Repairing Guides

how to repair a leaky bathtub spout

by Thomas Russel Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Replace the Spout

  • First, carefully scrape away any residual caulk where the spout and wall meet. Using a pipe wrench, grip the spout and unthread the spout from the stub-out pipe.
  • Clean the threads and take measurements to match the new and old spout. Go to the hardware store and purchase a spout that matches those measurements.
  • Then, add four wraps of thread-sealing tape to the threaded stub-out. You’ll want to wrap it in a clockwise direction.
  • Apply caulk to the area where the tub and spout meet, thread the new spout onto the stub-out pipe, and tighten it. ...
  • Finally, wipe away any caulk at the seam and clean up the area.

Part of a video titled My tub faucet is leaking/dripping - won't stop dripping - YouTube
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You have to replace the internal seat it is a very simple process and we can definitely walk youMoreYou have to replace the internal seat it is a very simple process and we can definitely walk you through the step-by-step. Process on how to do it below in the actual.

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 fix a leak under my bathtub?

Materials

  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Replacement overflow gasket (as needed)
  • Silicone caulk (as needed)

How to remove and replace a bathtub spout?

Remove the Old Spout

  • The spout is attached to a pipe via friction and a set screw, or by threads.
  • Check under the spout where it meets the shower wall to see if there’s a set screw. The set screw will require either a hex key or screwdriver.
  • If a screw exists, loosen it and slide the spout off the pipe. ...

How to fix a bathtub faucet that broke off?

  • Begin by using a flat-head screwdriver to pry off the handle’s plastic cover (also called the plastic insert or index).
  • Unscrew the handle screw with a flathead or Phillips-head screwdriver as needed.
  • Wiggle the handle and pull it off. ...
  • Place a socket wrench over the bathtub faucet stem until it covers the hex nut. ...

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Why is water leaking from my tub spout?

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 replace an O-ring in a bathtub faucet?

Replacing the O-ring is simple. Just pull the valve stem out and remove the old O-ring. Put a small amount of petroleum jelly or silicone on the new O-ring and slide it on the stem. Before you reattach the escutcheon, you can apply a little bathtub caulk.

Should I caulk around tub spout?

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

Do I need Teflon tape for tub spout?

We prefer the Teflon tape for two reasons: It is cleaner – way less messy to work with than pipe joint compound. The spout connection is not high pressure. Even when the shower diverter is in the spout the connection is still not high pressure.

How do you fix a leaking O-ring?

0:351:34Leaky Faucet Base – O-Ring Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApply silicone grease to the faucet spout base where the o-rings will be reinstalled slips. And u o-MoreApply silicone grease to the faucet spout base where the o-rings will be reinstalled slips. And u o-rings onto the faucet body within their group slots making sure the o-rings are not twisted.

How do you fix an O-ring?

0:312:23FIX an O-ring without replacing it - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what I'm gonna do just take off the o-ring. And take some teflon tape. And put it in there to tryMoreSo what I'm gonna do just take off the o-ring. And take some teflon tape. And put it in there to try to make that a little tighter.

Can silicone be used instead of plumbers putty?

You can use silicone caulk or plumber's putty to seal sink drains. Plumber's putty may crack and cause leaks as the clay dries out with time. But it's the preferred choice of sealant if you'll be adjusting or removing the drain.

How do you caulk 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.

What kind of tub spout do I have?

How To Determine What Type of Tub Spout You Already HaveGrab a flashlight and look beneath the tub spout while it still attached to the wall. If you can see a tiny screw on the underside of the spout, you have a slip-on tub spout with a set screw.If there is no set screw, you have a threaded tub spout.

Can I use plumbers putty instead of Teflon tape?

While a single plumbing project might call for both plumber's putty and Teflon tape, you cannot substitute one for the other. Teflon tape, also called plumber's tape or thread-seal tape, gives a reliable seal on threaded pipe joints for liquids and gases that may be under considerable pressure.

When should you not use plumbers tape?

An important thing to remember is that PTFE tape should not be used when connecting PVC fittings or valves with a female (FPT) thread. If the tape is used on female connections, a wedging action can occur which will cause major stress on the joint during assembly. PTFE tape does not guarantee a leak free connection.

How many times should you wrap Teflon tape around pipe threads?

You always want to wrap seal tape around threaded pipe fitting in a clockwise direction. In most cases for a new joint you should apply only two or three wraps of tape. On older fitting where the threads may be damaged you may consider adding a few more wraps, but keep the number of warps to a minimum.

Do you need to caulk around faucet?

Your faucet may come with a rubber gasket to help prevent leaks, but if the gasket is absent or faulty, you should seal your faucet with caulk. Sealant comes in all kinds of materials and colors, including acrylic, silicone and copolymer bases.

How do you fix the gap between tub and tub faucets?

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.

What needs to be caulked in a bathroom?

Caulk should appear seamless while keeping your walls, windows, floors, and ceilings adjacent to showers, tubs, and toilets safe from the excess moisture that is typical in a bathroom.

How do you seal shower fixtures?

0:092:00Shower Faucet Replacement - Applying the Caulk - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're gonna go ahead and apply some silicone around the entire perimeter of this spout. And put aMoreWe're gonna go ahead and apply some silicone around the entire perimeter of this spout. And put a large bead on and I'll just clean it up with my finger. And then I'll wet sponge.

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 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.

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.

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