How to Supersede a Bathtub Spout

Cutaway photos show how to supersede the three virtually common types of bathtub spouts when they are leaking or broken.

Fourth dimension

An hour or less

Complexity

Beginner

Cost

Less than $twenty

Introduction

Replacing a broken bathtub spout is a simple, inexpensive projection. In this article, we'll evidence you the most mutual types of spouts, and how to replace them. Even if you've never tackled a plumbing project before, you can handle replacing the spout. And don't worry. You don't need any special skills or plumbing tools.

Tools Required

Materials Required

  • Nipples
  • Silicone caulk
  • Spout
  • Thread record

Projection pace-by-step (3)

Step 1

How to replace a tub spout

Unscrew the old nipple

Unscrew

Unscrew the old nipple with a pipe wrench. If the nipple is too short to grab with a wrench, use an "internal" pipe wrench ($x).

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Step 2

Install the new nipple

Install

Wrap both ends of the new nipple with thread tape and screw it into the fitting inside the wall. Seal effectually information technology with silicone caulk and screw on the new spout. Bathtub spouts tin can go bad in 3 ways: Commencement, the tub spout diverter tin wear out so it no longer blocks the water flow and sends water to the shower head. Second, the threads inside the spout can crevice or corrode where the spout screws onto the pipe. Water tin then trickle forth the pipe and drip inside the wall. Finally, the spout's finish can flake off or corrode.

Replacement is the solution to any of these problems. A new spout ($10 to $20) and everything else y'all might demand are bachelor at hardware stores and abode centers. But before you purchase a new spout, determine what type you demand. Outset expect under the spout. If yous run into a setscrew (Photograph A), you have a "skid-on" spout.

The setscrew might exist smaller and harder to see than the one shown hither; you may need a flashlight to spot information technology. Replacing a sideslip-on spout is easy: Just loosen the setscrew (normally with a hex wrench) and pull the spout off the copper pipe that protrudes from the wall. Twist the spout as you pull and exist gentle so you don't loosen any pipe connections inside the wall. Then slide on the new spout and tighten the setscrew.

If the spout doesn't have a setscrew, it's a screw-on spout (Photos B and C). Twist the old spout counterclockwise to remove information technology. If the pipage that protrudes from the wall is copper with a threaded fitting (Photo B), simply cut off the fitting with a tubing cutter ($ten) and install a new slip-on spout (Photo A). If the pipe coming out of the wall is steel (Photograph C), you lot need a new screw-on spout.

Ideally, the new spout will fit perfectly onto the old pipe. Simply there'southward a skilful chance that the pipe protrudes too far or non far plenty. In that location'southward also a chance that the threads are as well corroded for you to spiral on a new spout. Either way, y'all'll accept to remove the sometime pipe (Photo one) and screw in a new pipe of the correct length (Photo two). Short sections of threaded piping (called "nipples") are commonly available in one-in. increments. They cost less than $2 each, so buy a couple of different lengths and save yourself a trip back to the shop.

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Pace iii

Spout types

Slip-on spouts

Slip

Sideslip-on spouts slide over 1/ii-in. copper pipe and spike with a setscrew. This "universal" version also has threads within, and then it can screw onto threaded pipe.

Screw-on spouts

Screw

Screw-on spouts accept threads deep inside. They tin connect to a copper threaded plumbing equipment or to steel pipe.

Screw-on spouts with threads at the back end

spouts

Screw-on spouts may have threads at the back cease. Most come with a bushing and so they fit either i/2-in. or three/4-in. pipe.

These are the 3 almost common types of spouts.

Tip:

Plumbers tell usa that leg-shaving is the leading crusade of tub spout trouble. The spout makes a convenient footrest for shaving, simply that tin damage the tub spout diverter or loosen pipe connections.

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Originally Published: November 20, 2022