While bathtubs may appear simple, there are many moving parts to consider when making a tub. While bathtubs may look simple, there are many moving parts that affect how the tub functions. Here are all the parts of a bathtub:

• Water Supply
• Shower
• Tub
• Shut off Valves
• Diverter Pipe
• Planar Cross
• Rim
• Drain

Water Supply

First and foremost is the water supply. The water supply supplies water to the faucets and peripherals of your shower heads, which will fill your bathtub with water. It is essential to inspect your water supply regularly for any damages or contaminants. However, typically turning on your water can give an indication of its overall purity. The water you get is either cold or warm. It is typically provided by your utilities through a tower or a condenser.

A problem with your water heater can also cause cold water in your shower. This will be managed for each unit of an apartment building. However, if your home is a house, the water supply will be hidden underground or located in your basement or crawlspace to ensure that you don’t get interrupted.

Shower

Directly connected to your water supply is your shower, which provides an aerial stream of water for bathing. A shower is usually mounted at a higher angle and a tub below it that acts as the drain. While you have the option to change the size and efficiency of your shower heads by replacing them with water-efficient ones, this will reduce overall water flow. However, you can change the shower heads to increase water flow. This will result in a significant increase in your water bill. A set of control valves controls your shower. These valves can independently determine hot and cold water. Older models can cause burns, as there is no temperature control. However, newer models have thermostat-mixing valves, which prevent this from happening.

Tub

Similar to your shower, the bathtub provides a vessel for holding water for the purposes of bathing. The bathtub is intended for sitting bathing. All bathtubs are rectangular or oval in shape. The central drain is located at the bottom of the tub and can be plugged to regulate water flow. Most bathtubs have shower combos. Water is controlled using two similar valves: one for cold water and the other for hot. Newer models include thermostat mixing valves that provide greater safety for higher temperatures.

Shutoff Valves

Allowing control of the water supply to your home, there are two primary types of shutoff valves-fixture valves and primary valves. Newer homes and those built in the last 40 years will have a separate stop valve that runs from the supply tube to the fixture. If the stop valve does not work, water to your entire house will be shut off. The main shutoff valve controls water flow throughout your house. You should consider adding separate stop-valves to your house in case of emergency.

Diverter Pipe

A diverter pipe is a piece of plumbing equipment used to divert or centralize the flow of water to a single area, or in other words, if you want hot and cold water to flow out from one faucet. Diverter pipes are used in almost all appliances, including bathtubs, freestanding sinks and showers. They allow both water flows to be combined into one opening. General low water pressure is the best way to determine if you need to replace a diverter.

Planar Cross

Usually only installed in a bathtub, a planar cross is a four cross connection of pipes that control water flow. This planar cross connects with the diverter pipe and your cold, warm water supply. It allows water to flow straight out of your bathroom. The reason it isn’t prevalent in other parts of your home is that with cross section arrangements, you risk having municipal water mixing in with your own.

Rim

The rim is defined by the upper edge of your tub or the lip of it. It serves two purposes. The lip provides a solid base to your bathtub, and also allows water to collect from the bathtub’s top. The rim can get wet, and the sealant beneath will wear down. It is important to caulk this area once in a while.

Drain

The drain allows water to leave your bathtub or sink, specifically through the drain pipe. You will see it by the circular hole at your bathtub’s bottom or in your sink. If water doesn’t flow out of the drain, this is usually a sign that the drain pipe is blocked. It is often caused by hair buildup. A strainer will catch the hair and prevent future problems.

Flexible Connector

A flexible connector is a pipe that shores up any connector problems that may exist in your plumbing. If, for instance, your pipes don’t fully connect to each other, a connector pipe, usually made from braided steel, is used for connecting your appliances to the water supply. They are available in a variety of sizes and bolt designs, making it easy to adapt to any home. Flex connectors are most commonly used with new sinks and freestanding bathtubs. They can align your plumbing with your appliances.

Overflow Pipe

Located between your connections and the drain, the overflow pipe serves to catch all the excess water build up and direct it to your drain through a separate pipe. The general idea behind an overflow pipe is to lessen the load or general water flow to your drain, otherwise, it may stress the piping if a separate channel isn’t created for excess water to move through.

Trap

A trap, or otherwise referred to as an ‘S-Bend’ is a specific type of piping that is designed in the shape of a sideways S. This design allows for the water to be trapped so that harmful substances and gases cannot pass through from outside into your home, while simultaneously allowing for waste to pass from your home to the outside. Most traps are used to prevent dangerous gases from entering your home’s water system. There will be a very small number of them in your piping systems.

Waste Outlet

A waste outlet or a drain-waste-vent is a system most commonly installed in and around your toilet. It works by using gravity to move waste into the sewer. This provides a clear channel through which your waste can be disposed of. A trap will connect the outlet to your water supply. This will prevent harmful substances from entering your water supply and maintain a constant air pressure which helps move water through it.

Retaining Nut

The retaining nuts are the locking nuts that fasten your fixtures to the wall. Retaining nuts are what hold your bathtub or faucet in its place. The retaining nut is usually installed on a shaft or an elongated part. It prevents your sink or bathtub from moving further even with tremendous force.

Decorative Panel

Typically flush with your wall, the decorative panel is an outer layer of a wall that covers all the interior pipe make up of your bathroom. This panel is generally made of natural stone or tile, but you can also get it in acrylic, which is cheaper. The panel’s job is to hide many of the inner workings of the bathtub or sink from public view, providing a much cleaner bathroom aesthetic. They must also be waterproof to prevent deterioration and buildup.

Lining

The lining refers to the area where your bathtub meets the joined wall, securing it. The lining can become damaged over time due to water seeping through the cracks. You can fix this by either installing new lining. This is made of multiple layers PVC plastic or acrylic that is then glued onto your bathtub and sealed with sealant. Your bathtub may need to be replaced entirely.

Faucets

Lever and Handle

The lever and handles determine your overall water pressure from your shower or bathtub. Many homes have the lever action integrated into the handles. You need to pull outwards for water to inflow. This is useful for controlling your water level. These handles also control the temperature of your bath/shower.

Dome

The dome is the cover to your shower, allowing for a more controlled burst of water rather than a high pressure stream. A dome usually has several holes on its surface. This allows it to strain the incoming water into a smaller area.

Cartridge

A faucet cartridge is a type of valve that is located inside of your faucet that regulates water flow and temperature when you turn the handle. Located in many showers, it provides higher control of temperature and is usually the first thing to check when temperatures aren’t working optimally in your shower/faucet.

Faucet Spout

The faucet spout is the area where water flows from, or more specifically, where all the water pressure and piping directs your water to flow out of. As long as the piping is connected properly, water will flow when you turn your faucet handle or sink handle. The spout also functions as a way of controlling outflow water as it’s angular and higher design means that the water pressure will be lessened having to travel upwards than if it was closer to the ground.

You will be able to diagnose and fix any problems that may occur in the future if you have a better understanding of the components of a bathtub.

FAQ:

1. What are the main parts of a bathtub called?

The main bathtub parts include the tub basin, apron/rim, drain assembly, faucets, overflow plate/drain, and tub feet/legs.

2. What is the curved part of a bathtub called?

The curved bottom part that holds water is called the bathtub basin.

3. What is the rim around the top of a bathtub called?

The rim around the top edge is called the apron, deck, or ledge. 

4. What are the pipes underneath a bathtub called?

The pipes underneath that connect the drain are called the bathtub drain assembly.