Is Wall Mount Claw Foot Faucet Same As Tub Mount
No. A wall mount clawfoot faucet is not the same as a tub mount faucet. They may look similar, but they differ in installation position, hole spacing, plumbing connection type, and structural requirements. Choosing the wrong type will make installation impossible without modifying plumbing or drilling new holes.
Understanding the Two Faucet Types
Wall-mount and tub-mount faucets are both used on clawfoot tubs, but they attach to different surfaces and require different plumbing configurations.
Wall Mount Clawfoot Faucet
Installs on the bathroom wall
Connects to in-wall plumbing
Requires precise rough-in spacing
Common spacing: 3⅜ inches center-to-center (traditional clawfoot standard)
Often paired with risers and shower conversion kits
Tub Mount Clawfoot Faucet
Installs directly on the tub rim
Mounted on holes drilled in the tub deck
Connects to exposed supply lines
Common spacing: 3⅜ inches or 7 inches, depending on tub design
Designed for exposed plumbing aesthetics
Installation Differences
Wall Mount Installation
Plumbing lines come from inside the wall
Faucet sits higher than tub rim
Requires correct rough-in depth and spacing
Does not use rim holes in the tub
Tub Mount Installation
Plumbing comes from the floor or below the tub
Faucet mounts through predrilled holes
Uses exposed supply lines
Does not attach to the wall
Key Point
A tub-mounted faucet cannot be installed on a wall without adapters, and a wall-mounted faucet cannot fit tub deck holes.
Plumbing Connection Differences
Wall Mount
Threaded in-wall connections
Hot and cold outlets recessed into the wall
Designed for concealed or partly exposed piping
Tub Mount
Uses exposed supply lines
Connects from floor or under the tub
Typically uses compression or straight-thread connections
Why This Matters
Thread size, pipe angle, and connection height differ, so the faucet types are not interchangeable.
Hole Spacing and Compatibility
Although some clawfoot faucets share the classic 3⅜-inch spacing, this does not make them interchangeable.
Wall Mount
3⅜ inches center-to-center is standard
Height fixed according to plumbing rough-in
Tub Mount
Hole spacing varies by tub design
Height is determined by tub rim thickness
Some tubs use wide 7-inch spacing
Important
Even when spacing matches, the mounting hardware, angle, and connection style differ.
Aesthetic and Functional Differences
Wall Mount Appearance
More minimal
Keeps tub rim clear
Great for small bathrooms
Often used with shower risers
Tub Mount Appearance
Classic exposed plumbing style
Traditional clawfoot bathtub look
Easier to install in freestanding areas
Functionally
Wall mount is better for combined tub-and-shower use
Tub mount is better for bathing-only setups
When to Use a Wall Mount Clawfoot Faucet
Bathroom plumbing is already inside the wall
You want a clean wall-mounted look
You need space on the tub rim
You plan to install a shower riser and curtain ring
Tub has no rim holes
When to Use a Tub Mount Clawfoot Faucet
Tub has predrilled rim holes
You prefer exposed supply line aesthetics
Floor plumbing is available
You want a traditional clawfoot appearance
Wall plumbing is not accessible
Can One Type Replace the Other?
Wall Mount → Tub Mount
Not compatible unless the tub is drilled and plumbing is rerouted.
Tub Mount → Wall Mount
Not compatible unless new wall outlets are installed at the correct height and spacing.
Adapters Exist but Limited
Some conversion kits exist, but they:
Add cost
Are not universally compatible
May affect stability or leak resistance
Replacing with the correct type is always the recommended solution.
Conclusion
A wall mount clawfoot faucet is not the same as a tub mount faucet. They differ in mounting location, plumbing type, hole spacing, and installation requirements. Choosing the correct faucet depends on where your plumbing is located and whether your clawfoot tub has deck holes.
Correct faucet selection prevents plumbing rework, installation issues, and long-term leaks.