Tub spouts attach to the pipe in one of two ways, and the way to tell is to look underneath. If there is a small hole with a screw in it on the bottom of the spout near the wall, it is a slip-on spout held by a set screw. If there is no screw, the spout is threaded onto the pipe. Moen’s support page describes this same test. Replacement takes about 20 minutes either way.
Before you start. No need to shut off the water for this one; the valve stays closed while you work on the head, arm, or spout. You will need a towel to protect the finish, slip-joint pliers or an adjustable wrench, and a roll of plumber’s tape (thin white thread tape, about $2). If anything is corroded and will not loosen with moderate force, stop and see when to call a plumber. New to this? Start here explains the parts and tools in plain language.
Slip-on spout (set screw underneath)
- Loosen the set screw with a hex key (Allen wrench). Moen spouts use a 5/32 inch key; others vary. The screw does not have to come all the way out.
- Pull the spout straight off the pipe. Twist gently if it is stuck. Do not lever it against the wall.
- Look at the pipe. Slip-on spouts fit a 1/2 inch copper pipe (about 5/8 inch outside). The pipe must be smooth with no burrs, and must stick out the right distance from the finished wall: Kohler specifies 1 1/2 to 2 7/8 inches for its slip-fit spouts, Moen about 1 1/2 to 3 inches depending on the spout. Measure and check the new spout’s instructions. Clean the pipe with a cloth.
- Slide the new spout on, with its O-ring in place, until it meets the wall. Tighten the set screw snug.
Threaded spout (no screw)
- Wrap a cloth around the spout and turn the whole spout counterclockwise. Moen’s instructions call for a strap wrench; a cloth and slip-joint pliers also work. If it will not turn with moderate force, stop. The fitting in the wall can break.
- Look at the pipe. A threaded nipple of 1/2 inch pipe sticking out of the wall takes a front-threaded spout; Delta notes the nipple should project about 5/8 to 1 5/8 inches. A larger 3/4 inch fitting flush with the wall takes a rear-threaded spout. If you are not sure, take the old spout to the store or buy a universal spout that includes adapters for both.
- Wrap plumber’s tape clockwise around the nipple threads, four or five turns.
- Thread the new spout on by hand until snug and pointing down. Do not overtighten.
If the old pipe does not match the new spout
Most spouts come with or accept an adapter. Delta’s RP17453 and RP5834 diverter spouts include an RP12307 adapter so they fit either a 1/2 inch copper pipe (soldered) or a 1/2 inch threaded nipple; those two are not set-screw spouts. Delta’s RP64722 is a slip-on with a removable threaded adapter. Moen sells a tub spout adapter kit covering slip-on copper, 1/2 inch threaded, and 3/4 inch threaded. The Danco 88703 universal spout fits all three for about $23.
Diverter or no diverter
If your shower has one or two handles and the shower is turned on by pulling a knob on the spout, you need a diverter spout. If the shower has three handles (the middle one sends water to the shower), or there is no shower, you need a plain spout. Buying a diverter spout for a three handle shower does no harm; buying a plain spout for a two handle shower leaves you with no way to use the shower.
- Moen: types of tub spouts
- Moen: replacing a tub spout
- Tub spout part numbers by brand
- Tub spouts at Home Depot
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