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Learn how to properly plumb a shower or bathtub faucet while ensuring optimal water pressure and temperature.
Caitlin Sole is the senior home editor at BHG. She is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of interior design expertise. She has vast experience with digital media, including SEO, photo shoot production, video production, eCommerce content, print collaboration, and custom sales content.
Published on June 5, 2018
Hooking up a shower or tub faucet isn't as difficult as you might think. So long as you're comfortable with accurately measuring, drilling, and working with copper pipe, this project is well within reach. We broke the installation process down into easy-to-follow steps for optimal ease. Expect to spend at least half a day installing a faucet.
Before you begin, you'll want to install separate 3/4-inch lines to supply the shower. This extra step ensures good water pressure and protects the bather from temperature changes when another faucet is turned on, or the toilet tank refills. You'll want to tap into the cold and hot water lines as close to the water heater as possible. If necessary, move a stud to make room for the plumbing behind the tub.
Once you've chosen the faucet you're going to install, follow the manufacturer's directions for plumbing it. If your faucet doesn't have integrated shutoff valves, install shutoff valves in the lines to the valve. For optimal comfort, position the faucet about 28 inches above the floor for a tub, and about 48 inches for a shower.