tub spout just spins - can't remove and leaks

Users who are viewing this thread

brucewe

New Member
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
sc
I have a Delta tub/shower set and when installing the tub spout something popped and now the spout just spins and can't remove it. This would not be a problem except it leaks badly when shower diverter is pulled up and the water goes through the holes for the copper stem. Does anyone have any ideas on how to remove the spout other than cutting it apart?

here is a picture of the tub spout I have and the delta model # is RP42915RB.
 

Attachments

  • tub spout.jpg
    tub spout.jpg
    8.6 KB · Views: 1,390
Last edited:

Jimbo

Plumber
Messages
8,918
Reaction score
18
Points
0
Location
San Diego, CA
Did you install the Delta type where a large ( about 1" diam) fitting is attached to the pipe, then the spout screws onto that fitting? The adapter attachement to the copper may have come loose. What was the Deltat part number for the spout? Pics?
 

hj

Master Plumber
Messages
33,602
Reaction score
1,041
Points
113
Location
Cave Creek, Arizona
Website
www.terrylove.com
As stated, the Delta spouts I also use, attach to an adapter which either screws onto a pipe or solders to a copper tube. NEITHER of these can "come loose" and spin without coming free. In fact, when attaching it there should be no torque which could have broken something loose. We need a picture of your spout to verify that it is actually a Delta spout.
 

Jadnashua

Retired Defense Industry Engineer xxx
Messages
32,770
Reaction score
1,190
Points
113
Location
New England
If you had a push-on version of the spout and you tried to unscrew it, you broke it. If it is this type, there is a setscrew that holds the sealing section of the spout that you'll have to get aligned with the notch on the bottom. If you loosen that, you can then probably pull it off.
 

brucewe

New Member
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
sc
delta model number RP42915RB - here is pic. I was screwing it onto a copper pipe with the fitting soldered to the end. My thought is that the solder broke and the fitting it just spinning on the pipe now and I don't know how to get it off other than start cutting it apart. I don't want to have to cut the copper pipe and welcome all ideas.
 

Attachments

  • tub spout.jpg
    tub spout.jpg
    8.6 KB · Views: 1,130
Last edited:

brucewe

New Member
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
sc
As stated, the Delta spouts I also use, attach to an adapter which either screws onto a pipe or solders to a copper tube. NEITHER of these can "come loose" and spin without coming free. In fact, when attaching it there should be no torque which could have broken something loose. We need a picture of your spout to verify that it is actually a Delta spout.

delta model number RP42915RB - here is pic. I was screwing it onto a copper pipe with the fitting soldered to the end. My thought is that the solder broke and the fitting it just spinning on the pipe now and I don't know how to get it off other than start cutting it apart. I don't want to have to cut the copper pipe and welcome all ideas.
 

hj

Master Plumber
Messages
33,602
Reaction score
1,041
Points
113
Location
Cave Creek, Arizona
Website
www.terrylove.com
IF the solder joint broke and is turning, then you should be able to remove it by pulling on it at the same time. The specifications for the spout do not say whether it is the "adjust to wall" model or not. If your spout had the thread integral with the spout, it should remove, although the solder joint would have to have been REALLY bad to come loose from tightening it. IF it has the adjust to wall bushing, (and I thought that was the only kind Delta made these days), you should have tighted it onto the pipe before screwing the spout on.
 

Jadnashua

Retired Defense Industry Engineer xxx
Messages
32,770
Reaction score
1,190
Points
113
Location
New England
If you had a cold solder joint (i.e., one that you didn't heat things enough for the solder to flow properly), you may have a glob adheared well to the end of the pipe. You won't get it to come off over that as it would act like a stop. So, if vigorous turning while pulling won't release it, you'll have to cut it off and then patch things back. If the stub sticking out of the wall was a nipple (threaded), then it should unscrew. Hopefully, you've got or can make access to the rear of this so you can fix it without tearing up the finished wall in the tub area.

You might call Delta, but I'm not sure they can offer any other suggestions. Because that adapter piece of brass is fairly heavy, it takes a bit longer to reach proper soldering temperature (verses a copper to copper typical joint). Regardless, if done properly, the solder would visibly flow once it got hot enough after the torch flame was removed. Anything melting in the flame is suspect, as it then cools almost instantly without flowing into the fitting.
 
Top
Hey, wait a minute.

This is awkward, but...

It looks like you're using an ad blocker. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads.

If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. We might be able to do something about it. Thanks.
I've Disabled AdBlock    No Thanks