Loose new diverter spout

[medwards]

Hi all,
My plumber just installed a Moen T2133BN one handle tub and shower faucet with diverter spout. The shower head leaked from behind the threads. I tightened the head and it slowed the leak but drops still come out...is this normal? He did use tape. Should I take it off, retape and reinstall? Also, the diverter spout seems to be very delicate. It is fairly loose and one accidental knock would probably break it. It is attached to copper. The plumber told me that it is due to the inside of the spout having plastic parts. The diverter doesn't completely shut off the water stream but this is apparently the norm for Moen. Can I grout around the diverter to attach it more securely? I tightened the hex screw underneath and that didn't do much. So much for spending almost 200 dollars on a new faucet!
Thanks for all your help,
MEdwards

[jadnashua]

You can retape the showerhead threads. The diverter spout will firm up if you caulk around it to the wall. If the pipe wasn't anchored behind the wall, it will never be really firm. Do you have any access to the pipes from an access panel?

[medwards]

I will retape the shower head and hopefully that will do it. I will take off the diverter to see if the pipe under it is secure. I will take off the silicone at that time so I can re-caulk it when I replace it. Can I use my matching sanded acrylic-silicone caulk or should I stick to the clear 100% silicone. Would one secure it more than the other?
I don't have an access panel but I can get behind the wall from the attic becasue there is a built in cabinet behind it (house built in 1952) Of course I will do this when a friend is there in case I can't get out! Would I be able to secure the lower pipe from behind?
Thanks for your time!

[jadnashua]

Depends on how much room you have...it would be best if they used a drop-ear el properly anchored to the wall. The silicon probably would be a better glue, but if you can anchor the pipe, that will go a long way to making it stronger. Once you get that, then decide whether to use the silicon or the acrylic caulk. How much, and which direction does the thing move now? Can you pull it in and out, or up and down, or both?