A tub spout serves a dual purpose: First, it offers an aesthetically pleasing covering for the water-delivering pipe stub to the bathtub. Second, it guides the water flow in a manner that prevents potential wall damage by directing it away from the wall.
It's a good thing that bathtub spouts come in different styles. This lets you make your bathroom look exceptional in your way. But here's something you might not know - are all bathtub spouts universal? In other words, do they all get put in and made the same way?
Let's find out today!
The Answer: Are Bathtub Spouts All The Same?
The straight answer is no. Bathtub spouts are not universal. Yes, they have a single purpose of directing water into the tub. However, they are available in many designs and installation methods.
There are at least two types of tub spouts designed for installation in your bathtub. The primary categories include diverter tubs and non-diverter spouts, offering an uncomplicated installation process and enabling control over water flow in your bath.
The crucial distinction between these tub spout types lies in their functionality, prompting our exploration of their features:
Diverter Tub Spouts
The diverter tub spout features an internal mechanism facilitating upward water flow, initiating a shower. Widely present in homes, this type of tub spout boasts characteristics like a button that can be handheld or wall-mounted, directing water from the bath to the shower.
Diverter tub spouts come in diverse polishes, styles, and finishes, with options ranging from chrome and brass to aluminum and other materials. Choosing a diverter tub spout with the desired design, style, and aesthetics is a personal preference based on individual taste.
Non-Diverter Tub Spout
In contrast, a non-diverter tub spout lacks a mechanism for diverting water flow from the bath. Typically found in pedestal bathtubs or antique baths without a shower feature, these tub spouts may utilize upscale materials like glass and gold plating, often making them pricier than their conventionally styled diverter counterparts.
Despite their contrary functionality, non-diverter tub spouts are available in materials similar to diverter-styled tub spouts, including polished brass, chrome, and aluminum. Luxurious finishes such as gold, silver, and copper are also accessible for those seeking a more opulent touch.
Slip-Fit vs. Threaded Tub Spouts
Upon initial inspection, tub spouts might not steal the spotlight when conceptualizing a new construction or renovating a bathroom. Other elements like tile work, flooring, the tub, and the vanity often command more attention and space in our considerations.
However, the fixtures within a bathroom are the true architects of its design. Faucets, showerheads, and tub spouts provide the finishing touches that transform a space into a complete bathroom. With them, the essence of a bathroom would be much better.
When turning the handle for a bath or initiating the shower, it's easy to overlook the intricate dance between hot and cold water, the piping intricacies, and the valves orchestrating the water flow. Yet, hidden behind the tiles or shower walls is an entire ecosystem working seamlessly in unison.
From the shower valve to the cartridge to the spout, various components may encounter issues necessitating repairs, or it could be the ideal moment for a fresh appearance with a new tub spout. This is when the inner mechanisms step into the limelight.
Before delving into the distinctions between a slip fit and threaded tub spout, grasping key terms is essential.
Key Terms
Getting the hang of slip fit versus threaded tub spouts is much easier when you're familiar with these key terms:
1. Nipple
This is the threaded end of the copper pipe protruding from the wall, linking up with the water source inside the wall.
2. National Pipe Taper (NPT)
The American standard for the appropriate shape, angle, and pitch of pipe threads. This is to ensure consistency across the board.
3. PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene)
This is commonly used as a joint sealant and is usually described as a robust and nonflammable synthetic resin with a sturdy waxy texture. It comes in either paste or tape form.
4. Thread Tape
Thread tape is the PTFE tape that you wrap around the nipple. Its role is to snugly fill gaps between the threads, forming a seal to keep leaks at bay.
5. Paste-Type Sealant
You can apply PTFE paste to threads with a brush. Similar to thread tape, it works to fill gaps and prevent leaks.
Now that you've got the lowdown on these terms navigating the differences between slip fit and threaded tub spouts becomes a breeze.
Understanding the Slip-Fit and Threaded Tub Spouts
Exploring the Slip-Fit Type Tub Spout:
When comparing slip-on to threaded tub spouts, the slip-on variety smoothly slides over a ½ inch copper pipe and is secured using a set screw near the wall. A hex screw is necessary to tighten the hard screw, but be cautious as it's pretty tiny-consider covering the tub drain to prevent accidental drops. Using a flashlight can also be helpful for a clearer view of the setscrew.
Installing a slip-on tub spout is a breeze, and because there are no threads involved, you can skip the hassle of using thread tape or paste-type joint sealant.
Unveiling the Threaded Tub Spout:
In the matchup between threaded and slip-on tub spouts, the threaded version is designed to screw onto a threaded nipple attached to the copper pipe emerging from the wall. Installing a threaded spout involves wrapping thread tape or applying brush paste-type thread sealant around the nipple threads to ensure a leak-free connection. Twist the spout securely into place.
Should the copper pipe prove too lengthy, trim it down and replace the nipple accordingly. If it's too short, unscrew it from the fitting inside the wall and replace it with the correct length, ensuring a snug fit between the tub spout and the wall without any gaps.
Final Thoughts
A tub spout has a dual purpose: providing a decorative cover for the water-delivering pipe to the bathtub and directing water away from the wall to prevent damage. Bathtub spouts come in various styles but are not universal, with at least two main types-diverter and non-diverter.
Understanding the differences between these tub spout types and the variations in materials and finishes is crucial for making informed choices in bathroom design. Additionally, the exploration of slip-fit vs. threaded tub spouts sheds light on the installation methods and critical terms, making it easier for individuals to navigate and personalize their bathroom fixtures.
