If your tub spout won’t screw on, it’s tempting to resort to taking your shower apart.
However, you can get this problem fixed by consulting the owner’s manual and troubleshooting your plumbing. Here are a few ways you can determine whether you need rod-style or threaded spouts for your bathroom tub.
So, what should you do if the tub spout won’t screw on? If the tub spout won’t screw on, you can try using a wrench or a pipe wrench to unscrew it.
If that doesn’t work, you can drill out the screw holes with a Forstner bit and a drill. Alternatively, you can cut the pipe with a reciprocating saw or with a hacksaw.
Finally, you can grind down the pipe with a chisel and hammer. However, if you’re uncomfortable doing this task, you should contact a plumber for assistance.
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What To Do If The Tub Spout Won’t Screw On?
Run Fingernail Counter-Clockwise On The Thread
If one of your tubs’ threads won’t screw on, try running your fingernail counterclockwise on the thread.
If the thread turns into a regular screw thread, your tub should fit properly.
Use File To Rework The Thread
If your tub spout won’t screw on, it’s probably because the threads aren’t in the right position.
You can usually fix this by filing the threads down a little with a Dremel tool.
Re-Install The Tub Spout
Sometimes, the tub spout won’t screw on because it is damaged.
If this happens, just remove the old tub spout and buy a new tub spout. The tub spout is inexpensive and easy to replace.
First, turn off the water to the tub, and then remove the old tub spout. Then, screw on the new tub spout by hand until it completely seals the tub spout flange.
Next, turn the water supply back on and check for leaks. Finally, wipe down the tub spout flange with a wet rag and reapply the tub spout gasket.
If the tub spout still doesn’t seal, try tightening the screws with a screwdriver.
Use Pipe Die To Clean The Thread
If, for some reason, the spout won’t screw onto the tub, try using a pipe die to clean the thread.
Pipe dies are small metal pipes with threads at both ends. They’re used to clean pipes by unscrewing the pipe and turning it inside the pipe.
Put the pipe die into an Allen wrench and turn until it’s clean. Try to do this before cutting the thread with a hacksaw.
Make sure to use a pipe die with a smaller pipe thread than the existing thread on the spout. Otherwise, the threads won’t match up, and you’ll have to use a hacksaw to cut the new thread.
How Do You Secure a Bathtub Spout?
Apply thread sealant to the faucet base before installing it onto the faucet stem.
Apply a tiny quantity of caulk to the rear of the spout where it will touch the base of the sink to prevent leaking at the joint between the two pieces.
How Do You Fix a Loose Tub Spout?
It is simple to replace a slip-on spout. Simply remove the old faucet and replace it by unscrewing the mounting nut from the underside of the sink.
Pull gently, twisting the spout as you do so to free it from the threaded connection to the drainpipe.
Then replace the mounting nut beneath the sink, hand-tighten it, and then tighten it with the wrench until it is snug against the shank of the faucet.
Do All Tub Spouts Have a Set Screw?
You have a slip-on tub spout with a setscrew in the handle end that engages a nut under the sink to hold it in place.
You have a threaded tub-shower valve that is screwed into the drainpipe below your sink or into a wall behind the sink.
Also Read: Why Is Dust Sticking To Caulk?
Conclusion
In closing, if you’ve tried everything and the tub spout still won’t screw on, then it’s probably broken or defective.
In this case, you should call a plumber to fix the problem. You can usually find a local plumber through Thumbtack or HomeAdvisor.
In addition, it’s wise to avoid cheap, low-quality faucets. They cause more problems than they solve and can cost more in the long run.
