Clawfoot Tubs

Clawfoot Tubs Related Information:

The appearance of the clawfoot tub can be dated as far back as 1883. Prior to this, bathtubs were made of crude materials and were not very easy to clean. Cast iron bathtubs were the norm but they were not very user friendly. The National Public Health Act was passed in 1848, creating a code for plumbing in the US. Then in 1883, started the practice of enameling the cast iron bathtubs to give them a smoother finish. This would make the bath tub better to use and to clean. Thus was designed the first ever clawfoot tub. These were initially designed to primarily be used as water troughs for horses and then could also be used by people to take a bath in, if they so desired by just adding four legs.

People soon began to like bathing in these tubs and they started becoming popular. Over the years, the clawfoot tub evolved into the newer generation of bathtubs, which were fitted and built into the bathrooms.

Types of clawfoot tubs:

Clawfoot tubs come in different kinds and styles such as:

Traditional Roll Rim Bath: As the name suggests, these clawfoot tubs are as close in design as possible to the original cast iron bathtubs. These tubs come in various sizes so as to fit in different bathrooms and accommodate people of varying heights.

Pedestal tubs: These clawfoot tubs imitate the design of the art-deco type tubs, which were popular in the 1920s and 1930s. The pedestal tubs have a base like support at the bottom. These are also available in different sizes.

Double-ended Clawfoot Tubs: These tubs have a rounded edge on both sides, so they can be used from both sides and whichever position you want. The drain is in the center and the taps are placed on the side of the tub.

Slipper tubs: These tubs have a higher support at one side to afford better seating positions. With the slipper tub, you can relax in the bath and have a comfortable place to rest your head. Double-ended slipper tubs have the high back support on both the ends of the tub.

A clawfoot tub requires some additional hardware before it can be used. These are:

A Faucet: These can be side mounted, placed on the ends of the tub or can be a hand held type of faucet. The hand held faucets for clawfoot tubs are very useful for cleaning the tub or for washing your hair. Faucets are available in many different finishes e.g. chrome, brass, silver etc. But the most popular of all is the nickel finish, which gives the faucets a truly antique look.

Supply and Drain Lines: A very essential part of clawfoot tubs. Supply Lines are water pipes, which connect from the floor to the tap. These come in four general designs – single offset, double offset, free standing, and straight. Different supply lines are fitted according to the type of taps. Drains help the dirty water to be washed away from inside the clawfoot tub. A drain can either be a rubber stopper with chain type, or, the twist and turn type. Drains should come equipped with the full waste and overflow assembly.

Clawfoot tubs can be very complex to install. A lot of different tools and materials are needed to install a clawfoot tub, not to mention the expertise involved. It is better to pay some money and have a plumber fit it than trying to do it on your own if you are not very familiar with the installation procedure.