How to measure the spacing of a shower faucet? - Mexen Ireland

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How to measure the spacing of a shower faucet?

How to measure the spacing of a shower faucet?
Category: Technical Advice
Author: Mexen

The spacing of a shower faucet is the distance between the axes of the two connections coming out of the wall. It also indicates which fixture you should buy if you want to replace it with a new one without modifying the existing installation. The standard spacing for a shower faucet in many bathrooms is 150 mm. However, to be sure when planning to replace the fixture, measure the pipe spacing.

What will you learn from this article?

The standard spacing of a shower faucet is 150 mm, but you should not rely on this measurement rigidly. By taking a measurement, you will avoid problems when installing or replacing bathroom fixtures. From this article, you will learn:

  • Why is the correct pipe spacing for a shower faucet so important?
  • How do you measure the spacing of a bathtub and shower faucet?
  • How do you install a shower faucet to ensure comfortable use?

Why does shower faucet spacing matter?

A very important parameter when purchasing bathroom fixtures is the faucet spacing. By choosing a model with dimensions that match the existing water installation, you avoid costly and complicated modifications. 

Correct spacing for a shower faucet also prevents problems during use, especially leaks. 

The spacing for a shower faucet also affects user comfort. Spacing that is too wide or too narrow will make operation more difficult and reduce the pleasure of taking a shower. Before purchasing a shower faucet, measure the pipe spacing in your bathroom correctly, and you will be able to match the fixture to both newer and older installations.

How do you measure shower faucet spacing?

Older installations may have spacing of 100 mm, 120 mm, or 180 mm. Currently, the most common shower faucet spacing is 150 mm.

 

Measuring shower faucet spacing precisely is very simple. You only need to know what to pay particular attention to. 

  1. Accurate measurement of the spacing is only possible after exposing the threaded connections for the hot and cold water.
  2. Place the tape measure at the center of one opening and extend it to the center of the other thread.
  3. You will obtain a value indicating the spacing of the bathroom faucet.

Measuring without removing the faucet: If an old fixture is installed on the wall, measure the distance from the left edge of the left escutcheon to the left edge of the right escutcheon. The resulting value corresponds exactly to the center-to-center spacing of the connections (150mm). Alternatively, you can measure the distance from the center of the left nut to the center of the right connection nut. 

Check how to measure bathtub faucet spacing.

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What should you remember when installing a shower faucet?

One of the most frequently asked questions by people designing a bathroom concerns shower faucet installation, or how to do it correctly. This is justified because not only its spacing affects the comfort and safety of using the fixture.  

A shower faucet must be installed at the correct height and have the appropriate depth. 

At what height should a shower faucet be installed?

The installation height of shower faucets in standard shower enclosures should be 110–120 cm. However, if the enclosure is low and also has a rainfall shower, you can choose an installation height of 90–110 cm.

Learn more about what height to install a shower faucet at.

Is the spacing and installation of a bathtub faucet the same as for a shower faucet?

The standard spacing of a bathtub faucet is exactly the same as that of a shower faucet and is 150 mm. This allows the same fixture to be used without modifying the connections. The differences between bathroom faucets mainly concern their hydraulic functions and method of use. 

Modern bathtub faucets are equipped with a bath-shower diverter and a spout. In shower faucets, stable water supply to the shower set, consisting of a rainfall shower and a hand shower, is particularly important. 

When installing a bathtub faucet, a much lower height is used (60–80 cm from the floor) due to the functionality of using it while seated. In the case of a shower, easy access in a standing position is required.

Although both types of fixtures have identical center-to-center connection spacing (150mm), they differ in installation height above the finished floor. This is a great convenience when modernizing or replacing a fixture. There is no need to interfere with the water installation, allowing you to renovate without additional costs.

Key considerations when choosing a shower faucet for non-standard spacing

If it turns out that you bought a shower faucet with different spacing from the existing installation, you do not need to panic. You can use adapters, which are also useful for non-standard spacing.

Offset connectors and adapters are needed when the difference in wall-mounted faucet spacing is 10–30 mm. They allow you to compensate for an uneven connection and adapt the faucet to spacing ranging from 120–180 mm without dismantling the entire wall.

Correct positioning of a shower faucet helps avoid unpleasant surprises

Carefully measuring shower faucet spacing is extremely important. This way, you avoid problems with installation and use. An accurate result means that the purchased fixture should fit the existing installation. 

Various bathroom faucet models are available on the market. If you like one that is not compatible with your installation, you can use offset connectors, which increase or decrease the distance between the two mounting points.

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