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Replacing clawfoot tub or adding a shower

Author: flowbe202 (MA)

New to the forum and I've had a good chuckle about all these folks asking how to put a clawfoot tub in. I have just the opposite problem -- I want it out!

I'm purchasing a third floor condo in a 1907 three decker in Boston. I grew up in a 3-decker so I'm not ennamoured with clawfoot tubs and the inevitable water splashing but I know other people are. My realtor was shocked when I said it was the first thing to be tossed out. The last owner installed one of those large Koehler pedestal sinks and matching toilet to look "authentic."

So -- am I crazy? Should I keep it and just tie-in (somehow) a small shower? Is that possible considering I'm on the third floor? Has anyone ever heard about it being done? Or should I just replace it with a "real" new tub and shower.

Thanks for your feedback!

Re: Replacing clawfoot tub or adding a shower
Author: HelpMePlumb (FL) Your house. Do what you want. Taking a shower in a clawfoot ain't the easiest thing either. And a shower curtain just ruins the whole look. Who takes only baths anyway?

Re: Replacing clawfoot tub or adding a shower
Author: mr leak (CA) I would get a second caw foot bathtub put it outside and make a ceilas. If you don't want to do this then get Cealias for occasaional use

Re: Replacing clawfoot tub or adding a shower
Author: waukeshaplumbing (WI) clawfoot tubs make no sense i install them once in a while and when i go back to these houses for other work i always check out the tub....typically they look unused having a claw foot tub is all about the 'look'....it has nothing do to with making sense in 2012

Re: Replacing clawfoot tub or adding a shower
Author: hj There are "add a showers" for clawfoor tubs which have an attached shower curtain loop. THis would be the easiest and cheapest option.

Re: Replacing clawfoot tub or adding a shower
Author: packy hj, not in massachusetts. unless a seperate non-scald shower valve is used. as to the question, i would add a seperate shower and keep the tub for soaking.. it would probably be fairly difficult to do without a sizable demo and repipe.

Re: Replacing clawfoot tub or adding a shower
Author: Fixitangel (NC) Not to mention how much fun it would be to get a clawfoot out of the 3rd story to the street Edited 1 times.

Re: Replacing clawfoot tub or adding a shower
Author: packy pushed many clawfoot (minus the feet) out the window, down into the back yard.

Re: Replacing clawfoot tub or adding a shower
Author: bernabeu (SC) a 'claw foot' tub is very nice IN THE MIDDLE of a LARGE bathroom surrounded by space else they are maintenance and cleaning nightmares - - - - - - - Measure twice, cut once. Retired Plumbers Local Union #1

Re: Replacing clawfoot tub or adding a shower
Author: hj Such as in the middle of the master bedroom with a view of the mountains through the sliding glass doors.

Re: Replacing clawfoot tub or adding a shower
Author: bernabeu (SC) droooool droooool droooool - - - - - - - Measure twice, cut once. Retired Plumbers Local Union #1

Re: Replacing clawfoot tub or adding a shower
Author: flowbe202 (MA) Thanks for the feedback. Your point about the expense is right on the mark. There is space to add a shower unit in an adjacent closet/room but the unit wouldn't be near the plumbing wall. Back to the drawing board...