In a bathroom, a bathtub is the most dominating item and we use it in our daily life. Sometimes, our bathtub spout may get some faults. Then we have to remove and replace the bathtub spout with a new one.
A broken tub tap can make it impossible to take a bath and can be great pain. Fortunately, removing and replacing your old tub spout is a simple and inexpensive process that requires no equipment. The bottom of a plug-on faucet has a screw that must be unscrewed before it can be removed.
Screw fittings, on the other hand, can be easily removed from the wall. It’s easy to replace your old faucet once you’ve removed it. You can quickly remove and replace your tub faucet if you follow the procedures carefully.
It is a simple and inexpensive project to replace a broken bathtub spout. In this article, we will show you how to replace the most common types of spouts.
You can replace the spout even if you’ve never worked on a plumbing project before. And don’t worry. No special expertise or sanitary tools are required. I also tell you tip when your tub spout won’t unscrew and how to unscrew it?
Types of Bathtub Spouts
First of all, you need to know which type of spout your bathtub has?
For this purpose we have to discuss, different types of bathtub spout, then you may know which one is yours and proceed for further working.
Slip-On Spouts:
A clamping screw, which is a small screw located at the bottom of a clip-on tray spout, will be present. The spout of the non-slip tub is designed to fit on a 1/2″ copper tube without a thread.
If you use this type of spout, the end of the copper that is used should be free of burrs or rough edges. This “universal” version contains threads inside, which allows it to be screwed onto a threaded tube.
Screw-On Spout:
Screw spouts have threads that run over the length of the spout. They can be connected to a steel pipe or a copper threaded fitting.
Threaded Spout:
A threaded bathtub spout turns off the nipple or hose as it does not have adjustment screws. A threaded pipe spout at the front or a threaded pipe spout at the back will be available.
The threaded spout is further categorized into three parts:
- A threaded front tub outlet can be used with a tub valve that does not have a shower or with a tub valve that has a built-in shower bypass.
- A telescopic spout is a type of threaded bathtub spout that allows for an inch fit for the finished wall, which is useful for a variety of installation applications. A Celcon socket connects the telescope output to a 1/2″ or 3/4″ nipple.
- Since it can be connected to a bathtub outlet nipple (1/2″ or 3/4″) at the wall end of the spout with a Celcon ring, the wall end spout (also called “back threaded” spout) offers additional comfort. Rear thread spouts are suitable for new and renovation projects.
Several models are available with a standard deflector near the wall or a special dispensing accessory that allows the use of portable showers or riser tubs for exposed showers.
Tools and Materials Required For Removing Bathtub Spout
Before discussing how to replace bathtub spout, we need to know what tools and materials we should have. Therefore, I have made a list for you; let’s take a look at it:
- Silicone caulk
- Spout
- Thread tape
- Nipples
- Tube cutter
- Caulk gun
- 4 in 1 screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
- Internal pipe wrench
How To Remove Bathtub Spout?
Following are some easy steps to remove bathtub spout:
Step 1:
Use a spatula knife or razor to remove the sealing at the wall end of the tub spout.
Step 2:
The spout is attached to the pipe via thread or friction and an adjusting screw.
Step 3:
Look for an adjusting screw under the spout where it is connected to the shower wall. A hex wrench or screwdriver is required to remove the adjusting screw.
Step 4:
Loosen all screws and move the spout away from the pipe. It is possible that you need to rotate the spout when pulling, especially if it is an antique lamp.
How To Replace the Bathtub Spout?
I have explained how to replace the bathtub in very easy steps in the following:
Step 1:
Apply a thin layer of threaded sealant to the hose before replacing a spout with an adjustment screw (optional).
Step 2:
Apply a small amount of silicone sealant to the back of the spout where it hits the shower wall, then slide the spout over the hose until it is securely attached to the wall and the opening is at the bottom of the tub (you can measure it with the naked eye or use a plan).
Step 3:
Tighten the adjustment screw and check if the spout cannot be turned by hand.
Step 4:
Apply thread sealant to pipe threads if you have a threaded spout.
Step 5:
Then, on the back of the spout, where it meets the wall, apply a small amount of sealant and slide the spout over the hose, pull it firmly by hand until it is fixed to the wall and matches the bottom of the bathtub.
Step 6:
If it needs to be tightened further, glue the teeth of the clamp to protect the finish of the spout or wrap the spout in a cloth and clench it. When working with tiled showers, be careful not to tighten the spout too tightly, otherwise, the tile will crack. With your finger and a damp cloth, wipe away any excess caulking.
Major Cause of Bathtub Spout Problem
According to plumbers, shaving the legs is the most common cause of bathtub flow problems. Although the spout can be used as a footrest for shaving, it can damage the tub spout diverter or loosen the pipe fittings.
Moreover, the hair fall of girls also makes the bathtub spout defected, you need to be careful during bath.