Replacing Bathroom Faucet In The Tub?

Question

http://www.rd.com/images/tfhimport/2006/200602_TubSpout_005_size2.jpg

I'm replacing the faucet and knozzles on my bathroom tub and can't figure out how to remove the faucet in the tub. I have a leak and it won't stop. I have shut the water off and have removed the knozzles but can't figure out how to get the faucet off. I was told there was a s***w underneath but I can't feel anything s***w like underneath. There is a hole and It feels like a smooth cylinder and the faucet won't turn around. Should it turn around at all? Basically how do you remove the faucet? Thanks!

Answer 1

since you are replacing it, it won't hurt to put a tool (channel lock/large pliers or even a pipe wrench) on the spout.

But please go easy with it. turn the tub spout counter clockwise, very gently. If it is an older house, chances are good that you have threaded pipe and nothing adverse will oocur. Just go slowly.  If you do not see a s***w access hole on the bottom side of spout where the spout meets the wall, then likely it doesn't have one. the pipe (nipple) can posibly come out with the spout removal...clean all threads and use teflon tape (2-3 wraps) or thread seal on both ends.

When installing the replacement, use adequate teflon tape or thread seal (clean the old threads well) and hand tightening should be sufficient.

Be sure that you go straight onto the pipe so as not to cross-thread.

Answer 2

your picture shows a diverter spout which has nothing to do with faucet leaking, save yourself alot of trouble and call a plumber. It might be as simple as replacing a washer or a cartridge, but if you think that changing the whole faucet is a doit urself project for someone that doesn't even know the correct terminology is easy, go ahead.Most of your faucet is behind the tile. If it's a 2 or 3 handle tub/shower valve then you can't buy them anymore. All new ones are single lever which means tile work or a plate that covers old holes and has big hole for the new one.

Answer 3

Paul in San Diego has the exact answer. If it's the threaded type, unscrew it, if it ain't, pull hard. Be sure to loosen the little allen set s***w in either case.

Answer 4

The actual term for what you have there is a downspout with built-in shower diverter. The picture you included shows one that apparently screws onto the threaded pipe coming out of the wall. I say that, because the pipe is threaded and the threads are wraped in teflon tape.

However, the downspout shown looks identical to one I just replaced this weekend on a non-threaded pipe.

If this is the non-threaded version: On the bottom near the base of the downspout is an opening that allows you to access a setscrew with an allen wrench. You first need to loosen this setscrew a few turns. Then, you can pull the downspout straight out from the pipe. It's a little hard to remove and you might have to twist it back and forth a bit, because there's a rubber O-ring inside the spout, which provides a water seal when the spout is installed.

If it is the s***w-on type, you do need to use the teflon tape on the threads to prevent leakage when the spout is installed. You can get this in the plumbing section of any home improvement store.

Answer 5

Once the outer stuff is remove it basically screws into the fitting in the pipe in the wall. However if you have copper pipes be care full as you can twist and break the copper which will require part of the wall to be removed to repair. (did that once) also check you local hardware store or home depot as they have pamphlets that can help you.