Help with fixing tub spout "screw clamp"

amodoko · Mar 20, 2012

Hi, I recently took off my tub spout from my bathtub/shower unit and was in the process of reinstalling it. Anyways, the tub spout is secured to the copper/brass pipe (i don't know what kind of pipe it is) that comes out of the wall with a circular metal holder (don't know the name of this part) and set screw. I went to screw the set screw into the metal holder so the tub spout wouldn't rotate and I screwed it a bit tight, and the metal holder snapped in two. I believe it may have gotten weak with corrosion and mineral deposits and that's why it broke... plus I probably screwed it in too tight.

I have a couple of questions:

1) What is this metal holder part called?
2) Do they sell the metal holder part at Lowes/Home Depot/or general hardware stores?
3) Do I have to buy a whole new tub spout to fix this issue?
4) If I put enough silicone around the tub spout and let it dry, will that be enough for it to stay on tight? Are there any water issues associated with not replacing the meta holder, and finding another way to attach the tub spout? Or do I need to replace the clamp or tub spout all together?

I know this is a super basic repair, but I am no handyman and I also enjoy finding ways to fix my own things cheaply and efficiently. Thanks in advance!

johnjh2o · Mar 20, 2012

There are many different types of tub spouts. Not sure of the one you have. Can you post a picture of yours?

John

phishfood · Mar 20, 2012

I could be wrong, but it sounds as though the tubspout is sealed to the copper pipe with an Oring and secured by the set screw. An entire replacement tubspout shouldn't be all that expensive, and would probably be the easiest and best repair.

amodoko · Mar 20, 2012

Here is a photo of my tub spout. I believe what you said is correct phishfood. But if I silconed the tub spout to the wall, do you think that is fine for securing it? or do you think this can cause a problem somehow without it being set and secured with the metal ring and set screw?

If it is problematic somehow, I will just go buy a new tub spout, but lately I have been working 14 hour days and can't seem to get to the store before it closes that's why I was thinking if there was something I could do instead, I would, since it would save me from having to use my break time at work to go to the store. I am usually free at night, and have a few hours to work, but that's also when all the local stores are closed, lol.

So what do you guys think? Is it okay to secure it silicone? Or does it really need that set screw and metal ring?

mccmech · Mar 20, 2012

While I'm sure everyone on this site appreciates the hours you're working, they also appreciate the necessity for doing any plumbing repair properly. Since you have a picture of a spout available, why don't you ask a family member or friend to pick one up for ya. You do NOT want to secure the spout with silicone. The pressure of the water flowing through the spout will rip the spout off.

johnjh2o · Mar 20, 2012

My question is if he tightened the set screw so tight that it broke the spout. What did he do to the copper pipe? It may be so far out of shape that the O ring will no longer seal.

John

amodoko · Mar 20, 2012

Thanks for the input guys, I guess I will eventually go get a new tub spout. And johnh2o, I agree with your comment, I too was worried that I would have screwed up the copper pipe, but I inspected it and it looked okay. No bends or holes or anything. I believe what happened was I was trying to screw the set screw in, and the opening for the set screw on the inner plastic part was not rotated correctly so that set screw could go into it. So I tried screwing in the screw and nothing would happen in terms of securing the spout, obviously since the screw was not coming into contact with the copper pipe, it was just hitting plastic. The metal snapped pretty easily, I think due to corrosion weakening it. But the copper pipe looked fine, I even ran water through it with no spout to check. But for now the tub spout is actually working and seems pretty darn secure with all the silicone I put around and on the back of that inner plastic part. So I'm going to shower in it until I have a day off to go get a new spout. Thanks guys for your help!