Repairing Guides

how to repair a leaking bathtub spout

by Lawson Schmeler Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Clear any rust, wax or caulk from around the base.
  • Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the bolts that hold it together. ...
  • Remove the stem and install a new one in the fitting using new bolts. ...
  • If the bathtub faucet is still dripping after replacing the handle, washer and stem, you may need to replace the entire bathtub spout.

Part of a video titled How to Fix a Leaky Bathtub Faucet | The Home Depot - YouTube
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First place a towel in the tub to help protect it. Now remove the spout by scouring the caulkingMoreFirst place a towel in the tub to help protect it. Now remove the spout by scouring the caulking with your box cutter. And then turning the spout. Counterclockwise. Pliers can be used in the removal.

Full Answer

How to fix a leaking bathtub faucet quick and easy?

  • The first step is to remove the faucet spout. ...
  • Use a utility knife to score the sealant where the spout and bathtub wall meet for easier removal.
  • Remove the length of pipe, called a pipe nipple, with a wrench.
  • Wrap the threads of both ends of the nipple with plumber’s tape or Teflon tape.
  • Install the nipple into the 90-degree elbow pipe within the wall. ...

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How to repair a diverter tub spout?

  • Before disassembling handles, shut off the water supply completely (for most tub/shower repairs, you will need to turn off the main water valve to your home located outside near the ...
  • Remove the decorative cap of the diverter valve faucet handle with a screwdriver.
  • For threaded caps, unscrew the nut/screw to pull off the handle.

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How to locate and fix the leak under bathroom floor?

Steps:

  1. Inspect bathroom for water leaks. Check areas around the tub, tub drain, tub overflow, shower door and toilet.
  2. Snap chalk lines on ceiling below and use a reciprocating saw to cut out the damaged drywall.
  3. Inspect the backside of the damaged drywall for water damage.

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How to remove a tub spout that's stuck?

How To Remove A Stuck Tub Spout

  • Check The Faucet. To start, check the faucet itself. ...
  • Turn Off The Water Supply. Before you continue, you need to do a few things to prevent a mess. ...
  • Remove The Spout. Since you turned off the water supply and the towel is in place over the drain, it is time to remove the spout.
  • Hairdryer Method. Use your regular hair dryer to heat the faucet. ...

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Why is bathtub spout dripping water?

A small amount of water dripping out of your tub's faucet is normal because the valve doesn't have a perfect seal. But, if a large amount of water is coming out of the tub's faucet then you most likely have a problem with that valve. Fixing the diverter is a fairly easy fix.

How do you fix a bathtub faucet spout?

0:248:47Replacing a Tub Faucet: Bathtub Spout Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf there's no set screw it is a threaded model. And if there is a set screw it's a slip-on. ThisMoreIf there's no set screw it is a threaded model. And if there is a set screw it's a slip-on. This will let you know which model you'll need to purchase for your replacement.

How do you seal a gap in a bathtub spout?

Caulk It. If you've got a gap of 1/2 inch or less after you tighten the spout as far as it will go, the best way to erase it is to fill it with silicone caulk. Choose white caulk or one that matches the wall color, spread a thick enough bead to fill the gap, then tool it with your finger to give it a concave shape.

Are bathtub spouts universal?

There is no specific reason bathtub faucets are not universal besides the fact that different contractors install different types of bathtub spouts when building the bathroom. So, ultimately, it all depends on how your bathtub is built.

How do you replace a tub diverter spout?

0:153:36how to replace tub spout, change tub diverter. Easy! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt. So first we're going to just try to spin this guy off. And it's spinning pretty easy we've got aMoreIt. So first we're going to just try to spin this guy off. And it's spinning pretty easy we've got a set screw under here. But it looks like this will probably just spin.

Should you caulk a tub spout?

Bathtub faucets should always be caulked to avoid potential water damage. It can be a quick, easy, and inexpensive task.

Do you caulk around tub spout pipe?

If you have a thread-style spout, apply thread sealant to the pipe threads. Then apply a small amount of caulk to the back of the spout where it will meet the wall and slide the spout onto the pipe, tightening it by hand until it is snug against the wall and level to the bottom of the bathtub.

How do you caulk around a bathtub spout?

0:021:11How To Caulk Around a Bathtub - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAreas start by cleaning the area remove any old caulk soap scum or calcium. Buildup. Make sure thatMoreAreas start by cleaning the area remove any old caulk soap scum or calcium. Buildup. Make sure that the area is completely dry before caulking. Cut the end of the caulk tube with a small angled hole.

How does a bathtub spout diverter work?

When the diverter valve is open, water flows directly through the faucet and into the tub. However, when you want to take a shower, you lift the knob or lever to close the diverter valve. This creates pressure, forcing the water flow upward and out of the showerhead.

Why is my shower diverter not working?

The most common issue with a shower diverter is when water comes out of both the tub faucet and the showerhead. Check to be sure there is no residue clogging the shower diverter lever from fully lifting or lowering. If everything looks clear, the problem could be worn-out parts in the shower diverter valve.

Why does my bathtub spout leak?

First off, there will be a possibility that the diverter can wear out. Thus, it can no longer block the water flow and send water out to the shower head.

Where should a replacement spout be attached to a water pipe?

Remember that the replacement spout should be attached to the water pipe just like the old one. Likewise, the diverter must be put in the same location of the spout . At this point, you must determine the location of the spout as there is a setscrew that secures the spout to the water pipe.

How to tell if a spout is slip on?

One way of determining the type is to inspect under the spout. If you can find a setscrew, this kind of spout is a slip-on type. Replacing this type of spout is a bit easy. You simply have to loosen the setscrew using a hex wrench. Just pull the spout off the copper pipe protruding from the wall. As you do this, you have to twist it as you pull, but you must be careful not to loosen the pipe connections behind the wall. You can then slide in a new spout and tighten the setscrew.

Can threads be too corroded to screw on a new component?

Likewise, there will also be a chance that the threads will be too corroded to screw on a new component. To address this problem, you should go ahead the situation before it goes out of hand. Therefore, you have to buy short portions of a threaded pipe, otherwise known as nipples.

Can you install a slip on spout on a copper pipe?

If in case the pipe protruding from the wall is made of copper with threaded fitting, you only have to cut it off using a tubing cutter. You can now install a new slip-on spout. Just in case the pipe coming out the wall is made of steel, then you need to replace it with a new screw-on spout.

Can leaking tub spouts cause water stains?

Home problems like leaking tub spouts can lead to stains over the area and it can also waste some precious amount of water with constant usage. But, before fixing this situation, perhaps it is only fair to get familiar with the components that commonly get damaged or require replacement.

Can a tub spout corrode?

For this reason, water will have a way to trickle down the pipe as it drips inside the wall. Lastly, the spout finish can corrode or flake off. In order to address the tub spout leaking, it is important to replace the defective component. Good thing is that you can purchase a new spout from home centers and hardware stores.

How to remove a stem from a bath tub?

Slide the bath socket onto the stem bonnet and turn it counterclockwise to break the stem loose. If it sticks, soak it with penetrating lubricant. Unscrew and remove the stem.

What causes a faucet to leak?

Worn rubber washers, seals or gaskets in the valve assem bly cause most leaks. Here we'll show you how to fix a stem-type valve, which is common in older, two-handle faucets (separate hot and cold). We won't cover single-handle faucets here.

How to remove packing nut from a car?

First, unscrew the packing nut. Twist the stem clockwise and back it out of the bonnet. Pry out the old packing washer with a small flat-blade screwdriver or pick. Grease the stem threads and reinstall the stem in the bonnet. Grease the new packing washer and slide it in place, and then grease the packing nut threads and firmly tighten the packing nut. Use special plumber's grease.

Why does my seat washer leak?

Leaks usually occur for two reasons. Over time, the seat washer stiffens and won't seal tightly. And water pressure gradually erodes the brass rim of the seat. Replace the seat using a special seat wrench. Press the seat wrench firmly into the center of the seat.

Is it cheaper to fix a leaky faucet or a plumber?

The entire job, with special tools, may set you back a bit of cash, but doing it yourself is a lot cheaper than hiring a plumber, and usually much cheaper and easier than tearing out the old faucet and installing a new one.

How do tub spouts go bad?

Bathtub spouts can go bad in three ways: First, the tub spout diverter can wear out so it no longer blocks the water flow and sends water to the shower head. Second, the threads inside the spout can crack or corrode where the spout screws onto the pipe. Water can then trickle along the pipe and drip inside the wall.

How much does it cost to replace a spout?

Replacement is the solution to any of these problems. A new spout ($10 to $20) and everything else you might need are available at hardware stores and home centers. But before you buy a new spout, determine what type you need. First look under the spout. If you see a setscrew (Photo A), you have a “slip-on” spout.

Can you screw a new spout on an old pipe?

Ideally, the new spout will fit perfectly onto the old pipe. But there's a good chance that the pipe protrudes too far or not far enough . There's also a chance that the threads are too corroded for you to screw on a new spout.

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