Changing Bathtub Spout - Home Bathtub

How to Change a Bathtub Spout: A Step-by-Step Guide

Is your bathtub spout looking a little worse for wear? Maybe it's leaking, dripping, or just plain rusty. Whatever the reason, changing a bathtub spout is a relatively easy project that you can do yourself in a few hours.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials

Before you start, you'll need to gather a few tools and materials: * Adjustable wrench or pliers * Allen wrench (if your spout has set screws) * Phillips head screwdriver * Flat head screwdriver * Putty knife * Plumber's putty * Teflon tape * New bathtub spout

Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply

The first thing you need to do is turn off the water supply to your bathtub. There should be a shut-off valve located under the sink or in the basement. Once you've found the shut-off valve, turn it clockwise to turn off the water.

Step 3: Remove the Old Spout

Once the water is turned off, you can start removing the old spout. If your spout has set screws, use the Allen wrench to loosen them. Otherwise, use the adjustable wrench or pliers to loosen the spout's retaining nut. Once the spout is loose, you can remove it by hand.

Step 4: Clean the Area

Once the old spout is removed, take a few minutes to clean the area around the spout. Use the putty knife to scrape away any old plumber's putty or caulk. Then, use a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris.

Step 5: Apply Plumber's Putty

Before you install the new spout, you need to apply a bead of plumber's putty around the base of the spout. Plumber's putty is a sticky, clay-like material that helps to create a watertight seal between the spout and the bathtub. To apply plumber's putty, simply roll it into a rope and press it around the base of the spout.

Step 6: Install the New Spout

Once the plumber's putty is in place, you can install the new spout. Simply insert the spout into the bathtub hole and hand-tighten it until it is snug. If your spout has set screws, tighten them now.

Step 7: Wrap the Spout Threads with Teflon Tape

Before you connect the spout to the water supply, wrap the spout threads with Teflon tape. Teflon tape helps to create a watertight seal between the spout and the water supply pipe. To wrap the spout threads, simply start at the bottom of the threads and wrap the tape around the threads in a clockwise direction.

Step 8: Connect the Spout to the Water Supply

Once the spout threads are wrapped with Teflon tape, you can connect the spout to the water supply pipe. Use the adjustable wrench or pliers to tighten the connection until it is snug.

Step 9: Turn On the Water Supply

Once the spout is connected to the water supply, you can turn on the water supply. Check for leaks around the spout. If you see any leaks, tighten the connection until the leak stops.