---
title: "How To: Replace a Tub Spout"
description: "In the life of almost any home, there comes a time when it's necessary to replace a tub spout. Here's how to approach this straightforward project."
date: "2013-06-18"
modified: "2020-10-30"
authors:
  - name: "Joe Provey"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/joe-provey/"
  - name: "Bob Vila"
    job_title: "Founder"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/bob-vila/"
url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-tub-spout/"
categories:
  - "Bathrooms"
  - "DIY"
  - "Interior"
  - "Skills & Techniques"
  - "Tubs & Showers"
tags:
  - "How To"
---

# How To: Replace a Tub Spout

![How to Replace a Tub Spout](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/how-to-replace-a-bath-spout.jpg>)
*Photo: shutterstock.com*

A tub spout does two things: It provides a decorative cover for the pipe stub delivering water to the [bathtub](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-a-bathtub/>), and it directs the water away from the wall where it could cause damage.

Our spout was more or less failing at both functions. It was severely pitted and judging from the amount of caulk around its base, the spout had a long history of leaking.

For ease of installation and a gap-free fit at the wall, we chose a slip-connection replacement spout. Several types and styles of spouts are available; be sure to select one that complements the design of your shower system.

For example, if you control the [shower](<https://www.bobvila.com/tag/bathroom/>) with a diverter knob, buy a spout with a diverter. If, on the other hand, the diverter is not part of your shower control, buy a spout without a diverter.

Bear in mind that if your replacement spout is one that threads into place, picking up some plumber's tape is a good idea, since wrapping the old threads will ensure a watertight joint.

### Tools & Materials

Bobvila.com may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

- [Screwdriver](</asearch?q=Screwdriver>)
- [Razor scraper](</asearch?q=Razor%20scraper>)
- [Mini tubing cutter](</asearch?q=Mini%20tubing%20cutter>)

- [Slip-connection tub spout](</asearch?q=Slip-connection%20tub%20spout>)
- [Steel wool](</asearch?q=Steel%20wool>)
- [Plumbing grease](</asearch?q=Plumbing%20grease>)

## How to Replace a Tub Spout

![How to Replace a Tub Spout - Step 1](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/step1.jpg>)

### STEP 1

Scrape off old caulk. If there was a gap between the old spout and the wall, the new spout will eliminate it.

![How to Replace a Tub Spout - Step 2](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/step2.jpg>)

### STEP 2

Insert a large [screwdriver](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/types-of-screwdrivers/>) or the handle of a wood hammer into spout, using the tool as a lever to rotate the spout in a counterclockwise direction. Unthread and remove the spout.

![How to Replace a Tub Spout - Step 3](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/step3.jpg>)

### STEP 3

Use a tubing cutter ([view example on Amazon](<https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001P307PO?tag=bovi01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=>)) to cut the pipe stub to a three- or four-inch length.

![How to Replace a Tub Spout - Step 4](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/step4.jpg>)

### STEP 4

Clean the stub with steel wool until it's bright and smooth. Make sure no burrs or sharp edges remain.

![How to Replace a Tub Spout - Step 5](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/step5.jpg>)

### STEP 5

Apply a dab of silicone grease ([view example on Amazon](<https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000DZFUPC?tag=bovi01-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1&asc_source=browser&asc_refurl=>)).

![How to Replace a Tub Spout - Step 6](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/step6.jpg>)

### STEP 6

Slide the new spout onto the stub.

![How to Replace a Tub Spout - Step 7](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/step7.jpg>)

### STEP 7

Lock the spout in place by tightening the set screw with the supplied Allen wrench.

## Author
Joe Provey is an expert on all things home and garden. His work has appeared in many national magazines, including [Popular Mechanics](<http://www.popularmechanics.com/>), [House Beautiful](<http://www.housebeautiful.com/>), [Better Homes & Gardens](<http://www.bhg.com/>), and [Fine Homebuilding](<http://www.finehomebuilding.com/>). Mr. Provey has also written more than dozen books, including [*Convert Your Home to Solar Energy*](<https://www.amazon.com/Convert-Your-Home-Solar-Energy/dp/1600852521?tag=bv-untagged-20>) and [*1001 Ideas for Kitchen Organization*](<https://www.amazon.com/Ideas-Kitchen-Organization-Creative-Homeowner/dp/B0036DE4B4/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1534346633&sr=1-2&tag=bv-untagged-20>)*.* Other titles include *Outdoor Kitchens, Easy Closets, Green-up Your Cleanup, and Design Ideas for Flooring.* Currently, Mr. Provey serves as the president of Home & Garden Editorial Services (HGES), a company that produces books for publishers in the home and garden category. In the past, he has been chief editor to several national home improvement magazines, including [The Family Handyman](<http://www.familyhandyman.com/>), Mechanix Illustrated, and Practical Homeowner. Joe lives in Bridgeport, Connecticut, with his wife MaryAnn, where they have seven children and four grandchildren between them.

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-provey-08121aa/>)