You can add a shower head to a bathtub faucet in three main ways, depending on whether the tub already supports a shower and how permanent you want the solution to be. Below are safe, practical methods, from best (code-compliant) to temporary.

Before You Start: Identify Your Current Setup

Check these first:

• Does your tub faucet have a diverter (pull-up or button)?

• Is there already a shower outlet or capped pipe above the tub?

• Do you want a permanent daily shower or a temporary attachment?

Your answers determine the correct method.

Method 1: Add a Shower Head to an Existing Tub/Shower Valve (Best & Permanent)

Use this if your tub already has a tub/shower mixing valve (even if the shower isn’t installed yet).

What You Need

• Tub spout with diverter (if not already installed)

• Shower riser pipe

• Shower arm

• Shower head

• Teflon tape

• Basic hand tools

Steps

1. Shut off the water supply

2. Remove the tub spout

• Install a diverter tub spout if the current one has no diverter

3. Check the valve’s top outlet

• There should be a capped upper outlet for the shower

4. Install the vertical shower riser

• Run pipe from the valve’s top outlet up to shower height

5. Install shower arm and shower head

6. Restore water and test

• Pull the diverter to confirm water redirects to the shower

Result

• Proper pressure

• Safe temperature control

• Fully code-compliant

• Best long-term solution

Method 2: Use an Exposed Shower Riser Kit (No Wall Opening)

Best when you cannot open the wall, such as in finished bathrooms or renovations.

What You Need

• Tub spout with diverter

• Exposed riser pipe kit

• Wall mounting brackets

• Shower head

Steps

1. Replace the tub spout with a diverter spout

2. Connect the external riser pipe to the spout outlet

3. Secure the riser to the wall with brackets

4. Attach the shower head at the top

5. Test water flow and diverter operation

Pros

• No wall demolition

• More secure than hose-only attachments

Cons

• Exposed plumbing

• Industrial appearance

Method 3: Attach a Shower Head Directly to the Tub Spout (Temporary Only)

For rentals or short-term use only.

What You Need

• Tub spout shower attachment kit

• Rubber or threaded adapter

• HandHeld Shower head with hose

Steps

1. Slip or thread the adapter onto the tub spout

2. Connect the hose and handHeld Shower head

3. Turn on water and test carefully

Limitations

• Lower pressure

• Can leak or detach

• Often not code-compliant

• Not recommended for daily use

What NOT to Do

• Do not attach a shower head to a plain tub spout with no diverter

• Do not rely on hose attachments for permanent showers

• Do not use a tub-only valve for daily showering (no anti-scald protection)

Safety & Code Notes (Important)

• Permanent showers usually require pressure-balance or thermostatic valves

• Tub-only valves may allow dangerous temperature swings

• If converting to a daily shower, upgrade the valve

Quick Decision Guide

Summary

To add a shower head to a bathtub faucet correctly:

• Use a diverter tub spout and proper shower riser for permanent installations

• Use an exposed riser kit when wall access isn’t possible

• Use spout attachments only temporarily