Many do-it-yourselfers are intimidated by the prospect of changing a bathtub spout. However, this task is not as difficult as it may seem. With the right tools and materials, you can replace a bathtub spout in a matter of minutes.
The first step is to gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need a new bathtub spout, plumber’s tape, an adjustable wrench, and a screwdriver. Once you have gathered your tools and materials, it is important to follow these steps to safely and effectively change your bathtub spout.
First, turn off the water supply to the bathtub. Next, remove the old bathtub spout. To do this, use the adjustable wrench to loosen the nut that is holding the spout in place. Once the nut is loose, you can remove the spout by hand. Finally, install the new bathtub spout. To do this, wrap plumber’s tape around the threads of the new spout and then screw the spout onto the bathtub.
Gather Necessary Tools and Materials
Before embarking on this DIY project, it is crucial to assemble the essential tools and materials. Here’s a comprehensive list to ensure you have everything you need:
Tools
- Adjustable wrench or pliers
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- Plumber’s putty or Teflon tape
- Caulk gun
- Utility knife
- Step ladder or stool
Materials
- New bathtub spout
- Replacement O-rings or washers
- Thread sealant or pipe dope
- Plumber’s tape (optional)
To assist you in organizing your supplies, we’ve compiled a table for quick reference:
| Tools | Materials |
|---|---|
| Adjustable wrench or pliers Phillips and flathead screwdrivers |
New bathtub spout Replacement O-rings or washers |
| Plumber’s putty or Teflon tape Caulk gun Utility knife |
Thread sealant or pipe dope |
| Step ladder or stool | Plumber’s tape (optional) |
Shut Off Water Supply
Before starting any plumbing work, it’s crucial to shut off the water supply to the bathtub faucet. This will prevent any water from flowing out of the spout when you disconnect it. Follow these steps to shut off the water supply:
- Locate the water shut-off valves: These valves are usually located under the sink or behind the toilet. They may be labeled “hot” and “cold” or have red and blue handles.
- Turn off the valves: Rotate the handles clockwise until they are fully closed. You may need to use a pair of pliers to apply more force if the valves are difficult to turn.
- Test the water supply: Turn on the bathtub faucet to make sure the water has been shut off completely. If water continues to flow, the valves may need to be replaced or tightened.
- Adjustable wrench
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Shut off water supply
- Remove aerator
- Remove set screw
- Remove spout
- O-rings
- Gaskets
- Petroleum jelly or plumbers’ grease
- Use the correct size washers. Too small or too large washers can cause leaks.
- Don’t overtighten the nuts. Overtightening can damage the pipes or fittings.
- If you are not confident about making these connections, it is best to call a licensed plumber for assistance.
- Locate the Handle Assembly: The spout handle assembly typically includes the handle, a cartridge, and an escutcheon plate.
- Insert the Cartridge: Align the cartridge with the corresponding hole in the spout assembly. Gently press it into place until it clicks or snugly fits.
- Place the Handle: Position the handle over the cartridge stem. Make sure it is aligned properly with the spout and the desired direction of water flow.
- Secure the Handle: Tighten the set screw or nut that secures the handle to the cartridge stem. Avoid overtightening.
- Install the Escutcheon Plate: The escutcheon plate covers the base of the handle and conceals the cartridge. Align it over the handle and press it into place.
- Secure the Escutcheon Plate: Use the provided screws to secure the escutcheon plate to the spout assembly. Ensure it is tightly fastened but not overtightened.
- Test the Handle: Turn the handle to check for smooth operation. Adjust the set screw or nut if necessary to achieve the desired water flow and temperature control.
- Adjustable wrench
- Pliers
- New bathtub spout
- Plumber’s tape
- Screwdriver (if needed)
- Adjustable wrench
- Plumber’s putty
- Teflon tape
- New bathtub spout
- Turn off the water supply to your bathtub.
- Place a towel or rag over the drain to catch any water that may leak out.
- Using the adjustable wrench, loosen the nuts that hold the spout in place.
- Remove the old spout and clean the threads on the bathtub.
- Apply a thin layer of plumber’s putty to the threads of the new spout.
- Wrap a few layers of Teflon tape around the threads of the new spout.
- Screw the new spout onto the bathtub and tighten the nuts.
- Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks.
- Leaking
- Dripping
- Corrosion
- Cracking
| Valve Type | How to Shut Off |
| Compression Valve | Turn handle clockwise until hand-tight. |
| Gate Valve | Turn handle 90 degrees clockwise. |
| Quarter-Turn Valve | Turn handle 90 degrees clockwise. |
Remove Old Spout
Before you begin, turn off the water supply to your bathtub.
1. Remove the aerator. The aerator is the small, screen-like device that screws onto the end of the spout. Use a pair of pliers to unscrew the aerator and remove it from the spout.
2. Remove the set screw. The set screw is a small screw that holds the spout in place. It is usually located on the underside of the spout, near the base. Use a screwdriver to remove the set screw.
3. Remove the spout. Once the set screw is removed, you can pull the spout straight up to remove it from the bathtub. If the spout is stuck, you may need to use a little force. Be careful not to damage the bathtub or the spout.
Prepare New Spout for Installation
Check the Included Parts
Open the packaging of your new bathtub spout and make sure all the necessary parts are included, such as the spout body, gaskets, washers, and mounting hardware. If any parts are missing, contact the manufacturer or the store where you purchased the spout.
Apply Plumber’s Tape
Wrap plumber’s tape clockwise around the threads of the spout body, starting at the base and working your way up. Apply several layers of tape, overlapping each layer slightly, to create a watertight seal. Ensure you don’t overtighten the tape, as this can damage the threads.
Install the Gaskets and Washers
Place the rubber gaskets or washers onto the spout body in the designated areas, typically around the base or where the spout connects to the tub wall. These gaskets help prevent leaks by creating a watertight seal.
Position the Spout onto the Tub Wall
Carefully align the spout with the corresponding mounting holes on the tub wall. Position the spout so that it is centered and level. Ensure the gaskets or washers are properly seated and that the spout is flush with the tub wall.
| Gaskets/Washers: | Create a watertight seal. |
| Plumber’s Tape: | Prevents leaks by sealing the threads. |
| Mounting Holes: | Used to secure the spout to the tub wall. |
| Spout Body: | Main component of the spout that directs water. |
| Level: | Ensures the spout is properly aligned. |
Install O-Rings and Gaskets
O-rings and gaskets are essential components of a bathtub spout, as they create watertight seals between the spout and the tub. It is important to install them correctly to prevent leaks and damage to your bathroom. Follow these steps for proper installation:
Gather Materials:
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
Prepare the Surfaces:
Clean the inner lip of the bathtub spout and the surface of the bathtub flange where the spout will be installed. Use a wire brush or fine sandpaper to remove any dirt or debris that could prevent a good seal.
Apply Petroleum Jelly:
Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or plumbers’ grease to the O-rings and gaskets. This will help them slide into place and create a watertight seal.
Position the Spout:
Place the bathtub spout over the bathtub flange and align it with the mounting holes. Carefully slide it into place, making sure that the O-rings and gaskets are positioned correctly. Check if the spout is level using a level tool.
Tighten the Screws:
Insert and tighten the mounting screws to secure the spout in place. Avoid overtightening, as this can damage the spout or the bathtub flange. Hand-tighten until snug, then use a wrench or screwdriver to tighten an additional quarter-turn.
Check for Leaks:
Turn on the water and check for any leaks around the base of the spout. If you notice any leaks, tighten the screws slightly more or adjust the position of the spout until the leaks stop.
Secure New Spout
Once the old spout is removed, it’s time to secure the new one in place. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Wrap the threads with plumbing tape:
Take Teflon tape or other approved plumbing tape and wrap it clockwise around the threaded end of the new spout. Start at the bottom of the threads and wrap about 5-7 times, overlapping each wrap slightly.
2. Apply plumber’s putty:
Roll a small amount of plumber’s putty into a rope and place it around the base of the new spout, where it will come into contact with the tub deck.
3. Thread the spout onto the shower arm:
Align the new spout with the shower arm and carefully thread it onto the arm. Ensure that the threads engage properly and that the spout is tightened by hand as much as possible.
4. Use a wrench or pliers:
Once the spout is hand-tightened, use a wrench or pliers to further tighten it. Be careful not to overtighten the spout, as this can damage the threads or the shower arm.
5. Wipe away excess putty:
Use a damp cloth to wipe away any excess plumber’s putty that may have squeezed out around the base of the spout.
6. Install the handle (if applicable):
If the new spout has a separate handle, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to attach it. Typically, you will insert the handle’s stem into the hole on the spout and secure it with a set screw or a cover plate.
Connect Water Lines
Now it’s time to connect the water lines that will bring hot and cold water to your new bathtub faucet. Follow these steps carefully:
1. Identify the Water Lines
Turn off the main water supply to your bathroom. Locate the two water pipes behind the tub. One pipe will be for hot water (usually labeled with a red sticker or handle), and the other pipe will be for cold water (usually labeled with a blue sticker or handle).
2. Connect the Flexible Supply Lines
Tighten the flexible supply lines onto the faucet’s inlet connections. Use a wrench to ensure that the connections are secure. Make sure that the hot water line is connected to the red inlet on the faucet, and the cold water line is connected to the blue inlet.
3. Connect the Other Ends of the Supply Lines
Attach the other ends of the flexible supply lines to the respective water pipes. Hand-tighten the nuts onto the pipes until they are snug. Then, use a wrench to give them an extra quarter turn for added tightness.
4. Check for Leaks
Turn on the main water supply and check for any leaks. If you notice any leaks, tighten the connections or replace the washers if necessary.
5. Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips for connecting water lines:
| Hot Water Line | Red sticker or handle |
| Cold Water Line | Blue sticker or handle |
Test for Leaks
After completing the installation, turn on the bathtub faucet and check for any leaks at all the connections. First, check the connection between the spout and the wall, then move on to the connections between the spout and the faucet body, and finally, check the connection between the faucet body and the water supply lines. If you find any leaks, tighten the connections until they stop. It’s better to use a pipe wrench or channel-lock pliers to ensure a tight connection. However, be careful not to overtighten the connections, as this could damage the faucet or the pipes.
Here’s a more detailed table to guide you through the leak-checking process:
| Connection | How to check |
|---|---|
| Spout to Wall | Turn on the faucet and check for leaks where the spout meets the wall. |
| Spout to Faucet Body | Turn on the faucet and check for leaks where the spout connects to the faucet body. |
| Faucet Body to Water Supply Lines | Turn on the faucet and check for leaks where the faucet body connects to the water supply lines. |
If you identify any leaks, use the appropriate tools to tighten the connections until the leaks stop. If you’re unable to stop the leaks yourself, it’s best to contact a qualified plumber for assistance.
Install Spout Handle
Step 9: Install the Spout Handle
The spout handle is the final piece that needs to be installed. Here’s a detailed guide on how to install it:
1. Gather Your Tools and Materials
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. You will need:
2. Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate the water supply valves beneath the sink and turn them off. This will prevent water from flowing out of the bathtub spout when you remove it.
3. Remove the Old Bathtub Spout
Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the nuts holding the old bathtub spout in place. Once the nuts are loose, you can remove the spout by hand.
4. Clean the Connection
Use a damp cloth to clean the threads on the bathtub spout connection. This will remove any dirt or debris that could interfere with the seal.
5. Apply Plumber’s Tape
Wrap plumber’s tape around the threads on the new bathtub spout connection. This will help seal the connection and prevent leaks.
6. Install the New Bathtub Spout
Hand-tighten the new bathtub spout onto the connection. Then, use an adjustable wrench to fully tighten it. Do not overtighten, as this could damage the spout.
7. Tighten the Nuts
Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the nuts that hold the bathtub spout in place. Tighten them until they are snug, but do not overtighten.
8. Turn On the Water Supply
Turn on the water supply valves beneath the sink. Check for leaks around the bathtub spout connection. If there are any leaks, tighten the nuts further.
9. Enjoy Your New Bathtub Spout
Your new bathtub spout is now installed and ready to use. Enjoy your upgraded bathroom with a beautiful and functional new fixture.
How to Change a Bathtub Spout
A leaky or malfunctioning bathtub spout can be a major annoyance, but it’s also a relatively simple problem to fix. With a few basic tools and a little bit of time, you can replace your bathtub spout in no time.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Once you have your tools and materials, follow these steps:
People Also Ask
How do I know if my bathtub spout needs to be replaced?
There are a few signs that may indicate that your bathtub spout needs to be replaced, including:
How much does it cost to replace a bathtub spout?
The cost of replacing a bathtub spout will vary depending on the type of spout you choose and the labor costs in your area. However, you can expect to pay between $50 and $200 for the entire project.
Can I replace a bathtub spout myself?
Yes, it is possible to replace a bathtub spout yourself with the right tools and materials. However, if you are not comfortable working with plumbing, it is best to hire a professional.
