Bath Spout Series: Installation, Replacement And Care

Besides installation and care, the need to replace a bathtub spout is basically a very straightforward undertaking which sooner or later becomes necessary.

According to plumbing experts, leg-shaving has been identified as one of the leading causes of trouble with tub spouts. This is because the tub spout makes an excellent footrest as you shave. Because it loosens the pipe links and could damage the spout itself, care should be taken as you shave your legs.

Various other aspects may lead to damage of your spout. The main problems, typically found in the bath spout series include:

1. The spout diverter could be worn out such that it's no longer able to block the flow of water and continues sending water to your shower head.

2. The spout threads could corrode or crack where it screws onto your water pipe. Water will then be trickling along the water pipe and dripping within the bathroom wall.

3. The Spout Finish Could Corrode Or Flake Off.

To help counter some of these challenges and increase safety in use of your spout, you could install a spout cover. Besides giving protection to the person taking a bath, the cover has two other chief tasks. It offers you a chance of installing a decorative and eye-pleasing feature on the not-so-nice-looking pipe stub that delivers water to your bathtub. In addition, it helps direct water from your bathroom wall where potential for water damage is high.

Main Reasons For Replacing Bathtub Spouts

Spouts may require replacing due to several common reasons such as:

- The threads connecting the bath spout to the water pipe could crack or get corroded allowing some water to trickle along the piping and drip inside the wall cavity, potentially causing serious damage.

- The in-built diverter could get worn out such that it's no longer able to block water flow for diversion to your overhead showerhead.

- Your spout finish could flake off or corrode when you are changing or repairing other bathroom fixtures.

Usually, for most of the above scenarios, replacement is your best option and is a fairly simple task, not requiring exceptional skills. However, prior to replacing, you should first establish the type of spout you have. Two basic types are available: the diverter and non-diverter styles. These two come with different options for attachment: threaded or slip-on using a setscrew.

Replacement Tips

Although not directly involved in the designing or production of home improvement products, the Independent Living Centre (ILC) runs a very informative website and periodic publications that can provide you with useful tips as you seek your bathroom accessories, such as bath sprouts:

a) If your sprout is in relatively fine shape but leaky, you could try having it removed and only replacing the seals and washers rather than having the entire set replaced.

b) Modern models now have anti-scald protection and, if you are fed up with being scalded whenever you get into the bathtub, you could go for this new design which will also help you avoid extremely chilly water as well.

c) Remember to have plenty of towels ready for catching excess water during the replacement.

d) Irrespective of whether you're buying bathroom products for a brand new construction or simply replacing some worn-out old fittings, it's an excellent idea to take into consideration the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standard (WELS) guidelines on water efficiency.


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Babak Tavakoli works at ACS Designer Bathrooms. What you will get at ACS Designer Bathrooms is quality that has been tested. Babak Tavakoli will personally ensure you get only the best for your bathroom. Visit http://www.acsbathrooms.com.au/showers-spouts/bath-spout-series.html for more info.