Shower size — tubs + showers: code vs good practice

Code: 900 sq in, 30″. Good practice: 36 × 36″.

Hot water — tubs + showers: code vs good practice

Code: ≤120°F at valve. Good practice: meet code.

Wall finish — tubs + showers: code vs good practice

Code: to 6 ft. Good practice: to ceiling.

Glass near tub — tubs + showers: code vs good practice

Code: safety glass <60″. Good practice: meet code.

Alcove tub — tubs + showers: code vs good practice

Code: no specific requirement. Good practice: 60 × 30–32″.

Cast iron tub — tubs + showers: code vs good practice

Code: no specific requirement. Good practice: check floor.

Fixtures · Chapter 14

Tubs + showers

Q: Glass near tub — tubs + showers: code vs good practice

Code: safety glass <60″. Good practice: meet code.

Q: Alcove tub — tubs + showers: code vs good practice

Code: no specific requirement. Good practice: 60 × 30–32″.

Q: Cast iron tub — tubs + showers: code vs good practice

Code: no specific requirement. Good practice: check floor.

Tubs and showers hold the most water and the hottest water in the house. Size, weight, valve and waterproofing decide whether they're a pleasure or a leak.

IRC P2708 showersIRC P2713 tubsIRC R307 finishesIRC R308.4 safety glass

1 of 4Next: Tubs →

14.1

What makes a tub or shower?

A tub or shower is a base, walls, a valve, an outlet and a drain, all sealed against water. The same rules apply whether it's a basic acrylic insert or a custom stone room.

The valve and the waterproofing are what you pay for.

Exploded: alcove tub, wall surround, valve body, tub spout, shower head, drain and overflow — FIG. 14.1 · What makes a tub or shower?

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The rest of Tubs + showers: 3 more spreads, 18 drawings and 10 code citations, plus every other chapter, is part of the full fieldbook.

14.2Which tub works for you?7 drawings
14.3Shower bases and systems6 drawings
14.4Common mistakes5 drawings

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