How to Remove a Tub Spout That’s Stuck: Detailed Instructions

Your tub spout getting stuck can be a nightmare, and make it very difficult to bathe. In this guide, we explore how to remove a tub spout that has got stuck.
By
Deborah Beams
Deborah Beams
Research Writer
Deborah is an incredibly talented journalist who's been working for numerous online magazines for over 8 years now. She's also our main research writer who can turn any bori read more
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Reviewed By
Charles Eggleston
Charles Eggleston
Expert Consultant
Charles's been a plumber his entire life. Thanks to his vast experience we can always rely on Charles' expert opinion when creating any of our articles. He's also a fantasti read more
Last updated: September 07, 2023
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If your tub spout gets stuck, it can be incredibly frustrating and stop you from being able to have a bath in your home. In this guide, we explore how to remove a tub spout that’s stuck so that you can quickly install a replacement and get your plumbing back in full working order. 

We’ll save the shower vs bath arguments, as there are obviously pros and cons to both, but when it comes to maintenance or fixing possible issues, it is true that both can develop their share of plumbing problems. If your tub spout won’t unscrew or you have a model that is stuck to the wall or within your freestanding tub and not allowing water to flow, it’s easy to panic. Luckily, there are things you can do to fix the problem.

Types of spouts

How to Remove a Tub Spout That's Stuck: Detailed Instructions
The first step of knowing how to remove a tub spout is to work out what type of spout you are actually working with. There are a couple of different mainstream designs that can be used, and you may have either in your home. If you’re in any doubt about the type of spout, refer to the design to see whether it is a slip-on or a screw-on spout. There are even adapters that could potentially be in use in your bathroom.

Slip-on models are slid over the tub’s copper pipe, but it is secured in place with a small screw underneath. The screw-on model doesn’t have the retaining screw, instead, you screw the spout itself to secure it in place and keep it on the pipe. It’s possible that you may have either on your bath tub. You do need to check though, as it will be a different removal process depending on your design.

If you need to know how to remove a jacuzzi tub spout that’s stuck, the process is the same as the tub in your home.

Removing a tub spout step-by-step

Time for a step-by-step guide on how you remove your tub spout. As we’ve already stated, it depends on the style on your tub. We’ve split this into two different guides to help you in your journey to remove the spout, ready for replacing or even for cleaning (if it isn’t in too bad condition it is possible you may be able to Trusted Source Cleaning with Vinegar: 9 Eco-Friendly, Inexpensive, Multipurpose Uses Vinegar is a nontoxic, eco-friendly, multipurpose cleaning solution. It’s also inexpensive. Learn what type of vinegar to use for cleaning, along with nine ways vinegar can be used to clean and disinfect your home. www.healthline.com and use it again). 

Whether you want to know ​​how to remove a tub spout that’s stuck that’s Kohler brand or any other brand, this guide can help you with the steps. 

How to remove a screw-on tub spout

How to Remove a Tub Spout That's Stuck: Detailed Instructions
If you have a screw-on model then the removal could be pretty easy. Some screw-on tub spouts allow you to just unscrew it by hand without having to worry about tools. However, as spouts get older they may corrode and start to become harder to screw and unscrew. The thread on the spout might have degraded. If this is the case, you can try using some strong pliers to prize the spout and rotate it. Remember that clockwise will release the spout.

Some spouts are a lot more stubborn and hard to get off, for example if they have Trusted Source All About Caulk and Caulking : 6 Steps - Instructables All About Caulk and Caulking: Just letting you know that this article has affiliate links in it that hopefully will help me pay the bills and keep writing more! If you want to help me out just click here and buy whatever you were going to buy anyway. I really appreciate it! :)=… www.instructables.com applied around them to try and keep them in place. If this is the case, try to remove any caulk before you unscrew it. This isn’t easy, but it helps you to get the spout out of its position even if it is stubborn.

If you have a copper threaded fitting on the spout then it is time to cut it. You can use a tool for cutting tubing, and make sure that you very carefully get rid of just the spout, not removing any of the connections to the pipe. If you’re unfortunate enough to snip through any of the pipe connections you could have a plumbing disaster on your hands and even a risk of flooding.

How to remove a slip-on tub spout

How to Remove a Tub Spout That's Stuck: Detailed Instructions
If you have a slip-on spout then the first job is to remove the screw. There will be a retaining screw keeping the whole thing in place. Turn this clockwise and this will release the pipe. You need to also be careful not to lose this screw, which is easily done. 

When the screw has been removed it is time to pull the spout out of the wall. It’s important to be firm, but you might want to also rotate. if you don’t get the spout out first try, check if there is anything else holding it in place. Some people may have threaded it to the pipe that is part of the plumbing.

The thread needs to be cut, and again you can either use a wire tubing cutter, or if this doesn’t do the job you can try a hacksaw. Once you’ve done this, you can rotate it counterclockwise and if you need to, you can insert a screw into the spout for that extra bit of leverage. These can be a bit stubborn and difficult to get out.

Potential difficulties

It isn’t always as simple as just following the step-by-step guide to remove the spout. They are often some of the most difficult items to get out of place, which may be why you are searching for a tutorial in the first place.

Minerals might build up, and corrosive materials are used which can cause the spout to stick in place. You need to try and remove some of the materials that are keeping the caulk stuck on the wall. You might be able to use a knife to remove the caulk.

If you need to, you can use a flashlight to check, as it can otherwise be hard to see what else is getting in the way of the spout being unscrewed.

You need to be very careful, and potentially move the adapter around in place to dislodge any grit or anything else that may be getting in the way of the unthreading. Unfortunately, the longer a spout is left in place, the harder it gets to address any potential problems.

Final thoughts

You need to be cautious when you are taking on anything that has a connection to the plumbing as if you get it wrong it can have some serious repercussions. It’s possible that you could cause flooding as the spout will be connected to a pipe. While you can turn the water off for your home, having to get an emergency plumber in is less than ideal.

Knowing how to remove a tub spout that’s stuck allows you to ensure you get it right and have a hassle-free removal of the spout. You can replace it, or even clean the spout and reuse it if this is what is required. Always proceed with caution when working on a tub spout that has got stuck and is causing you problems, and if you aren’t confident you can call a plumber.

References

1.
Cleaning with Vinegar: 9 Eco-Friendly, Inexpensive, Multipurpose Uses
Vinegar is a nontoxic, eco-friendly, multipurpose cleaning solution. It’s also inexpensive. Learn what type of vinegar to use for cleaning, along with nine ways vinegar can be used to clean and disinfect your home.
2.
All About Caulk and Caulking : 6 Steps - Instructables
All About Caulk and Caulking: Just letting you know that this article has affiliate links in it that hopefully will help me pay the bills and keep writing more! If you want to help me out just click here and buy whatever you were going to buy anyway. I really appreciate it! :)=…
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