How to remove a tub spout that’s stuck. You try to enjoy a long soak in the tub, but your faucet keeps dripping on you. Luckily fixing it’s not hard and costs a fraction of what you’d pay a pro.
Just unscrew the spout-adapter nut with a basin wrench, then pull off the old spout with pliers or a pair of slip-joint or water pump pliers.
Installing is just the reverse of removal make sure the hole in your countertop is large enough for the new adapter. Now turn on that faucet for an invigorating shower.
How to remove a tub spout that’s stuck
You will need to turn the tub spout in a counterclockwise motion. You need to pull slightly as you turn the fixture to engage any remaining stripped threads on the tub spout.
Discard it and replace it with your new shiny big faucet that is guaranteed not to leak ever again.
Tub Spout Types
A spout can be installed in two different ways. A slip-on tub uses a 1/2-inch copper pipe that is inserted into the hollow stem at the bottom and secured with hex head or flat head setscrews on the bottom.
Screw-on tubs are an alternative. The screw-on is attached using hex head or flathead setscrews on the bottom that connect just under where the slip-on is normally connected to the tub.
The tub spout needs to be inspected underneath. The screw at the back of your spout indicates that it is a slip-on spout. You’ll most likely need to screw it on if you do not see screws connecting the spout.
Taking off a Screw-On Spout
For a screw-on spout, you can unscrew it using your hands. If the spout was installed several decades ago, or if there is some substantial buildup and corrosion, you may need to use pliers or a pipe wrench to grip it.
Screw-on ends are removed by turning counterclockwise though beware that some can be tighter than others due to caulk buildup, a burr on the interior threads, and so forth.
Be sure to wipe up any excess caulk immediately at the base of the spout before twisting because this will ensure that loosening/removal is achieved more quickly.
If there’s a copper threaded fitting connecting the spout, snip these off with a wire tubing cutter first before shifting it however make certain not to mess with any pipes running through the wall in doing so as they’ll likely require special attention as well.
Taking off the slip-on Spout
For a slip-on spout, remove the screw with your screwdriver. Be careful not to lose it as you’ll need it later. Go ahead and pull the spout off by firmly holding on to it using your pliers.
If it does not come off easily, wrap your pliers over the metal threads and twist until it comes loose. The metal threads may be preventing the spout from coming completely off.
To remove them, use a cutter or a pair of wire cutters to cut them off at the opening of the pipe where they’re connected to the wall.
Insert your screwdriver into the spout opening so that you have enough leverage to twist it off if needed after cutting the metal thread pieces at each end so that they are no longer connected to your sink’s pipes by way of holding them in place by means of screws through holes into which they fit in order to attach.
Other obstacles you may encounter
The mineral buildup, caulk, and corrosion make the tub spout vulnerable to sticking to the wall over time. The gentle scraping of the caulk is directly attached to the brass base helping in loosening from the wall.
When you fail in this mission, it’s worth wedging a putty knife or a razor into between the spout and the wall. Take precautions to not damage the internal pipe.
Carefully jiggle around the spout first before attempting to twist again. The jiggling motion dislodges around 1/4 inch of caulk alongside the pipe and is finally able to slide off with little effort once it’s loose enough for twisting action.
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