Clawfoot Bathtub: All About Your Clawfoot Bathtub

A clawfoot bathtub is a great style addition to any bathroom, but it works just as well as it looks. However, unlike those bathtub and shower combinations that are frequently found in most modern bathrooms, these tubs are a throwback to older, simpler times. If you enjoy taking soaking baths of bubble baths, then a clawfoot tub is not to be overlooked. One of the greatest things about a tub of this nature is the depth. Typically, clawfoot tubs are a great deal deeper than the standard bathtub and shower combination, allowing the bather to indulge in a hot, steamy bath. Also, having a cast iron clawfoot bathtub in your bathroom will allow your water to stay hotter longer, allowing you to stop hassling with constantly having to warm up your bath.

Unlike bathtubs that are recessed into cutouts or set into walls, a clawfoot bathtub is freestanding. A great way to display your tub is to place it on a platform in the very center of your bathroom. Since the plumbing comes directly from the floor, this is an option not available with other types of bathtubs. Furthermore, since the plumbing comes from underneath, the water pipes will be visible. For this reason, ensure the plumbing pipes that connect your clawfoot bathtub to a water source are specifically designed to be showcased and have a chrome, nickel, brass, or gold coating.

Sticking out from behind or beside any clawfoot bathtub should be three pipes. One pipe directly connects to the hot water source, another to the cold water source, and other to the drain that takes the waste water out of the bathtub. As previously noted, these water pipes are much more attractive than typical plumbing pipes and are generally plated in some sort of metal. Furthermore, most of these pipes contain a special shut off valve that is usually made of porcelain and often labels the purpose of the pipe.

Depending on the placement of the holes cut into your clawfoot bathtub, your faucet and water supply can either be on the end or in the middle of the tub. Also, your faucet may mount directly into the side of the bathtub, or may perch on top. Although you can choose the specific style of faucet that fits into your clawfoot bathtub, you should be sure to know exactly what type of faucet for which you are looking before you begin shopping.

In addition to the plumbing aspects of your clawfoot bathtub, there are a variety of accessories that maximize the available space. Since a clawfoot tub has no storage for bath products, consider investing in a shelf or basket that hangs from the rim of your clawfoot bathtub in order to provide you with ample space for sponges, bottles, and everything else.