How Do You Replace a Bathtub Faucet Water Spout?

When you really need a new bathtub faucet water spout.

There are a number of reasons to replace a bathtub faucet waterspout, also known as a tub spout. It may be corroded from mineral buildup, the shower diverter may no longer function properly, or you may want to update the style of a bathroom. Replacing a bathtub faucet waterspout is relatively easy for the novice do-it-yourself person.

Things You'll Need

• Strap wrench
• Duct tape
• Pump pliers
• Thread tape
• Bath caulk
• Putty knife

Send to Phone

Brought to you by

Send to Phone

Please enter your 10 digit phone number only.

Send

A link to this article has been sent to the phone number provided.

Close

Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. Message and data rates may apply.

Instructions

1. Remove any old bath or silicone caulking, with a putty knife, from around the faucet spout where it butts up against the wall. Start by scraping the caulk from the wall toward the spout in a circular motion, following the contour of the spout. Using a plastic putty knife will lessen the chance of scratching the wall surface.

2. Unscrew the faucet waterspout. Wrap a strap wrench around the middle of the spout body. Turn the spout counterclockwise until it detaches completely. There is an alternative method of waterspout removal if your strap wrench is not working; pump pliers. Wrap the midsection of the spout with 18 inches of duct tape, the tape will add the necessary grip for the pliers. Open the pump pliers to comfortably fit around the faucet waterspout where you placed the tape. Grasp the spout firmly and turn counterclockwise until the spout detaches.

3. Clean any remaining bits of caulk from the wall. You can use a chemical caulk remover if you like, but it is not a necessity.

4. Wrap the exposed threads of the faucet spout nipple, the pipe protruding from the wall that the tub spout attaches to, with plumbers thread tape. Hold the lose end of the thread tape to the exposed pipe threads with one finger, with the other hand begin firmly wrapping the tape around the threads in a clockwise direction. Wrap the tape all the way around the threads five times, this will ensure a watertight seal, cut the tread tape and smooth the end around the threads.

5. Install the new bathtub faucet water spout. Screw the new tub spout onto the pipe nipple in a clockwise direction. Tighten the spout by hand firmly, and then use your strap wrench to line up the spouts discharge opening straight down into the tub. Turn on the bath water to check for leaks. Apply a new seal of tub and tile caulk all the way around the joint between the wall and tub spout.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can find a bath caulk that matches the color of tile, the finished job will look better.

• There is a chance that you will brake the faucet water spout nipple when trying to remove the old tub spout.