5 Easy Steps: How To Replace A Tub Spout

Is your bathroom faucet leaking or malfunctioning? If so, you may need to replace the tub spout. This is a relatively simple plumbing repair that you can do yourself with a few basic tools. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps on how to replace a tub spout, as well as the safety precautions that you should take.

Before you begin, it is important to gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need a new tub spout, a wrench, a screwdriver, and a pair of pliers. You may also need a bucket or bowl to catch any water that leaks out when you remove the old spout. Once you have gathered your tools and materials, you are ready to begin the repair.

The first step is to turn off the water supply to the tub. You can do this by closing the shut-off valves that are located under the sink. Once the water is turned off, open the faucet to release any remaining water from the lines. Next, use the wrench to loosen the nut that is holding the old spout in place. Be careful not to overtighten the nut, as this can damage the spout or the faucet. Once the nut is loose, you can use the screwdriver to remove the set screw that is located on the side of the spout. Finally, pull the old spout straight out to remove it from the faucet.

Identifying the Type of Tub Spout

Determine the Configuration

Tub spouts come in three primary configurations:

Diverter Spout: Features a lever or knob to switch water flow between the spout and showerhead.
Slip-On Spout: Fits over the faucet pipe and is secured with a set screw.
Threaded Spout: Screws directly onto the faucet pipe, requiring the use of a wrench for installation.

Examine the Spout’s Appearance

The spout’s design and finish can provide clues to its type:

Configuration	Design Features
Diverter Spout	Usually has a curved or angled design with a lever or knob
Slip-On Spout	Typically has a cylindrical or square shape with a small set screw visible
Threaded Spout	Often has a rounded or tapered shape with threads visible at the base

Check the Faucet Box

If available, the manufacturer’s documentation or packaging may specify the type of tub spout included or compatible with your faucet.

Preparing the Work Area

Before you start working on the tub spout, it’s important to prepare the work area to ensure safety and efficiency.

Gather Your Tools and Materials

You will need the following tools and materials for this project:

Tool or Material	Description
Adjustable wrench	To loosen and tighten the spout
Plumbers tape	To seal the threads and prevent leaks
Replacement tub spout	The new spout you will be installing
Cloth or towel	To wipe up any water or debris

Shut Off the Water Supply

Locate the water shut-off valves under the sink or behind the tub. Turn both the hot and cold water valves clockwise to close them. This will prevent water from flowing out while you work on the spout.

Cover the Drain

Place a cloth or towel over the drain to catch any debris that may fall while you are working. This will help prevent it from clogging the drain.

Open the Faucet

Turn on the faucet to release any remaining water from the plumbing system. Leave it open until the water stops flowing.

Shutting Off the Water Supply

Before you replace your tub spout, it’s essential to shut off the water supply to avoid any unwanted surprises during the process. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it:

Locate the water shut-off valves

The water shut-off valves are usually located under the sink in the cabinet below or behind the removable access panel. However, in some cases, they may be located in the basement or crawlspace.

Identify the correct valves

There will be two shut-off valves: one for the hot water and one for the cold water. They are typically marked with red and blue handles, respectively.

Turn off the valves

Once you have identified the correct valves, turn them clockwise until they are completely shut off. You may need to use a wrench or pliers to apply more force.

Tips:

If you have difficulty turning the valves, don’t force them. Contact a plumber for assistance.
To double-check if the water is completely shut off, turn on the faucet. If no water comes out, the valves are closed correctly.


Step	Action
1	Locate the water shut-off valves.
2	Identify the correct valves (hot and cold).
3	Turn off the valves clockwise using a wrench or pliers if necessary.

Disconnecting the Existing Spout

To disconnect the existing tub spout, follow these steps:

Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut that is located at the base of the spout. It’s the large circular piece of metal.
To loosen the spout, grab it with your hand and gently pull it straight towards you. Use a cloth for better grip.
If the spout resists your pull, try supporting the spout from behind with a flat-head screwdriver and pulling again.
To remove any remaining residue from the threaded pipe, wipe it with a clean cloth or rag.

Additional Tips:

If the packing nut is stuck or corroded, you can use a penetrating lubricant to help loosen it. Apply the lubricant to the threads of the packing nut and wait a few minutes before trying to loosen it.
If you are unable to loosen the packing nut or remove the spout by hand, you can use a pair of pliers. However, be careful not to damage the spout or the threads on the pipe.
When removing the spout, be sure to support it from behind so that it does not fall and damage the finish.

Tools Required	Description
Adjustable wrench	For loosening the packing nut
Flat-head screwdriver	For support while pulling the spout
Clean cloth or rag	For wiping away any residue

Installing the New Spout Body

5. Tightening the Spout Body:

This step is crucial to ensure a secure and leak-proof connection.

Wrap the threads of the new spout body with Teflon tape in a clockwise direction, starting from the bottom.
Carefully thread the spout body onto the male threads inside the wall. Use channel-lock pliers or a wrench, but avoid overtightening.
Once the spout body is hand-tight, use the pliers to give it an extra 1/4 to 1/2 turn. This will create a firm seal without damaging the threads.
Use a level to ensure that the spout body is straight. If necessary, adjust the angle by loosening the connection and turning the spout slightly.
Check for leaks by turning on the water supply. If any water drips from the connection, tighten the spout body further or apply additional Teflon tape.

Teflon Tape Wrapping
Direction	Clockwise
Starting Point	Bottom of threads
Overlap	Slightly overlapping previous layer

Remember, proper installation is essential to prevent leaks and ensure the longevity of your new tub spout.

Tightening the Spout in Place

Once the spout is lined up with the pipe and screwed on, you need to tighten it in place. Here are the steps on how to do it:

Using a pair of pliers, grip the spout where it connects to the pipe.
Turn the spout clockwise to tighten it.
Be careful not to over-tighten the spout, as this can damage it.
Once the spout is tight, use a wrench to further tighten it.
Wrap the wrench around the spout and turn it clockwise.
Again, be careful not to over-tighten the spout.
Once the spout is tight, turn on the water to check for leaks.
If there are any leaks, tighten the spout further using the wrench.

If you are still having trouble tightening the spout, you may need to replace the washer. The washer is a small rubber or plastic ring that sits between the spout and the pipe. It helps to create a watertight seal. To replace the washer, simply remove the old one and replace it with a new one. Make sure that the new washer is the same size as the old one.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Here is a list of tools and materials you’ll need to replace a tub spout:

Tool/Material	Purpose
New tub spout	The new spout you’ll be installing
Adjustable wrench	To tighten and loosen the spout
Pliers	To grip the spout while tightening
Teflon tape	To create a watertight seal
Plumber’s putty	To seal the gap between the spout and the tub

Connecting the Water Supply

The following steps will guide you through the process of connecting the water supply to the tub spout:

Locate the Water Shut-Off Valves: These valves are usually found behind the tub, under the sink, or in a nearby closet. Turn off both the hot and cold water valves.
Disconnect the Old Spout: Using an adjustable wrench, carefully loosen the two nuts that connect the old spout to the water supply lines.
Clean the Connections: Remove any debris or old sealant from the water supply lines and the threads on the new spout.
Apply Plumber’s Tape: Wrap 2-3 layers of plumber’s tape clockwise around the threads on the new spout.
Connect the Spout to the Hot Water Line: Thread the spout onto the hot water line and tighten it using the adjustable wrench.
Connect the Spout to the Cold Water Line: Repeat step 5 for the cold water line.
Additional Considerations:

Use the Correct Wrench: Ensure you have an adjustable wrench that fits the nuts on the water supply lines and the spout.
Tighten Securely: Tighten the nuts firmly enough to prevent leaks but avoid overtightening, which can damage the connections.
Check for Leaks: Once the spout is connected, turn on the water valves and check for any leaks around the connections. If you find any leaks, retighten the nuts or use additional plumber’s tape.

Turning On the Water and Checking for Leaks

Once the tub spout is installed, it’s essential to turn on the water and check for leaks. Here’s how to do it:

Turn on the Hot and Cold Water Slowly: Gradually turn the hot and cold water handles to allow the water to flow through the spout.
Observe the Point of Connection: Pay close attention to the point where the spout connects to the tub faucet. Look for any visible leaks or water droplets.
Check the Tub Faucet: Examine the area around the tub faucet base for any leaks, especially where the spout connects to the faucet body.
Inspect the Floor: Check the floor below the tub for any signs of water pooling or dampness. This could indicate a leak at the base of the spout.
Continue Observation: Keep monitoring the tub spout and surrounding areas for leaks for several minutes after turning on the water.
Tighten the Spout (if Necessary): If you notice any leaks, use a wrench to gently tighten the spout. However, avoid overtightening, as this could damage the spout or tub faucet.

If the leaks persist after tightening the spout, it may be necessary to contact a licensed plumber for further assistance.

Troubleshooting Leaks

Here’s a table summarizing potential causes and solutions for leaks:

Leak Location	Possible Cause	Solution
Point of Connection	Loose spout	Tighten the spout using a wrench.
Tub Faucet Base	Damaged O-ring or washer	Replace the O-ring or washer.
Floor	Damaged spout or tub faucet	Contact a licensed plumber for repair or replacement.

Applying Sealant (Optional)

While not strictly necessary, applying sealant around the base of the new tub spout can provide added protection against leaks.

9. Steps for Applying Sealant:

a. Prepare the Surface: Clean the area around the base of the new spout and the wall with a damp cloth or sponge to remove any debris or residue. Allow the surface to dry completely.

b. Apply the Sealant: Use a silicone or acrylic sealant specifically designed for bathroom applications. Dispense a thin bead of sealant around the base of the spout where it meets the wall.

c. Smooth the Sealant: Use a finger or a small tool, such as a putty knife, to smooth the sealant into a neat and even joint. Remove any excess sealant that may have squeezed out during application.

d. Allow to Cure: Allow the sealant to cure completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes several hours or overnight.

e. Final Touches: Once the sealant is cured, you can apply a light coat of clear caulk over the joint to provide an additional layer of protection and enhance the aesthetics.

Material

Instructions

Finishing Touches

Wrap the Threads in Plumber’s Tape

To prevent water leaks, wrap the threads of the new spout clockwise with several layers of plumber’s tape.

Screw the Spout onto the Tub

Carefully hand-tighten the spout onto the tub, without overtightening. Then, use the adjustable wrench to give it a final tightening.

Tighten the Set Screw (Optional)

Some spouts have a small set screw that helps secure them in place. Locate the screw and tighten it with a screwdriver.

Install the Aerator (Optional)

If your spout came with an aerator, attach it to the tip of the spout by hand-tightening it.

Test for Leaks

Turn on the water and check for any leaks around the spout. If there are any, try tightening the spout or set screw further.

Clean Up

Wipe down any excess water or debris from the spout and tub to complete the installation.

Trouble Shooting

Problem	Solution
Water is leaking around the spout	Tighten the spout or set screw further
The spout is loose	Tighten the set screw or replace the O-rings
The aerator is clogged	Remove the aerator and clean it with a solution of vinegar and water

How To Replace A Tub Spout

Replacing a tub spout is a relatively simple plumbing repair that can be completed in about an hour. By following these steps, you can save yourself the cost of hiring a plumber and get your tub back up and running in no time.

1. Gather your tools and materials. You will need a new tub spout, a wrench, a pair of pliers, and some plumbers tape. You may also want to have a bucket on hand to catch any water that spills out when you remove the old spout.

2. Turn off the water supply to the tub. This is typically done by turning the handle on the shut-off valve located under the sink. If there is no shut-off valve, you will need to turn off the main water supply to your home.

3. Remove the old tub spout. Use the wrench to loosen the nut that is holding the spout in place. Once the nut is loose, you can use your hands to remove the spout.

4. Clean the threads on the tub spout pipe. Use a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris from the threads. This will help to ensure a good seal when you install the new spout.

5. Apply plumbers tape to the threads of the new tub spout. Wrap the tape clockwise around the threads, starting from the bottom. Make sure to overlap the tape by at least 50%. This will help to create a watertight seal.

6. Screw the new tub spout onto the pipe. Hand-tighten the spout as much as possible. Then, use the wrench to tighten the spout an additional 1/4 turn.

7. Turn on the water supply to the tub. Check for leaks around the base of the spout. If you see any leaks, tighten the spout further.