Learn How to Replace a Bathtub Spout

Replacing a corroded bathtub spout can give an immediate fresh new look to your tub. Fortunately, it’s one of the easiest plumbing chores. You’ll need water pump pliers, a sturdy screw driver, Teflon tape, and perhaps a set of hex wrenches. Before you purchase the new spout, it is best to remove the old one. Take the old part with you to the home depot and use it for comparison, that way you’ll get a new one that’s a perfect fit for the connection pipe. Your existing spout maybe attach by sets screw or by thread.
First, check on the underside for a hexagonal setscrew. Use a hex wrench, sometimes called an Allen wrench, to loosen the setscrew completely. Pull the spout free of the wall. If there is no setscrew, then your spout is the screw on type, if it is not in place to tightly, you may be able to unscrew it by hand. If it is on too tight just insert a screwdriver into spout opening and use it as a lever to loosen the spout until you can rotate it off.
With the spout removed, measure the length of the connection pipe protruding from the wall. It usually will be either about 6 inches in length or will be barely protrude from the wall. Whichever it is, purchase the new spout of the same size and type. For a setscrew spout, simply slip it into place, and tighten the set screw underneath. For a threaded spout, first wrap some Teflon tape around the threads of the connection pipe then twist the spout on to the pipe in a clockwise motion. Use water pump pliers to tighten it, note that the jaws of the pliers are covered with tape to prevent scratching the spout.


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