Is your lavatory faucet leaking or malfunctioning? If that’s the case, chances are you’ll want to exchange the bathtub spout. This can be a comparatively easy plumbing restore that you are able to do your self with a couple of fundamental instruments. On this information, we’ll stroll you thru the steps on exchange a bathtub spout, in addition to the security precautions that it’s best to take.
Earlier than you start, it is very important collect the required instruments and supplies. You have to a brand new tub spout, a wrench, a screwdriver, and a pair of pliers. You might also want a bucket or bowl to catch any water that leaks out while you take away the previous spout. After getting gathered your instruments and supplies, you might be prepared to start the restore.
Step one is to show off the water provide to the bathtub. You are able to do this by closing the shut-off valves which might be positioned underneath the sink. As soon as the water is turned off, open the tap to launch any remaining water from the strains. Subsequent, use the wrench to loosen the nut that’s holding the previous spout in place. Watch out to not overtighten the nut, as this may harm the spout or the tap. As soon as the nut is free, you should utilize the screwdriver to take away the set screw that’s positioned on the facet of the spout. Lastly, pull the previous spout straight out to take away it from the tap.
Figuring out the Sort of Tub Spout
Decide the Configuration
Tub spouts are available in three major configurations:
- Diverter Spout: Incorporates a lever or knob to change water move between the spout and showerhead.
- Slip-On Spout: Matches over the tap pipe and is secured with a set screw.
- Threaded Spout: Screws instantly onto the tap pipe, requiring using a wrench for set up.
Look at the Spout’s Look
The spout’s design and end can present clues to its sort:
| Configuration | Design Options |
|---|---|
| Diverter Spout | Normally has a curved or angled design with a lever or knob |
| Slip-On Spout | Sometimes has a cylindrical or sq. form with a small set screw seen |
| Threaded Spout | Typically has a rounded or tapered form with threads seen on the base |
Examine the Faucet Field
If out there, the producer’s documentation or packaging might specify the kind of tub spout included or suitable along with your faucet.
Getting ready the Work Space
Earlier than you begin engaged on the bathtub spout, it is necessary to arrange the work space to make sure security and effectivity.
Collect Your Instruments and Supplies
You have to the next instruments and supplies for this venture:
| Device or Materials | Description |
|---|---|
| Adjustable wrench | To loosen and tighten the spout |
| Plumbers tape | To seal the threads and forestall leaks |
| Alternative tub spout | The brand new spout you can be putting in |
| Material or towel | To wipe up any water or particles |
Shut Off the Water Provide
Find the water shut-off valves underneath the sink or behind the bathtub. Flip each the cold and warm water valves clockwise to shut them. It will stop water from flowing out when you work on the spout.
Cowl the Drain
Place a material or towel over the drain to catch any particles which will fall if you are working. It will assist stop it from clogging the drain.
Open the Faucet
Activate the tap to launch any remaining water from the plumbing system. Depart it open till the water stops flowing.
Shutting Off the Water Provide
Earlier than you exchange your tub spout, it is important to close off the water provide to keep away from any undesirable surprises in the course of the course of. This is an in depth information on do it:
Find the water shut-off valves
The water shut-off valves are normally positioned underneath the sink within the cupboard under or behind the detachable entry panel. Nonetheless, in some instances, they might be positioned within the basement or crawlspace.
Establish the proper valves
There will likely be two shut-off valves: one for the recent water and one for the chilly water. They’re sometimes marked with pink and blue handles, respectively.
Flip off the valves
After getting recognized the proper valves, flip them clockwise till they’re utterly shut off. You might want to make use of a wrench or pliers to use extra pressure.
Suggestions:
- When you have issue turning the valves, do not pressure them. Contact a plumber for help.
- To double-check if the water is totally shut off, activate the tap. If no water comes out, the valves are closed appropriately.
| Step | Motion |
| 1 | Find the water shut-off valves. |
| 2 | Establish the proper valves (cold and warm). |
| 3 | Flip off the valves clockwise utilizing a wrench or pliers if needed. |
Disconnecting the Present Spout
To disconnect the present tub spout, observe these steps:
- Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the packing nut that’s positioned on the base of the spout. It is the massive round piece of steel.
- To loosen the spout, seize it along with your hand and gently pull it straight in direction of you. Use a material for higher grip.
- If the spout resists your pull, strive supporting the spout from behind with a flat-head screwdriver and pulling once more.
- To take away any remaining residue from the threaded pipe, wipe it with a clear material or rag.
Further Suggestions:
- If the packing nut is caught or corroded, you should utilize a penetrating lubricant to assist loosen it. Apply the lubricant to the threads of the packing nut and wait a couple of minutes earlier than attempting to loosen it.
- In case you are unable to loosen the packing nut or take away the spout by hand, you should utilize a pair of pliers. Nonetheless, watch out to not harm the spout or the threads on the pipe.
- When eradicating the spout, you’ll want to assist it from behind in order that it doesn’t fall and harm the end.
| Instruments Required | Description |
|---|---|
| Adjustable wrench | For loosening the packing nut |
| Flat-head screwdriver | For assist whereas pulling the spout |
| Clear material or rag | For wiping away any residue |
Putting in the New Spout Physique
5. Tightening the Spout Physique:
This step is essential to make sure a safe and leak-proof connection.
- Wrap the threads of the brand new spout physique with Teflon tape in a clockwise path, ranging from the underside.
- Fastidiously thread the spout physique onto the male threads contained in the wall. Use channel-lock pliers or a wrench, however keep away from overtightening.
- As soon as the spout physique is hand-tight, use the pliers to present it an additional 1/4 to 1/2 flip. It will create a agency seal with out damaging the threads.
- Use a stage to make sure that the spout physique is straight. If needed, regulate the angle by loosening the connection and turning the spout barely.
- Examine for leaks by turning on the water provide. If any water drips from the connection, tighten the spout physique additional or apply extra Teflon tape.
| Teflon Tape Wrapping | |
|---|---|
| Path | Clockwise |
| Beginning Level | Backside of threads |
| Overlap | Barely overlapping earlier layer |
Bear in mind, correct set up is crucial to stop leaks and make sure the longevity of your new tub spout.
Tightening the Spout in Place
As soon as the spout is lined up with the pipe and screwed on, it’s essential to tighten it in place. Listed here are the steps on do it:
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Utilizing a pair of pliers, grip the spout the place it connects to the pipe.
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Flip the spout clockwise to tighten it.
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Watch out to not over-tighten the spout, as this may harm it.
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As soon as the spout is tight, use a wrench to additional tighten it.
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Wrap the wrench across the spout and switch it clockwise.
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Once more, watch out to not over-tighten the spout.
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As soon as the spout is tight, activate the water to verify for leaks.
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If there are any leaks, tighten the spout additional utilizing the wrench.
In case you are nonetheless having bother tightening the spout, chances are you’ll want to exchange the washer. The washer is a small rubber or plastic ring that sits between the spout and the pipe. It helps to create a watertight seal. To exchange the washer, merely take away the previous one and exchange it with a brand new one. Be sure that the brand new washer is identical measurement because the previous one.
Instruments and Supplies You may Want
Here’s a listing of instruments and supplies you may want to exchange a bathtub spout:
| Device/Materials | Function |
|---|---|
| New tub spout | The brand new spout you may be putting in |
| Adjustable wrench | To tighten and loosen the spout |
| Pliers | To grip the spout whereas tightening |
| Teflon tape | To create a watertight seal |
| Plumber’s putty | To seal the hole between the spout and the bathtub |
Connecting the Water Provide
The next steps will information you thru the method of connecting the water provide to the bathtub spout:
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Find the Water Shut-Off Valves: These valves are normally discovered behind the bathtub, underneath the sink, or in a close-by closet. Flip off each the cold and warm water valves.
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Disconnect the Previous Spout: Utilizing an adjustable wrench, rigorously loosen the 2 nuts that join the previous spout to the water provide strains.
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Clear the Connections: Take away any particles or previous sealant from the water provide strains and the threads on the brand new spout.
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Apply Plumber’s Tape: Wrap 2-3 layers of plumber’s tape clockwise across the threads on the brand new spout.
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Join the Spout to the Sizzling Water Line: Thread the spout onto the recent water line and tighten it utilizing the adjustable wrench.
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Join the Spout to the Chilly Water Line: Repeat step 5 for the chilly water line.
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Further Concerns:
- Use the Appropriate Wrench: Guarantee you will have an adjustable wrench that matches the nuts on the water provide strains and the spout.
- Tighten Securely: Tighten the nuts firmly sufficient to stop leaks however keep away from overtightening, which may harm the connections.
- Examine for Leaks: As soon as the spout is linked, activate the water valves and verify for any leaks across the connections. In the event you discover any leaks, retighten the nuts or use extra plumber’s tape.
Turning On the Water and Checking for Leaks
As soon as the bathtub spout is put in, it is important to activate the water and verify for leaks. This is do it:
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Activate the Sizzling and Chilly Water Slowly: Steadily flip the cold and warm water handles to permit the water to move by way of the spout.
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Observe the Level of Connection: Pay shut consideration to the purpose the place the spout connects to the bathtub faucet. Search for any seen leaks or water droplets.
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Examine the Tub Faucet: Look at the world across the tub faucet base for any leaks, particularly the place the spout connects to the tap physique.
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Examine the Ground: Examine the ground under the bathtub for any indicators of water pooling or dampness. This might point out a leak on the base of the spout.
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Proceed Commentary: Hold monitoring the bathtub spout and surrounding areas for leaks for a number of minutes after turning on the water.
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Tighten the Spout (if Essential): In the event you discover any leaks, use a wrench to softly tighten the spout. Nonetheless, keep away from overtightening, as this might harm the spout or tub faucet.
If the leaks persist after tightening the spout, it could be essential to contact a licensed plumber for additional help.
Troubleshooting Leaks
This is a desk summarizing potential causes and options for leaks:
| Leak Location | Attainable Trigger | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Level of Connection | Free spout | Tighten the spout utilizing a wrench. |
| Tub Faucet Base | Broken O-ring or washer | Change the O-ring or washer. |
| Ground | Broken spout or tub faucet | Contact a licensed plumber for restore or alternative. |
Making use of Sealant (Optionally available)
Whereas not strictly needed, making use of sealant across the base of the brand new tub spout can present added safety towards leaks.
9. Steps for Making use of Sealant:
a. Put together the Floor: Clear the world across the base of the brand new spout and the wall with a moist material or sponge to take away any particles or residue. Permit the floor to dry utterly.
b. Apply the Sealant: Use a silicone or acrylic sealant particularly designed for lavatory purposes. Dispense a skinny bead of sealant across the base of the spout the place it meets the wall.
c. Clean the Sealant: Use a finger or a small instrument, equivalent to a putty knife, to easy the sealant right into a neat and even joint. Take away any extra sealant which will have squeezed out throughout utility.
d. Permit to Remedy: Permit the sealant to remedy utterly in response to the producer’s directions. This normally takes a number of hours or in a single day.
e. Closing Touches: As soon as the sealant is cured, you may apply a light-weight coat of clear caulk over the joint to offer a further layer of safety and improve the aesthetics.
|
Materials
|
Directions
|
|—|—|
| Silicone sealant | Gives glorious adhesion and suppleness |
| Acrylic sealant | Straightforward to use and paintable |
| Clear caulk | Provides an additional layer of safety and enhances aesthetics |
Ending Touches
Wrap the Threads in Plumber’s Tape
To forestall water leaks, wrap the threads of the brand new spout clockwise with a number of layers of plumber’s tape.
Screw the Spout onto the Tub
Fastidiously hand-tighten the spout onto the bathtub, with out overtightening. Then, use the adjustable wrench to present it a remaining tightening.
Tighten the Set Screw (Optionally available)
Some spouts have a small set screw that helps safe them in place. Find the screw and tighten it with a screwdriver.
Set up the Aerator (Optionally available)
In case your spout got here with an aerator, connect it to the tip of the spout by hand-tightening it.
Check for Leaks
Activate the water and verify for any leaks across the spout. If there are any, strive tightening the spout or set screw additional.
Clear Up
Wipe down any extra water or particles from the spout and tub to finish the set up.
Bother Capturing
| Downside | Resolution |
|---|---|
| Water is leaking across the spout | Tighten the spout or set screw additional |
| The spout is free | Tighten the set screw or exchange the O-rings |
| The aerator is clogged | Take away the aerator and clear it with an answer of vinegar and water |
How To Change A Tub Spout
Changing a bathtub spout is a comparatively easy plumbing restore that may be accomplished in about an hour. By following these steps, it can save you your self the price of hiring a plumber and get your tub again up and working very quickly.
1. Collect your instruments and supplies. You have to a brand new tub spout, a wrench, a pair of pliers, and a few plumbers tape. You might also need to have a bucket readily available to catch any water that spills out while you take away the previous spout.
2. Flip off the water provide to the bathtub. That is sometimes carried out by turning the deal with on the shut-off valve positioned underneath the sink. If there is no such thing as a shut-off valve, you have to to show off the principle water provide to your own home.
3. Take away the previous tub spout. Use the wrench to loosen the nut that’s holding the spout in place. As soon as the nut is free, you should utilize your palms to take away the spout.
4. Clear the threads on the bathtub spout pipe. Use a moist material to wipe away any grime or particles from the threads. It will assist to make sure an excellent seal while you set up the brand new spout.
5. Apply plumbers tape to the threads of the brand new tub spout. Wrap the tape clockwise across the threads, ranging from the underside. Ensure that to overlap the tape by a minimum of 50%. It will assist to create a watertight seal.
6. Screw the brand new tub spout onto the pipe. Hand-tighten the spout as a lot as doable. Then, use the wrench to tighten the spout a further 1/4 flip.
7. Activate the water provide to the bathtub. Examine for leaks across the base of the spout. In the event you see any leaks, tighten the spout additional.
Folks Additionally Ask About How To Change A Tub Spout
How a lot does it value to exchange a bathtub spout?
The price of changing a bathtub spout varies relying on the kind of spout you select and the labor prices in your space. Nonetheless, you may count on to pay between $50 and $200 for all the venture.
Can I exchange a bathtub spout myself?
Sure, changing a bathtub spout is a comparatively easy plumbing restore that may be accomplished in about an hour. By following the steps outlined on this information, it can save you your self the price of hiring a plumber.
What are the indicators that I want to exchange my tub spout?
There are a couple of indicators which will point out that it’s essential to exchange your tub spout, together with:
- Leaking water
- Free spout
- Cracked or broken spout
- Discolored spout
