How to Replace a Bathtub's Waterspout

An old faucet may rust.

A bathtub waterspout is a simple piece of plumbing equipment that can last many years without a component breaking. If your waterspout has a diverter handle on the front that controls the flow of water coming from your shower, you may find it leaking after a few years' time. Installing a new bathtub waterspout will eliminate leaks from the diverter and can add a new sense of style to an old, worn-out bathtub design.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Wrench
• Internal wrench

Instructions

Slip-On Spouts

1. Turn off the water supply to the bathtub at the water supply valve for the bathroom.

2. Locate the set screw on the underside of the waterspout.

3. Remove the setscrew from the water spout using the screwdriver.

4. Slide the old waterspout off the copper pipe protruding from the wall.

5. Slide the replacement waterspout onto the pipe and secure with the set screw using the screwdriver.

Screw-On Spouts

1. Turn off the water to the bathroom.

2. Grip the waterspout and turn the entire spout counterclockwise to remove it from the threaded pipe on which it sits.

3. Remove the old nipple (the pipe protruding from the wall) if it is not a copper pipe and is rotted out before installing the new spout. Insert an internal wrench into the pipe and turn the internal wrench with a plumber's wrench. Insert the new pipe and tighten down.

4. Wrap the threads of copper pipe protruding from the wall with one layer of plumber's tape. This protects the threads. Screw on the new waterspout.

References

• Hammerzone; Replacing A Bath Tub Faucet; Brice W. Maki
• The Family Handyman: How to Replace a Bathtub Spout