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thenonexpert · May 30, 2013, 09:41 PM

About 2 months ago, I had a plumber come out and replace the valve in my tub/shower. He also changed the setup from a double handle to a single handle. Once the ceramic tile was re-installed, he didn't come back to install the tub/shower faucet, so I'm attempting this myself with no experience whatsoever. Immediately, I've run into an issue with the length of the tub spout and the length of the copper pipe extending from the tile. The pipe is about 3 1/2" in length and is too short for the spout. Also, the copper pipe is not threaded. Is there an adapter I can buy to lengthen the copper pipe, or do I need to take the whole set back (it's a shower head, spout, handle, etc), and try to find something that fits the length of the pipe? Also, is it a problem that the pipe isn't threaded? Lastly, the seal within the shower handle escutcheon plate is keeping it from fitting around the round, black plaster guard, which protrudes ever so slightly from the tile. I was wondering if this means the escutcheon is the wrong size or is the plaster guard supposed to be flush with the tile? I'm sorry if none of this makes sense. I'm not even sure I'm using the correct terminology. Thanks!

Milo Dolezal · May 30, 2013, 10:53 PM

Hello Thenonexpert, any way you can post a clear photo of your present set up ? Thank you...

But in the interim:

No need to return the faucet. There is nothing wrong with your present set up. Every plumber who installs rough-in for tub spout, solders in a random length of piece of copper pipe and finishes it when the walls are completed. If you want to finish his job, you will have to measure how much more pipe you need then extend the existing piece by using copper coupling and solder it together with Male Adapter at the end. It is kind of "plumber's job" and you will need some specific tools to do that. Unless you have some experience with soldering you will have to call that plumber back to finish the job.

Plumbers have no way of guessing how long the tub spout nipple should be as they don't know how thick plaster and tile will be.

The black plastic, called "Plaster Ring, " should be removed before you attempt to install trim. Then your trim should fit OK.

Hope that helps. Back to you. Milo

hkstroud · May 31, 2013, 04:03 AM

Not only post a picture of your set up, also post a picture of the end (big end) of your tub spout. It is probably a slip fit and simply slips onto the unthreaded copper pipe.