Looking for high flow shower/tub fixture

[bobinmadison]

Hi,
I am installing a tile flanged 3'x6' Kohler Archer soaking tub (78gal) that will also be used as a shower. I would like to find a shower/tub fixture that has a high enough flow rate to fill the tub in a reasonable amount of time. Seems most shower/tub fixtures have a relatively low flow rate while the higher flow soaking tub faucets don't have a shower option (or have to be deck mounted, which I can't do). Anybody know of a fixture that would work? Any suggestions appreciated. thanks, bob

 

[Jadnashua]

There is no restriction from the government on the flow rate of a tub filler, only on showerheads, and those typically have that restrictor built into them, not in the supply valve. For maximum flow rate, larger supply pipes and valves can make a difference. Nearly all manufacturers list the max flow rates (at a nominal water pressure - if you have higher, you'll get more, lower, less). A 3/4" or 1" supply line and valve will give proportionally more flow rates.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Smooky]

This ¾ inch Kohler valve fills the tub at 17.2 gpm and up to 14.9 gpm to the shower:
http://www.us.kohler.com/us/Masters...691&pageName=globalSearch&&_requestid=1365214

http://www.homedepot.com/p/KOHLER-M...tops-K-2976-KS-NA/203782809?keyword=K-2976-KS

 

[JohnfrWhipple]

One thing people do not consider is the drain rate. This to me is more important. When I built my daughter's bathroom I used a 2" trap and drain line. It is the fasted draining tub I have ever seen.

You might want to check out Hudson Reed and track down Dan there. He can help you select one of his tub fillers that might work for you.

What size supply lines do you have?

Dan's email is: Dan Gillen <Dan.Gillen@Hudsonreed.com>

 

[Smooky]

You also need a large hot water heater with a fast recovery rate or multiple instant hot water heaters.

 

[bobinmadison]

Thanks for the help. I haven't installed supply, but will go with 3/4". I have an 80 gal water heater via my boiler with a fast recovery time, so hot water shouldn't be a problem. The 2" drain is a good idea.

The Kohler Master valve should work though its pricey. To use it do I then have to purchase a cover plate/handle and shower head separately? How do I determine compatibility? thanks, bob

 

[Jadnashua]

Most companies make valves in both 1/2" and 3/4" supplies. TO see what their max flow rates are, you have to read their spec sheets, which sometimes are hard to find. IMHO, Kohler makes some pretty stuff, but most of it is almost a one-off...IOW, finding parts for it eventually can be problematic locally - you'll probably need to order them direct from Kohler and wait, maybe weeks or longer since they may need to make it - their parts book is more like a phone book -you better keep the instructions with the parts list. They're infected with not invented here syndrome and change things just for the sake of changing them based on their latest whim. This is in contrast with most others out there which have a 'stock' guts, and then customize the trim and finishes, and as a result, you can get repair parts easily, locally, and at less costs, usually locally.

 

[bobinmadison]

Jadnashua, thanks for the insight....will look for something other than Kohler. Cheers, bob