How To Replace a Bathtub Spout

Introduction

Perhaps more than any other bathroom fixture, the bathtub spout is vulnerable to the staining and corrosive effects of hard water.

Luckily, this is one of the easiest bathroom problems to fix. All you have to do is replace the spout, a job you can do yourself, even with limited plumbing skills. You just need to know how to use a wrench and/or a screwdriver.

The easiest scenario? Swapping out a disfigured spout for one of the same type. I've done this job multiple times, and it usually takes a little longer than it takes coffee to brew. It's a different story if you want to change types, or if there's a problem with the piping behind the wall.

As Josh Rudin of ASAP Restoration puts it: "Changing out spouts is usually the extent of DIY tasks that a person who isn't a licensed plumber can successfully attempt on their own. The reason for this is because almost all other repairs or replacements require getting into the wall where the piping and valve assemblies are."

You'll need a new spout, of course. But before you buy one, determine which type to buy. That depends to a large extent on the type you already have. So grab your tools, head into the bathroom and let's get started.

How do you know when to replace a bathtub spout?

The motivation may be cosmetic, because the diverter no longer works, or the spout leaks. "Mineral deposits accumulate on the threading of screw-on spouts, even when they are properly tightened," says Rudin. "These deposits can cause small leaks that eventually become an issue."

How to tell what type of tub spout you need

Spouts can screw onto a threaded nipple or slip onto a smooth pipe protruding from the wall. Some feature diverter levers that stop flow from the spout and direct water to the shower. You can tell which type you need by removing the old one.

When to call a pro

If water has been leaking into the wall from behind the spout, you may need to break into the wall to repair the pipes. This is a messy job best left to a plumber. Also, Rudin says, "Going from a diverter spout to a non-diverter or vice versa is usually an involved process that requires a professional to do properly."

About the Expert

Josh Rudin is the owner of ASAP Restoration, LLC. A certified restorer, he's based in Phoenix, Arizona.