How to choose and install a free-standing faucet?

Added: Wednesday, 4/9/2025


A designer freestanding tap, mounted in the floor, creates a perfectly matched stylish and functional duet with a modern freestanding bathtub. There are many tap models to choose from, differing in aesthetics, size, material or number of handles. If you are also planning to install freestanding taps in your bathroom, find out which model to choose and how to install it, step by step, in the floor.

Elegant bathroom with black bathtub and silver free-standing tap

Check out free-standing faucets at the Onninen wholesaler

How to choose a freestanding bathtub faucet?

When choosing a freestanding tap, you should pay attention to a few important issues. Let's start with the aspect that is probably the priority for everyone - design . A freestanding tap should aesthetically harmonize with the bathtub and the overall bathroom decor. In fittings stores, you can find a lot of stylistic lines. You can choose from minimalist and elegant freestanding taps with a classic, chrome finish, as well as decorative gold and silver models in a retro style and modern variants in various colors: from matte black, through white, to brown.

The second key issue is durability . In order for a freestanding tap to be failure-free and serve in your bathroom for a very long time, it should have a ceramic head. A lot about the reliability of a given device is said by: the brand's reputation, authentic user opinions and the warranty period provided by the manufacturer.

Functional aspects are no less important. First of all, the faucet spout must have the right length, adapted to the specific bathtub model. This is the basis for effective filling of the bathtub without splashing water. If you are not planning a separate shower, it is worth choosing a set containing a shower head. If you want to keep the fittings clean without any problems, choose a model with a smooth surface and simple lines, with a small number of protruding elements and decorations. The number of handles affects the convenience and economy of using the faucet. The single-lever version is a more popular solution. A single lever allows you to adjust the power and temperature of the stream faster and more precisely, which allows you to save about 30% of water (compared to two-lever faucets). An advanced option is free-standing thermostatic faucets. Water at your favorite temperature flows out of the spout almost immediately.  

Freestanding faucet vs. wall-mounted faucet – which one to install in the bathroom?

A freestanding tap undoubtedly tempts with its designer, luxurious character and high functionality, but before you decide to buy it, check the technical conditions in your bathroom. Unless you are planning a general renovation of the room, including modifications to the water and sewage system. The easiest way is to install a freestanding tap in a new room. Then all you need to do is bring the installation to the area where the tap is to be installed and create a tight connection. It is worth knowing that it is definitely easier to replace a wall-mounted tap with a freestanding one than to install a wall-mounted model in a completely new place.  

Are you unsure whether a free-standing tap is suitable for your bathroom? Ask the Onninen wholesaler for technical advice. We encourage you to use the support of professionals before purchasing bathroom equipment.

How to install a free-standing faucet in the bathroom?

When installing a free-standing tap (and any other type of bathroom or kitchen fitting), always follow the instructions included with the product. Depending on the make and model of the free-standing tap, the next steps may vary. Installation instructions in generally available articles should be considered as guidelines only. Failure to follow the manufacturer's instructions involves the risk of losing the warranty. In addition, the manufacturer may include guidelines in the instructions regarding the need to use specific elements, e.g. a given type of valve.

How to install a free-standing faucet step by step?

  1.           Please read the instructions carefully.
  2.          Turn off the hot and cold water supplies.
  3.           Screw the flexible hoses (may be included in the kit) into the faucet body. Be careful not to damage the thread!
  4.           Tighten the stud screws.
  5. Place the rubber seal into the faucet body.
  6.           Fit the faucet into the hole in the floor.
  7.           Install the washer and ring onto the mounting screws and tighten the nuts. Make sure the battery is stable (not rotating).
  8.           Connect the hoses to the supply valves.
  9.           Turn on the main water valve and test the faucet by lifting the lever. Assess for leaks.
  10.           Ready!

The most important rules for maintaining free-standing batteries

In order for the external surface of a freestanding tap to always shine with cleanliness and maintain its original appearance for a long time, it is worth using natural cleaning agents . They are safe for sensitive coatings, friendly to humans and nature, cheap and effective. Preparations containing calcium and acids can cause irreversible damage. You can remove most dirt from the tap using gray soap, warm water and a soft cloth. On the other hand, vinegar or lemon juice will cope perfectly with scale.

If you have any problems with the installation of the freestanding taps from our offer, please contact us. Onninen's technical and sales experts will be happy to help you.

Check out free-standing faucets at the Onninen wholesaler