offer supply lines that include a pressure balance valve that can be used with these faucets to meet pressure balance ordinances. See Claw Foot Tub Supply Line Tips for help with selecting supplies. The Sign of the Crab thermostatic faucet features a built in pressure balance system. In-wall pressure balance kits are also available.
- Anti-scald codes in some areas may require a temperature set point on the faucet. The set point controls the maximum temperature of water from the faucet. The Sign of the Crab thermostatic faucet is the only faucet/shower enclosure available that offers an anti-scald feature.
- Speak to a professional in your area for more information and help with code requirements.
The International Code Council (ICC) publishes a set of building and plumbing codes that most states in the US have adapted at least in part. For more information about the ICC, please visit www.iccsafe.org.
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Why are shower risers only 5’ tall?
Shower risers are measured from the faucet end of the riser to the top of the crook. The height of the faucet holes in the tub will add to the overall height of the riser. Even so, the riser may seem short by modern standards. Today, it is normal to shampoo your hair at least once a day. However, that was not always the case. Our shower enclosure sets are antique reproductions. When these shower risers were originally designed, it was considered normal, perhaps even frequent, to wash your hair once every two weeks. To accommodate normal usage of the day, shower risers were designed to prevent getting the hair wet. There are options for taller risers, however, they are not true to the original design and customizations often take longer to ship.
Where can I find help with tub faucets?
Shop 4 Classics offers an exhaustive list of faucet options. For help in selecting the perfect faucet for your tub, see our clawfoot tub faucet tips.
Where can I find help with supply lines?
There are many options for supply lines. The appropriate choice will depend on your project requirements and the type of shower enclosure you select. Please see Clawfoot Tub Supply Line Tips for help with selecting and installing leg tub supply lines. For help selecting and installing leg tub drains, please see Leg Tub Drain Tips.
Which finish is best for me?
Shop 4 Classics offers many choices of finishes. For tips on selecting the right finish for your shower enclosure set, see our finish tips.
Which style of handle should I choose?
 Side-Mount Lever Handles |
Some faucets are designed with handles on the side (side-mount handles) while others are designed with handles on the front of the faucet (front-mount handles). Lever handles work well with either type of faucet. Crosspoint handles provide good leverage on front-mount faucets but can be difficult to grasp when they are used with side-mount faucets. Side mount faucets are not available with cross handles, but in some cases, can be special ordered in this configuration. |
 Front-Mount Cross Handles |
Do I have a warranty?
All items are warranted by the manufacturer. For more information, see Warranties. Also each product detail page includes a Manufacturer Information link which will provide additional information about that manufacturer's warranty and return policies.
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