Learn the Lingo : Drain Handing – Right, Left, & More
When starting a bathroom remodel or renovation there are plenty of things you’ll be asked. What type of tile do you want? Do you want to add any heating elements? Or an all time favorite question – Do you need a left handed or right handed tub?

A left handed tub
Right handed tub? What does that mean?
Right handed or left handed tub refers to the drain orientation of your tub. The easiest way to figure out which kind of tub you’ll need is to stand in front of your shower as if you are going to go into it. If the drain is to your right you have a right handed tub, and if the drain is on your left you have a left handed tub.
Well what about freestanding tubs?
Freestanding tubs and drop in tubs can be labeled many different ways. You’ll see them marked as right/left, centered, reversible, or sometimes they aren’t labeled at all.

A centered drain
Centered Drain
A centered drain tubs is exactly what it sounds like. The drain is located in the center of the tub.

a drop-in tub can be oriented by rotating it
Reversible Drain
Drop in tubs are commonly listed as having a reversible drain. A drop in tub is inserted into a pier, and because of that drain handing can be switched by rotating the tub.
We hope you enjoyed this post, let us know on facebook if there are any terms you would want to learn about in the future.
Thank you so much that clear that up for me!
Yes, this was very helpful. Thanks
Very helpful
Nice!! Clarified all questions!!
I’m dumb and still don’t understand why I can’t buy a discounted left drain when my tub is right draining. Anyone help dumb this down for me?
What is an end drain? How is it different than a left drain?
This was very helpful, thank you!
To save money I removed my toilet. I will be defecting in the tub. Would center drain be best for this?
This may be a dumb question, but can you confirm for me that right and left drain freestanding slipper tubs are interchangeable? It’s just a matter of turning the tub around, correct? Is there something I’m not thinking of?
whats size and name of this tub is it available thanks
Thank you very much this cleared up the utter confusion for me.