How to Extend a Wall Mount Bathtub Faucet

While it may seem like a minor consideration, properly extending a faucet can make a big difference. Extending a wall mount bathtub faucet is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it allows for greater accessibility and better looking design. Secondly, an extended faucet opens up a world of design possibilities. It allows you to customize the look of your bathroom by choosing from a wide range of faucet styles, finishes, and handles that fit perfectly with the design impact you’re going for. Whether you prefer a modern, minimalist design or a classic, vintage-inspired look, extending the faucet can help you achieve the perfect faucet fit for your bathtub. 

One common method to extend a wall mount bathtub faucet is to use wall union extensions, also known as wall couplers. These are additional pieces that connect between the existing faucet and the water supply pipes, effectively lengthening the reach of the faucet. Wall mount extensions and couplers come in different sizes and materials to accommodate various faucet types and styles. Whether you have a pedestal tub, freestanding tub, alcove tub, or clawfoot tub, there are specific considerations and challenges associated with each type. 

What Are Wall Union Extensions?

Wall mount faucet extensions and couplers are additional components used to extend the reach of a wall mount bathtub faucet. These pieces bridge the gap between the existing faucet and the water supply lines, allowing for the desired extension. They come in various lengths and materials to accommodate different faucet types and installation requirements.

Choosing the Right Faucet Extension Length

Wall union extensions typically come in standard sizes ranging from 1 ¾ inches, 2 inches, 4 inches, and 6 inches. These measurements refer to how much added length you can achieve when added to the water supply. 

Pay special attention to how much added length your faucet can accommodate. An incorrect size can result in misalignment, leaks, or an unstable faucet installation. It’s important to measure the pre-altered distance from the wall to the spout. With this measurement, you can better judge if a coupler will make the faucet lean down from its own weight. This measurement will also guide you in selecting the right length of wall mount extension for your specific faucet.

Compatible Faucets for an Extension

Wall mount extensions and couplers are compatible with a wide range of wall-mount bathtub faucet types, including single and two-handle faucets, as well as clawfoot tub faucets. Our favorite wall-mount clawfoot faucet is the signature Vintage CC1302T1 Tub Wall-Mount Clawfoot Tub Faucet.

Types of Bathtubs for Wall Mount Faucets

While you can use a wall-mount faucet for almost any bathtub setup, clawfoot, pedestal, alcove, and freestanding are the most common configurations. Some bathtubs have mounting options that connect directly to the tub wall, which is not ideal for adding extensions as the spout is already sufficiently reaching the bathtub. Try tub mount couplers for a faucet that mounts directly to a sloped tub wall; this coupler has a slight angle to compensate for its wall slope.

BONUS TIP: If you’re converting your existing bathtub into a shower only, check out our Wall Mount Tub Filler with Riser Adapter. This option allows you to swap out the faucet without rearranging the plumbing behind the wall. This type of tub filler is compatible with most of our shower risers.

Adding a Shower Head or Hand Shower

Extending a wall-mount bathtub faucet provides an opportunity to incorporate a shower head and hand shower for added versatility. Various options are available, including a combination of a fixed showerhead and a handheld showerhead or a diverter valve that allows you to switch between the two. These components can be connected to the extended faucet using separate diverter valves or a diverter tub spout with an integrated shower outlet.

Additional plumbing connections may be required to install a shower head and hand shower in conjunction with an extended wall-mount bathtub faucet. This typically involves installing a shower arm for the fixed shower head and a diverter valve or tub spout with an integrated water outlet for the hand shower.