Best Old Style Tub Faucets for Clawfoot and Vintage Bathrooms
The best old style tub faucet depends on the tub’s mounting style, pipe spacing, and whether you want a shower attachment. The My PlumbingStuff B3100 is a strong fit for a traditional clawfoot replacement with 3⅜-inch centers; the Wasserrhythm kit suits buyers seeking a vintage faucet with a handheld shower; and the Airuida adds antique-brass styling. Check inlet and swing-arm measurements before choosing any model.
| Product | Best For | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| My PlumbingStuff B3100 | Clawfoot faucet replacement | 3⅜-inch centers and ceramic cartridges |
| Wasserrhythm Clawfoot Kit | Victorian-style tub and shower | Wall- or tub-mounted design |
| Barclay Diverter Faucet | Traditional controls | Porcelain hot, cold, and shower handles |
| Pyhomestrim Bathcock Kit | Adding a shower riser or hose | Includes a reducer adapter |
| Airuida Antique Brass Faucet | Vintage décor in brass tones | Handheld sprayer and diverter |
My PlumbingStuff B3100 Clawfoot Faucet
Best for: Replacing a traditional clawfoot tub faucet when the installation uses 3⅜-inch centers and a ¾-inch male IPS inlet. This model has separate hot and cold handles with ceramic cartridges, plus a quarter-turn ball-valve diverter.
Its polished chrome finish suits bathrooms where a bright metal look is preferred. The listed features describe it as intended for My PlumbingStuff products and usable on many cast-iron, rolled-top, and clawfoot-style tubs. It was selected for its clear dimensions and traditional two-handle layout.
Limitation: Confirm the inlet type and center measurement before ordering; the listed compatibility does not guarantee a fit for every older tub.
Wasserrhythm Vintage Clawfoot Tub Kit
Best for: Buyers who want a coordinated vintage-style faucet and handheld shower. Its telephone-inspired styling, ceramic handheld shower, and cross handles create a period look, while the dual-function design is described as suitable for wall or tub mounting with the corresponding accessories.
This kit stands out for shoppers who need more than a basic bathcock and want a shower option integrated into the faucet setup. It was selected for its vintage appearance and stated mounting flexibility.
Limitation: The product information specifically advises checking the dimensions and swing-arm size before purchase. Verify those measurements against the tub and installation area.
Barclay Three-Handle Diverter Faucet
Best for: Shoppers who prefer clearly labeled, traditional controls. The faucet has three porcelain lever handles marked hot, cold, and shower, with 3⅜-inch centers and quarter-turn compression stems.
The separate shower control makes the function easy to identify, and the three-handle arrangement fits a classic bathroom aesthetic. It was selected as a straightforward option for buyers comparing old-style controls and a listed 3⅜-inch center measurement.
Limitation: The supplied product details do not specify inlet dimensions or include a full shower kit. Confirm connection requirements and included components before purchase.
Pyhomestrim Bathcock Diverter Kit
Best for: Owners of a traditional clawfoot or roll-top tub who want a diverter faucet with a shower connection. The bathcock is made of solid brass with a polished chrome finish and has 3⅜-inch centers and a ¾-inch MIP inlet.
An included reducer adapter changes the connection from ⅜-inch MIP to ½-inch MIP, and the product details describe support for a ⅜-inch shower riser or ½-inch shower hose connection. That adapter makes it a useful choice when the existing shower connection needs one of those sizes.
Limitation: Check the tub’s inlet spacing and the shower riser or hose connection. The listing describes fit for most tubs, not every plumbing configuration.
Airuida Antique Brass Tub Faucet
Best for: Buyers furnishing a vintage-inspired bathroom who want antique-brass color rather than chrome. The faucet is described as solid brass, wall-mounted, and equipped with cross handles, a telephone-style handheld sprayer, and a diverter for switching between the tub spout and sprayer.
The listed flow rate is 1.25 GPM. Its dual outlets provide a tub-filling spout and a handheld spray for rinsing or cleaning. It was selected for shoppers prioritizing vintage appearance alongside shower functionality.
Limitation: The provided details do not state center spacing or inlet dimensions. Confirm those specifications with the seller and compare them with the installation before buying.
Buying Guide: How To Choose An Old Style Tub Faucet
Which measurements should you check?
Measure the distance between the faucet inlets, then identify the inlet thread type and size. Some products here list 3⅜-inch centers, but that measurement alone does not confirm a match. For wall-mounted or tub-mounted kits, check mounting position, swing-arm clearance, and the space available around the tub.
Do you need a diverter or handheld shower?
A basic tub faucet fills the bath, while a diverter directs water to a shower attachment. Choose a model with a diverter if you plan to use a shower riser or handheld sprayer. Compare the outlet connection size with your existing hose or riser; an included reducer may help, but only for the sizes specified.
Which finish and handle style suit your bathroom?
Chrome offers a polished, classic metal appearance. Antique brass is an alternative for warmer, vintage-inspired décor. Cross handles and porcelain labels emphasize traditional styling, while separate hot and cold controls are common on old-style designs. Match the finish to nearby fixtures when a consistent look matters.
What should you verify before ordering?
- Center-to-center inlet spacing and mounting type.
- Inlet thread size and any required adapters.
- Whether a showerhead, hose, riser, or other accessories are included.
- Clearance for swing arms and handheld shower components.
- Whether the faucet’s controls and diverter match how you use the tub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an old style tub faucet?
It is a faucet designed with traditional details such as cross handles, porcelain labels, exposed plumbing, or styling suited to clawfoot and freestanding tubs.
Are clawfoot tub faucets universal?
No. Center spacing, inlet threads, mounting style, and shower connections vary. Measure the existing setup and compare it with the faucet specifications.
What does a tub faucet diverter do?
A diverter switches water from the tub spout to a connected shower attachment, such as a riser or handheld sprayer.
Can I use a wall-mounted faucet on a clawfoot tub?
Some products are described as suitable for wall or tub mounting, but mounting requirements differ. Confirm the included accessories and installation dimensions for the specific model.
Is chrome or antique brass better for a vintage bathroom?
Either can suit vintage décor. Chrome provides a bright polished look, while antique brass offers a warmer tone; choose based on the other fixtures and the desired appearance.