How to Remove a Tub Diverter Spout
Water flows through the water lines, into the faucet, and out through the tub diverter spout. A worn or broken tub diverter spout will spit and splatter water out the tub spout when the diverter stopper is pulled up and engaged. In severe cases of a faulty diverter spout, the diverter will not be able to send water to the shower head. Removing and replacing a tub diverter spout is one of the easiest and economical plumbing repairs. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Allen wrench
- Screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Teflon tape
- Water pump pliers
- Masking tape
Instructions
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Remove the faulty diverter tub spout. There are two types of diverter tub spouts. The set screw spout is held in place by a screw located under the spout. Use an Allen wrench to unscrew the screw and slide the tub spout off the connection pipe. The threaded diverter tub spout unscrews by hand. The threaded spout should be loose enough to unscrew by hand. If the threaded spout is too tight to turn by hand, insert a screwdriver in the front end of the spout and use the screwdriver handle as leverage counterclockwise to loosen the spout. Remove the screwdriver and unscrew the threaded spout by hand. Remove the threaded spout from the connection pipe.
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Measure the distance from the wall to the tip of the connection pipe and write it down. Diverter tub spouts with the threads near the base connect to a very short connection pipe. Spouts with the threads in the nose of the spout connect to a connection pipe about 6 inches long. This measurement is important to ensure you buy a replacement spout that fits correctly and sits flush against the wall.
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Slide the replacement diverter tub spout onto the connection pipe and use an Allen wrench to tighten the screw underneath the spout.
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Cover the threads on the connection pipe with Teflon tape by wrapping the tape around a few times. Screw the threaded replacement spout onto the connection pipe until it is hand-tight.
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Cover the teeth of the water pump pliers with masking tape to protect the spout from damage before using the pliers to tighten the spout.
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Tips & Warnings
Take the old tub spout and the measurement with you to the hardware or home improvement store.
Clean off old Teflon or plumber's tape from the threaded end of the connection pipe before adding new tape to the threads.
Overtightening the tug spout can cause chips and cracks to your tile or shower wall.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit model home bathroom image by Paul Hill from Fotolia.com
