The Delta tub diverter spout on our five year old house needs replacement. I've done a little reading online and believe I have the type that slides off after loosening a set screw.

There is a small slot opening in the bottom of the spout, close to the shower surround wall. However, I can't seem to find the set screw itself into which I want to insert the Allen wrench. In fact, using a little dental mirror and a miniature flashlight, I can see the copper pipe up in that slot and there isn't any sign of a set screw.

Since it's definitely copper pipe rather than a threaded iron pipe, I assume I'm missing something in regards to getting the spout off. Would it just slide off if I pulled on it really hard?

How would I secure a new one after getting the old one off?

speedball1

That Allen Head Set Screw's up there. That's what the cutout in the rear is for. Look again.
"Since it's definitely copper pipe rather than a threaded iron pipe, I assume I'm missing something in regards to getting the spout off. Would it just slide off if I pulled on it really hard?
How would I secure a new one after getting the old one off?"
The Allen Head Set Screw's the answer to all your answers. Locate and loosen it and the spout will pull right off. Just slip the new one on and tighten thye screw and you're back in business. good luck, Tom

Gooseprints

Tom says: That Allen Head Set Screw's up there. That's what the cutout in the rear is for. Look again.

Blair says: I was reading your earlier thread about the leaky spout - I know there should be a set screw there. I cannot find it.

Is the set screw supposed to be straight up from the centerline of the spout opening? Is it supposed to be off the centerline? Using that mirror, I can see from where the copper pipe comes out of the wall (some silicone cement there) and, with considerable manipulation of the mirror, see along the bottom surface of that copper pipe for at least an inch and a half towards the front of the spout.

There doesn't seem to be anything in there except the copper pipe. By the way, if I find it, what size Allen key is it likely to be?

Gooseprints

I checked another spout in another shower - and couldn't find the set screw. My wife, who has sharper eyes than I, can't find it either. Could it have been installed some other (unusual) way?

letmetellu

Some plumbers do not like to use the spout that Speedball 1 showed you a picture of above and so they remove the white plastic that you can see in the open end of the spoutin the picture, the part that looks like a cross. This is the part that would contain the set screw and if it has been removed then you will not see a set screw. This white plastic insert screws into an Iron pipe thread near the nozzle end of the spout. You might try to put some very light presure trying to unscrew the spout but be very careful because you can twist the copper tubing and be in trouble.
I have a solution if you would like to try it. You will need a hack saw and a screw driver a hammer and some slip joint pliers. About two inches from the end of the spout, the part furtherest from the wall, saw two lines that would look like an X across the top of the spout. This will be very thin metal and should be very easy to saw. When you have the spout sawed use the screw driver very carefully to lift up the corners of the X until you can get the pliers into the hole, when you can catch some of the thin metal twist it and break pieces off and tear is away. Keep doing this until you have a hole large enough that you can unscrew the spout from the copper adapter that it is screwed onto. You will need a back up wrench on the copper adapter so that when you put the pressure on the spout it will not twist the copper. When you get the spout off go buy a spout just like it without the white plastic insert. Put some teflon tape on the threads and screw the new spout back into place. You only have to get this hand tight if you use enough tape. Good luck and be careful using the screw driver to stick into the saw marks, do not jab yourself in the leg or worse.

Gooseprints

You are suggesting that the set screw type of spout has had the set screw removed by taking away the plastic "X" thingy. And that an adapter has been soldered to the end of the copper pipe so that this old spout was twisted on to the adapter originally using teflon tape.

Question: If the spout was designed for the slip on and tighten set screw setup, why does it also have threads to connect to that adapter?

Plus, you are saying the spout shouldn't be forced for removal if it can't be twisted off fairly easily - and that it is safer to cut away the old spout in order to gain access to the adapter at the end of the copper pipe. Then the adapter can be braced with one wrench while the spout is loosened.

Have I got it? Should my new spout have the plastic "X" and should it be removed before installation?

speedball1

Let's put this to bed.
I have posted images of the three types of diverter spouts. Exactly which one do you have? Letmetellu discribes a universal replacement spout,(see image) and not a slip on spout with a "O" ring and a Allen Head Set Screw. However he describes the spout as being made of thin metel when it's actually constructed of chrome film over high impact plastic. The metal ones have threads,(see image) near the end and are constructed of chrome over a brass spout and not "thin metal". Goosey, If your spout is a screw on "threaded spout" then put a pair of pliers on the end and turn it out counter clockwise. If it is a slip on type with a set screw you should be able to turn it so the opening faces up so you'll be able to see what you're doing.
This simple replacement has gone on for way too long. This should have been a 5 minute job. Let's wrap it up. cheers, Tom

Gooseprints

Got it off this a.m. with a wrench. It has the underslot which I had understood would require it to have a set screw - but it was obvious that any possible set screw should have been easily found. Therefore, applying sufficient but not excessive pressure, I twisted it off and found a copper stub with a screw adapter. I will head on out to Menard's and pick up a replacement today.

Thanks to all for the assistance.