Before you begin, you’ll want to install separate 3/4-inch lines to supply the shower. This extra step ensures good water pressure and protects the bather from temperature changes when another faucet is turned on, or the toilet tank refills. You’ll want to tap into the cold and hot water lines as close to the water heater as possible. If necessary, move a stud to make room for the plumbing behind the tub. Once you’ve chosen the faucet you’re going to install, follow the manufacturer’s directions for plumbing it. If your faucet doesn’t have integrated shutoff valves, install shutoff valves in the lines to the valve. For optimal comfort, position the faucet about 28 inches above the floor for a tub, and about 48 inches for a shower. If you have other faucet setups, such as a three-handle faucet, it may require that supply pipes be spread farther apart than for a single-handle faucet. Threaded adapters screw in for the supplies, spout, or shower arm. A faucet with integral shutoffs comes with a large escutcheon (cover plate) so you can more easily reach the shutoff valves.
