For clawfoot tubs with faucet holes drilled in the side of the tub, there are two basic types of supply lines; double offset and single offset.
Single offset supply lines run parallel to each other straight to the floor. Single offset supplies work well when the spread of the rough ins matches that of the tub faucet holes (e.g., 3 3/8" cc faucet holes and 3 3/8" cc stubs).
In most cases, however, faucet holes are drilled 3 3/8" on center and stubs are roughed in on 8" centers. Double offset supply lines have a bend in them and slope slightly away from each other as they run to the floor. Double offset supplies flare out from 3 3/8" centers on the faucet end to 8" centers to connect with floor stubs. Double offset installations are most common but the appropriate choice will depend on your situation.
Pressure balance supply systems are a variation of double offset supplies. Like double offset supplies, pressure balance supply systems are used when a tub is drilled with 3 3/8" centers and the rough in is 8" on center. Pressure balance systems have a mixing valve that maintains a somewhat constant water temperature by regulating fluctuations in water pressure. Pressure balance systems do not include a thermostatic that permits setting a maximum temperature. They only prevent fluctuations in temperature while in use.
In some cases, neither single nor double offset supply lines are an option. These supply lines will not work if the stubs are roughed in through the wall (e.g., a basement bathroom with a concrete slab floor). They will not work if the rough in and faucet holes are offset at non-standard spreads. They may not work if the tub must be positioned too close to the wall. Single and double offset supplies (including floor escutcheons) require approximately 5"-6" between the wall and where the supplies connect to the faucet shanks. In any of these situations, bathcock ells (elbows) with stainless steel flex hose are used. Our ells extend approximately 2" and the stainless steel flex hoses can accommodate odd offsets or wall installation.
For tubs that have holes drilled in the rim, we offer deck mount supply lines, including a unique deck mount pressure balance system. For tubs that have no holes, we carry an assortment of free standing supplies. Clawfoot Classics has supply lines for any situation.
Many supply line options include shutoffs (sometimes referred to as stops). Shutoffs for clawfoot tub supplies are used for the same reason your sink faucet or toilet supplies have stops. The valves allow you to turn off water to the faucet if you need to work on it or replace it. They are also quite popular for aesthetic reasons.
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