View Full Version : Trouble replacing a delta tub faucet
jayrobot
Apr 2, 2008, 07:23 PM
Hi!
I am a complete neophyte, and have started a project I can't finish. We have a simple non-compression tub faucet with a push-pull diverter that slowly stopped working. I purchased a replacement delta faucet, model number RP5384. I then removed the existing faucet and am trying to install the replacement. My first problem seems to be that the threads on the pipe coming out of the wall are behind the wall of the shower and I can't get to them to apply pipe tape. The pipe extends approximately 2 inches out from the shower wall and I'd estimate the threads are 2-1/2 inches from the end of the pipe. Finally, the pipe is angled slightly and the adapter will not easily fit through the wall to reach the threads.
Should I be using a slip-on type spout? Is there any other advice you can give me. Thank you!
Jay
hkstroud
Apr 2, 2008, 07:55 PM
I take it that you are replacing the tub spout, not the valve. I understand that the pipe coming out of the wall is at an angle but I don't understand what threads you are speaking of. What type of spout was the old one. Could you try again please, or post a picture.
jayrobot
Apr 3, 2008, 08:25 AM
Hi!
Thanks for the quick response. Yes, I am attempting to replace the spout only. The old spout was exactly the same as the new one. The problem I am having can best be illustrated, so here are some pictures that fairly accurately show the problem.
The first photo is a (mostly) unretouched scan of the directions that came with the spout, or how I expected to find the pipe and nipple.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3113/2384684953_c675f7f7ef_m.jpg
The second photo is how the pipe and nipple actually are. The threads are approx. 2inches from the end of the nipple.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/2385516842_93c6a455eb_m.jpg
And also, because the pipe comes out of the wall at a slight angle, I can not comfortably fit the adapter through the hole in the wall to access the threads.
Thanks again for your time and expertise. It is much appreciated.
Jay
speedball1
Apr 3, 2008, 12:49 PM
You're describing a galvanized threaded nipple that has one end bald. Correct? Or could this be a copper pipe with a male adapter? Let me know which and I'll get you out from under. Tom
jayrobot
Apr 3, 2008, 03:19 PM
No, I was completely wrong, it is not a threaded nipple with one end bald. There are no threads at all on this piece of copper pipe. What I mistook for threads last night with bad lighting is actually a connecting pipe that is a part of an elbow (or a tee) pipe that connects to the pipe running up and down. So, to answer your question, I believe I have a copper pipe with a male adapter.
Your help is very much appreciated,
Jay
speedball1
Apr 4, 2008, 05:48 AM
I believe I have a copper pipe with a male adapter.
In that case you need a slip on diverter spout,(see image). S and off any burrs on the end of the copper pipe and be very sure that the "O" Ring does not roll out of position as you're slipping the spout on. Good l7uck, Tom
jayrobot
Apr 5, 2008, 12:10 PM
Thanks for the advice! I exchanged the spout with roughly the model in the pic in speedball1's post. The instructions were fairly straighforward and I had an easy time installing the spout until I reached the end of the process. At this point, I discovered that the spout does not reach the wall. It's approx. 7/8ths of an inch from the wall.
The instructions were explicit for a 2 inch male adapter and that's what mine is, at least the part that extends out from the wall. I may have an issue with the step in the instructions to slide a hard plastic adapter that came with the kit and the O-ring onto the copper pipe and "align to the edge" of the pipe. This means the end of the pipe farthest from the wall, and not to align the adapter to the wall, right?
Any other advice or suggestions? Any help is greatly appreciated...
speedball1
Apr 5, 2008, 12:38 PM
Just be sure to sand off any burrs on the end of the copper stub out. Good luck, Tom
jayrobot
Apr 5, 2008, 12:52 PM
I did sand off the burrs. If there were burrs, would this have an effect on where the spout end up after twisting onto the adapter?