The position of the bath filler changes the bath, the floor and the plumbing. A model with factory-drilled deck holes cannot automatically accept every mixer, and a bath without holes may not be suitable for drilling on site.
Confirm the actual product
Check whether the bath is designed for a deck-mounted, wall-mounted or floor-mounted filler. Confirm hole spacing, tap projection, overflow position, rim width and the manufacturer’s permitted fitting arrangements.
The spout must reach the water correctly
The filler should discharge into the bath without striking the rim or splashing onto the floor. A tap that is technically close enough may still have the wrong projection or angle.
Plumbing follows the choice
A floor-mounted filler needs an accurately positioned supply before screed and tile. A wall-mounted filler depends on finished wall depth and the bath’s final location. A deck-mounted mixer depends on the exact bath and the service route below.
Do not drill a premium bath casually
Some materials and finishes can be drilled only under specified conditions, and an unauthorised alteration may affect warranty. Ask the manufacturer or supplier before making any change.
Choose the bath and filler as one coordinated system. It is much easier than trying to force a beautiful product to accept a plumbing decision made later.
Read about floor-mounted bath mixers before screed, or see why the tap-hole is a design decision.