I am having the same issue as someone else on the fourm from a few months back (see link below). I replaced a tub spout with a universal type and it leaks out the back ONLY when the diverter is up. This is fustrating as I have tried lots of teflon tape and all the other suggestions that were made... and I am still having the same issue. Is there a better type of replacment that someone could suggest? Or has anyone experienced this issue and has a resolution?

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/plumbing/bath-tub-spout-23158.html

Thanks,
Ralph

What's happened is that the 1/2" copper spout stub-out has a rough spot on it that causes the "O" ring to bind and roll out of the clamp as you're pushing it on. There's nothing wrong with the spouts. The reason it works filling the tub without leaking is that there's no back pressure untill you divert the water to the shower raiser. If I were there I'd pull the spout and clean up the copper stub-out with sand cloth. Next I'd position the "O" ring back in the clamp where it belongs. Next coat the copper stub-out with dish detergent, open up the clamp and slip the spout on the pipe and crank down on the Allen Head Set Screw to make the job watertight. Now test the shower. Better now? Regards, tom

Thanks for the Help tom. I honestly think these universal replacment tub spouts are crap. Can you recommend a high quality tub spout w/ Diverter for a Rear End Threaded Tub Spout.

Thanks for the Help tom. I honestly think these universal replacment tub spouts are crap. Can you reccomend a high quality tub spout w/ Diverter for a Rear End Threaded Tub Spout.

Click on; Tub spout reference guide - summarizing the differences in tub spouts - from FAMOUS PLUMBING SUPPLY (http://www.plumbingsupply.com/info-tubspouts.html)
Any plumbing shop should have one. Good luck, Tom

It looks like the web site you sent me to has the answer... this is exactly what mine is doing. Looks like it's engineered to do so...

"The diverter spout that I have now leaks. Do your diverter spouts leak or do they seal perfectly?"

When you pull on the diverter spout knob, it will divert the water but it will dribble quite a bit into the tub as well. We believe that this is because some people and manufacturers (and most safety engineers) want it that way. The benefit of it dribbling (spout leaking water into the tub while most is diverted to the head) is that once you have completed your shower the water in the pipes will drain, and then the diverter spout will automatically go back to the original setting (so that next time that you turn on your water it will go into the tub first rather than cold water coming from the head).