Have made a couple of attempts to replace a bathtub spout. The current spout leaks so bad that there is very little pressure to the shower. The diverter is leaking through the top of the spout and shooting a stream of water up into the air. The problem, when I remove the current spout (unscrew it) there is what appears to be, a brass sleeve about 2-1/2 to 3" long pressed over the copper water line that is threaded on the end nearest the wall and a rubber spacer and O ring near the end closest to the tub. Universal replacement spouts do not have the necessary equipment to go back over this sleeve. I'm afraid to try to remove this sleeve as it appears to be "pressed" onto the copper line and I'm afraid I'll damage the copper line if I twist too much. There are no manufacturer markings on the spout and the water control is through a single knob above the spout. The sleeve threaded end seems to be about 5/8" to 3/4" OD and the copper line is 1/2". The home itself is less than 10 years old but our builder has been known to use off brand equipment from time to time in his construction. Any ideas as to what I can do to replace this severely leaking spout? Thanks.

Hey Trollyman:

Your best option is going to be to use two pair of pliers... hold the copper adapter in one plier, and remove the brass sleeve with the other (turn counterclockwise).

Then get some teflon tape and a 1/2" IPS brass coupling and a 1/2" brass nipple of correct length and then get a new diverter tub spout from local home supply store (with threads at end of inside spout).

That should fix this for you. Let me know what you think... Mark

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