Plumbing: Replacing a Tub Spout

Tub spouts can wear down or become damaged, and you need to replace them when this happens. Don’t worry—you don’t have to call a plumber. Tub spout replacement is easy, whether yours is a slip connection type or a threaded connection type.

How to tell if you have a slip or threaded connection

It’s important to understand the characteristics and differences of these two configurations before you proceed. Here’s what you need to know:

• Threaded connection- The spout screws onto the threaded pipe protruding from the wall. There are no latches, locks, or other complicated parts. Turn the spout counterclockwise and it should come off with enough force.
• Slip connection- Tub spouts with this configuration are a bit different as they have a set screw at the underside near the wall end. The set screw is typically a recessed llen head. To loosen it, turn it counterclockwise several times until it can slip the spout from the pipe from the wall.

How to install the new tub spout

Clean the area before installing the tub spout replacement. If using a threaded connection, make sure the threads on the nipple coming out from the wall are clean. You can use a wire brush to do this. Then, apply Teflon tape or a pipe joint compound. Using Teflon tape is generally better than using pipe joint compound because it’s less messy to work with and suits the spout connection.

Finished? Ensure a proper seal where the spout connects to the wall using a tub caulk or plumber’s putty.

The tub spout is not a high-pressure connection, so be gentle when reconnecting. The goal is to achieve a well-positioned and clean installation that won’t be prone to leaks.

Things to consider

Tub spouts come in different lengths or sizes per category. But not every store sells every length for each type.

Remember that 'overall length' is not necessarily the same as 'size.' Two different spouts may share the same overall length, but they will still be different. You have to look inside the spout to compare the dimensions.

The threads on threaded spouts begin at a certain distance from the backmost edge. Measure that distance in the old spout and in the tub spout replacement. If they match, installation should be easy.

What if you can’t find the right size?

If you can’t find the right tub spouts that fit, you can replace the pipe that comes out of the wall. By altering the nipple’s length, you can use any available size.

Just be careful when doing this, as attempting to remove that nipple can break the pipes in the wall and result in a plumbing nightmare.

Consider finding an appropriate spout instead of the nipple. Slip spouts are less difficult to take off and replace because there is no pipe joint compound and no threads to clean. However, the end of the wall pipe should fit into the rubber gasket near the spout’s front. The gasket must seal the connection between the spout and the pipe.

Find the tub spout that you need.

Danco is likely to have the tub spout replacement that you need. Use the part finder to locate it. Danco’s tub spouts are made of durable material and come in modern designs to update your bath’s look.

Alex Jones is a well versed author, who has explored several new destinations and likes to write blogs to share his experiences and knowledge.