Frequent Questions a. Why is Strom Plumbing By Sign of the Crab the most respected name in plumbing fixtures? We are the leader in plumbing fixtures for 2 reasons, quality and innovation. The quality built into each fixture is relentless, as we always seek to make the perfect more perfect. Our innovation comes from original thought, as every major competitor has developed their line and their products by trying to copy ours. Although we consider their imitation to be a huge compliment, they just cannot compete with the quality b. What is the difference between quarter turn ceramic valves and compression valves? For years the plumbing industry used a stem with threads and a bib washer on the end of the stem. The disadvantage was that the washers would wear out and would have to be replaced or the valve could be ruined. The new stems used in our faucets use 2 ceramic disks that rotate when the stem turns, allowing the water to flow or shut off. The wear on these disks is so minimal that the valve cartridge can last for many years. The cartridges are unconditionally guaranteed for 5 years from date of purchase. c. How do I determine what type of faucet I need for my tub? The real advantage of using Strom faucets is that the choices are almost unlimited. Use deck mount faucets if the fixture is going onto a horizontal surface and use a wall mount style if the tub wall or the wall itself is going to be used. d. How are the faucets made? Strom Plumbing faucets are all made of solid brass. The are formed by using either a sand cast mold or by forging in steel molds. Since many of our faucets are the standards of the industry, we have invested in the steel molds to produce the finest and most delineated designs available today. Not only is there a consistent thickness to each faucet wall, but the designs remain clear and distinct even after polishing because of this process. Once the faucet is fashioned, it is machined using the best equipment on the market today to insure threading compatibility with the industry. e. What finish is the best? Finish is entirely a matter of taste. Without a doubt, the most durable finish is chrome plated solid brass. It is impervious to various cleaning methods, and will hold up for many, many years. It is still the number one choice of all finishes on the market today for that reason. f. Why is there no warranty on the oil rubbed bronze finish? This finish is one of the finest in the industry, but it is not a "living finish" as so many others advertise. It is a solid color that is applied directly to the brass, and each & every piece is inspected at each step. When the faucet or tub is assembled, and before it is shipped, it is inspected again before going into special protective covers. That is why when you receive it, it should be inspected by you before installation. When your professional installs it, they should use the proper tools to prevent any scratches or imperfection from occurring. By simply wiping with a soft cloth after use, this finish will last for many, many years. g. How can we get a true thermostatic faucet that meets the code in most states? Our P0683 is the only leg tub enclosure on the market that incorporates a true anti-scald faucet. The pressure balance approach does not provide a temperature stop that is necessary for anti-scald. Our P0676 faucet that is part of the P0683 enclosure has a temperature stop that will limit the temperature on the faucet to 107.6 degree Fahrenheit. There may be some resistance to this setup by inspectors due to the fact that the spout is below the lip of the tub. We have incorporated anti-siphon devices into the design of the faucet. For installation where this is not acceptable, the only alternative is to take the P0683 enclosure, block off the tub valve and spout, and replace the P0009 with a P0018, P0019 and P0020. This will raise the spout over the tub, and provide the parameters for approval for those inspectors that don't recognize the significance of the anti-siphon valves and what they provide for the setup. Installation a. What's the best way to install your products? There really is only one way to install our products, and that is with a qualified, licensed plumber. It is the only way to keep the warranty intact. b. What are the centers for the P0398s? The centers on the P0398 supply sets are the same as the faucet that is being installed. For example, if used with a 3 3/8" faucet, the centers will be 3 3/8". If a faucet like our P0146 with 7" centers is used, then the rough-in for the P0398 will be 7". c. How do you install our P0007 Waste and Overflow? For all waste and overflow drains, rough in 1 1/2" male IPS with 1/2" above the finished floor. All tubing is 1 3/8", replicating the original size of these drains. Use the enclosed 1 3/8" X 1 1/2" (Part V) reducing washer to connect this set with a 1 1/2" drain. The rough in for the drain hole on the floor is a plumb line from the center of the roll on the tub to the floor. Seal the overflow and drain tubes into the elbows with waterproof epoxy, as necessary. d. How do you install our P0011, P0342, P0553 or P0554 Supply Sets? All these sets use 8" centers on the floor. For all supplies, place the faucet washer on the end of the supply and use the flange as a friction ring. For P0011 and P0553 Leg Tub Supplies, rough in 1/2" male IPS with 1/2" of threads above the finished floor. For P0342 and P0554 Leg Tub Supplies, rough in 1/2" IPS with 1 1/2" of threads above the finished floor. For P0634 Leg Tub Supplies, use the same centers as the faucet being used. e. What about the slant on the tubs? This is very common occurrence and Strom Plumbing came up with a solution to this problem years ago. Please see our installation instructions for our shower enclosures.