Even though it is an underrated component, the tub spout is a very important part of modern-day shower systems. The spout controls the flow of water and ensures that you have a flawless experience.
But what happens if the tub spout shoots off? How does it affect your showering experience? How do you solve the issue?
Well, you are in luck because that is what we will be discussing in this article.
What Does Shooting Off Mean?
If your tub spout is leaking from the back when you turn on your shower, it is highly likely that the seal has been broken, or that it has become loose.
Primarily, there are two alternative solutions.
Twist the tub spout to the right to stop the leakage.
If that does not work, it means that the seal is broken, and you need to replace the entire unit.
How To Fix It When Tub Spout Shoots Off?
The process is not as straightforward as it might seem to be. You have to follow definitive steps in order to be able to first identify, and then fix this problem.
We will be providing you with a step-by-step solution so that you leave no stone unturned when it comes to fixing this problem.
- Inspecting The Tub Spout
In order to fix a tub spout that shoots off, you have to first find what is causing the issue. In order to do this, the first thing you should do is inspect near the base of the tub spout.
This should be the flush against the wall and this is most likely where the leak originates from.
By seeing how quickly the water is leaking, you will get an overall idea of what the problem is. If there is a drip, it is more often than not associated with a broken tub spout or a seal.
If the leak is fast-flowing, that means that the tub spout has not been tightly screwed in. This might eventually cause the water to flow quickly as there is nothing to stop from doing so.
We also recommend looking for cracks along the sides of the tub spout. Leaks might also be caused by these cracks.
- Twist to the Right
Before you replace a tub spout, it is highly recommended to try and fix the basic problems.
One way of ensuring that the basics are in place is by twisting the tub spout to the right.
The objective of this is to see whether the tub spout is just loose, and can be fixed easily by tightening.
This option is free of cost and should always be tried before you attempt to replace the tun spout with a new one.
When doing this, observe the base of the tub spout. Looking at the base will help you understand whether water is still leaking as you attempt to tighten it.
- Shut off the Water Valve
If the leakage is still persistent despite tightening the tub spout, this is an indication of an issue with the fixture or seal inside.
You will want to test this by shutting off the source of water, i.e., the water valve.
Next, let the water flow by leaving the shower on when the water is shut off. This will remove excess water that is sitting near the tub spout.
- Twist off the Tub Spout
The next thing you have to do is take off the tub spout in the shower. The goal is to twist to the left and then pull it out as soon as you feel the tub spout becoming loose.
When you are doing it, be very careful as you do not want to damage the internal components.
- Check the Internal Seal
There is an internal seal that is often seen around the pipe that runs into the tub spout. You will have to see whether or not this seal has been broken or loosened. It is common for this to happen with aging plumbing because decay can occur.
To fix the issue, you will have to repair the seal or simply replace the pipe that is going in. We recommend replacing the seal altogether as this is a more suitable solution.
- Replace the Tub Spout
Once the seal is intact, the next thing you have to do is replace the tub spout. The tub spout can be purchased from anywhere and it is highly recommended to get a good one.
You want something that will last for a long time and something that slips into the background once it has been installed.
By replacing the tub spout in the shower, you will know that it is neither leaking nor leading to any more water damage.
Also, I want you to watch this troubleshooting video.
Other Problems You Might Face With Tub Spout
- Rusty Brown Water from the Tub Spout
This is a problem that lies within your tub spout but not your water heater. You will most likely see flakes or grit in the water. These flakes are either lime or calcium carbonate.
What you need to do is attach a hose to your heater’s boiler and drain out the water every three months. If your hot water heater is over a decade old, you will need to replace it.
The latest models in the market have a coating over the heating coil that reduces the buildup of lime and also helps to eradicate rusting.
- Dripping Tub Spout
If you have a dripping tub spout, it is caused due to a number of different reasons. But in most cases, the problem is related to the tub faucet valve or hot water taps.
You are required to remove the tub spout and the faucet to replace the internal components. Different parts can have issues due to different reasons, but the most common reason behind this is age.
If you have been using your spout and faucet for more than fifteen years, it is more than likely that the seat has corroded. The stem valve seat washer has also become stiff; thus, it no longer makes a tight seal. It might seem like tub spout sprays water.
Due to time, the washers in the cold and hot water taps also start to lose their flexibility. In case you have a single tap that controls water speed and temperature, the drips will be caused by the faucet valve.
Tools You Will Need to Fix Tub Spout Problems
If you have to remove stiff or corroded handles, you will have to use a handle puller. It will be available for purchase at plumbing supply and building supply stores.
If you want to remove a stem valve assembly, you will need a bath socket wrench. To remove spark plugs, you will need a very large wrench.
Use a seat wrench to remove the stem valve seat. This will be available at plumbing supply retailers. If your tub spout is a twist-on type, you will require a large adjustable pipe wrench to remove it.
Final Words
If you find that your tub spout is shooting off, you should not be worried. It is a problem faced by many people. If you do not have prior plumbing experience, we recommend getting help from a plumber.
It might cost you some cash, but the cash ensures that your job is done properly without any damage to your property.
We hope this article has been of help to you!