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Variable Center Tub Faucets: What They Are and When You Need One

Most clawfoot and freestanding tubs are drilled to one of two standard spacings. But plenty of tubs, especially older ones, salvaged ones and tubs from other makers, measure somewhere in between. A variable center faucet adjusts to fit them, so you don't have to drill new holes or settle for a faucet that won't line up.

What "centers" means

Centers is the distance from the middle of one faucet hole to the middle of the other. It's the same as the distance between the faucet's hot and cold connections. The two standard spacings are:

  • 3 3/8" for faucets that mount through the tub's end wall.
  • 7" for faucets that sit on the tub's rim (deck mount), and for most of our wall-mount faucets.

How adjustable centers work

Our variable center faucets use one of two kinds of fitting:

  • Swing-arm couplers pivot to set the distance between the connections anywhere in their range. Our swing-arm faucets cover 3 3/8" to 9" or 3 3/8" to 12".
  • Offset couplers shift the connection off-center, taking a 7" faucet out to as much as 9 1/2".

How to measure your tub

Measure from the center of one hole to the center of the other, twice. Note whether the holes are on the rim or in the end wall of the tub. Then choose a faucet whose range includes your measurement.

Your holes measure Look at
3 3/8" to 9" Deck Mount Tub Faucet with Adjustable Centers P0712, with a 5" spout reach and adjustable height
3 3/8" to 12" British Telephone Deck Mount Faucet with Variable Centers P0626, with a porcelain handshower and diverter; or the Thermostatic British Telephone Faucet P0889
7" to 9 1/2" Offset Deck Mount Tub Faucet P0803, the Offset British Telephone Tub Faucet P0795 with handshower, or the Offset Thermostatic Deck Mount Tub Faucet P1132
Exactly 3 3/8" or 7" Any of our fixed-center tub faucets

When a variable center faucet makes sense

  • You're restoring a vintage or salvaged tub and the holes don't match a standard spacing.
  • You're replacing an old faucet on a tub you already have.
  • You want room for error if a tub measures a little off.

Not sure what you have? Send us a photo and your measurement through our contact page and we'll point you to a faucet that fits.

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