How to Replace a Leaking Bathtub Spout

If you lift the knob on your bath tub spout to start the shower, and water still comes out of the tub spout, you probably have a leaky diverter. The diverter blocks the opening of the tub spout, forcing water to flow up to the shower spout. Over time, the diverter parts get corroded, don't move easily, and water leaks instead of flowing up to the shower nozzle. Here's what to do...

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Slip-joint pliers, or Channel-lock pliers
• Teflon tape
• Screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Shop light with extension cord
• 2-3 old towels or shop cloths

1. Determine the type of spout you have. There are many different types of tub spouts; this kind screws onto a 1/2" threaded pipe coming out of the wall. Another kind "slips on" to the pipe, threaded or not, and is held in place with a set screw. The set screw will be located near the base of the spout, often on the bottom.

2. 
    
   Lay out tools on a towel

   Lay out your tools within reach of the tub, using an old towel to protect the surface. Lay a towel over the drain, to keep crud from falling in and clogging it. If you can't see the spout area well, hang a shop light up above the tub, using a short extension cord if needed.

3. 
    
   Use pliers to loosen spout

   Remove the old spout. If you have a threaded spout (no set screw), stick one handle of the slip-joint pliers into the neck of the spout. Use the handle of the Channel-locks, if they fit better. Slowly start turning counter-clockwise, but don't force it. Try the handle at different angles, until you feel it get a good "bite" inside the spout. Use your free hand to brace the base of the spout, so you don't bend the wall pipe. If you have the set screw type, loosen the set screw with a screwdriver, then use a plier handle to twist left and right on the spout while pulling away from the wall.

4. 
    
   Replacement Spout with Diverter

   Take the old spout to a home center or plumbing supplier, and buy a new unit. The staff there can help you find the right replacement. The spout used here, made by Danco, is made for 1/2" threaded pipe. I got it at Home Depot; Lowe's has a similar one.

5. 
    
   Clean the pipe threads

   Back in the tub, so to speak, clean up the threads of the wall pipe. If your replacement unit is a slip-on, follow the directions that come with it. Use a wire brush, running with the threads, to scrape out any old Teflon tape or plumber's putty out of the grooves. If it's tape, it will shred, and you can unwind most of it.

6. 
    
   Teflon tape on threads

   For the threaded spout, wrap 3-4 layers of Teflon tape around the threads, starting from the end and wrapping clockwise. Overlap about a half tape-width per turn. This isn't too critical; just try to keep the tape flat, without twists. After the threads are covered, cut or tear off the tape, then smooth the tail around the pipe. If you have a slip-on spout, follow the directions included with it.

7. 
    
   Install the new spout

   Install the new spout onto the pipe, starting slowly and turning clockwise. Try to keep the body of the spout perpendicular to the wall. If it binds, turn back a few turns and start again. Tighten as far as you can by hand, then finish with the plier handle trick just until it's straight up and down. The slip-on spout can be lined up first, then the set screw tightened.

8. 
    
   New spout and diverter, ready to use

   Test the new spout and diverter. Turn on the water, then try the diverter. The knob should lift easily, and all the water should flow from the shower nozzle. You're done! Clean up, and save the make and model number of the new spout for future replacement.

Tips & Warnings

• Set a 5-gallon bucket upside down in the tub to use as a seat while you work. Put a towel under it to avoid scratching the finish.
• A towel covering the drain also keeps small screws, etc. from being lost.
• If the tub area isn't well-lit, the shop light is best because you can hang or clamp it up, leaving both hands free to work. Use a flashlight in a pinch.
• Some new spouts have a small roll of Teflon tape included!
• With any plumbing project, allow more time than you think you'll need. If you can't complete the repair for some reason (part not available, other damage found in the wall, etc.), you'll be without a shower the next morning! I always start Saturday morning, for Monday through Friday work week.
• If you use a shop light, keep it, and its cord, up out of the tub, and away from any water!
• If you get wet while working, don't touch the light! Dry off first
• Shop lights get VERY hot. Unplug it from the wall, rather than using its ON/OFF switch, and let it cool down before handling.