Choosing and Installing Clawfoot Tub Drains

There are very few workable parts to a typical clawfoot bathtub. The drain is one of those parts and it is something that needs to be taken into consideration in some cases. This is especially true whenever the drain is mostly exposed, as is the case with Clawfoot tub drains. You might be surprised to learn that there are several different options that are available for you that can change the entire look, in many cases, of the tub itself. Since this can be considered a decorative addition, it does take a little bit of consideration on your part.

The real difference between Clawfoot tub drains and standard drains that go with other types of bathtubs is the fact that on a claw foot tub, the drain is going to be exposed. The reason why this is the case is because Clawfoot tubs are freestanding, so it is necessary to have the drain on the exterior of the tub. It can either be a direct drain below the tub, in which case it will only be a short stub that is visible or it can be any one of the acrylic Clawfoot tub drains that also include an overflow valve in many cases.

Whenever you are doing a new Clawfoot tub installation, the holes that are going to be used will, more than likely, be pre-drilled at the factory. In the case of a used Clawfoot bathtub or an antique, the holes will also be existing and in most cases, you will have to use these existing holes and cut any Clawfoot tub drains that you purchase to fit. Most of the drains that you purchase for this purpose are going to come with plenty of waste material, as the length of the drain is going to vary widely, depending on the tub that you are using.

Care should be taken whenever you are installing new Clawfoot tub drains because if the tub is going to leak anywhere, it is going to be around the seal where the drain meets the tub itself. There are going to be gaskets that are included in order to prevent leakage, but you may want to also use some plumbers putty underneath the inside of the drain in order to prevent leakage as well. It is easier to take care of this process at the beginning than to go back at a later time and redo it because a leak has occurred.

You would probably be surprised with the variety ofm Kohler Clawfoot tub drains that you're going to find whenever you start looking for them. Since a lot of the drain is going to be exposed, you would want to make sure that you match it as closely as possible to the feet of the tub as far as the finish is concerned. This will make a much nicer looking job and it will complement the look of the tub instead of detracting from it.