We recently replaced our bath tub surround with tile. Now the pipe coming out for the faucet spigot (the fixture that the water comes out of) is to short to screw back on. What are my options? Do I have to cut the faucet so it can reach, extend the pipe? I am looking for the easiest and least expensive answer.

Hi Skvesta...

You will either need to cut the pipe and extend it using copper pipe, fittings, solder, etc. much like you suspected... expensive, OR, you could cut the pipe/fitting off and purchase a new universal slip fit tub spout... see image.

Most likely your shower diverter is in the shower valve itself, but if not then the universal slip on spout you purchase will need a diverter knob on it (see 2nd image)... this is easiest and should resolve issue.

Here, you will cut the pipe at desired length and then you will debur the end of the pipe using a file to clean the pipe end. Grease the copper pipe up with a little silicone grease (available at home depot) and simply slip the spout in place up tight to wall and tighten the allen set screw (you will need allen wrenches for this).

Don't forget to silicone/caulk the hole in the wall before you place the new spout. Just fill with silicone/caulk and then push the new spout in place... should create water tight seal. Note here, that the silicone grease is not the same as silicone/caulking... O.K.?

Let us know if you want to discuss...

MARK

Hi Mark,

I can't rate your answer, this is another excellent advice, Thanks.

Regards,
John

Here's one a lot of installers miss when they go to mount a slip on diverter spout.
When the end's cut off the copper pipe that sticks out from the tile the tubing cutter leaves a burr/ridge. This ridge catches on the "O" ring and forces it out of its place so that when the spout diverts to the shower it leaks out the back.
To get around this problem take sand cloth and sand the burr down to a bevel. Then before you install the spout moisten the end of the copper so it slips on easier.

Very good point, Tom..

If anyone actually read my response above... :rolleyes:... you would see that I addressed the need to debur and grease the copper pipe in my answer... :p

Quote:

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Originally Posted by massplumber2008

If anyone actually read my response above...:rolleyes:...you would see that I addressed the need to debur and grease the copper pipe in my answer...:p

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Sorry Mark! My bad! And you did ,indeed, cover it. Would a reddie be enough to make up for my error? Tom

Are you kidding... you guys post so many answers that it is certainly easy enough not to read the "books" I write... LOL!

Just wanted you to know I try to include the debur info. In all posts about slip on spouts! I should probably mention the O RING, however, as the reason for deburring and greasing... would make more sense to asker. I did forget that... *UGH*.

Thanks...

MARK