When it comes to installing or replacing a tub spout, one of the key questions that often comes up is whether or not the spout requires a set screw to secure it in place. Set screws provide an additional method of securing the spout and preventing it from wiggling loose or detaching from the pipe over time. However, not all spouts are designed with a set screw so this is an important detail to investigate before starting any tub spout project.
Page Contents
What is a Tub Spout Set Screw?
A tub spout set screw is a small screw that is threaded horizontally through the base of the spout. It can be tightened to press against the pipe and prevent the spout from twisting or sliding off. Set screws are commonly found on metal or plastic threaded spouts that attach to standard threaded tub pipes protruding from the wall. The set screw fits into a small notch or divot in the pipe to grip it securely.
The primary purpose of tub spout set screws is to provide an additional anchor point to keep the spout stable and in place. Even if the spout is thoroughly threaded onto the pipe initially, it can still loosen over time from vibration, impacts, or repeated rotation when adjusting water flow. The set screw eliminates sideways wobbling or spinning to ensure the spout remains fixed in position.
Do All Tub Spouts Have a Set Screw?
The short answer is no – not all tub spouts are designed with a set screw. There are a few spout types that typically do not include this extra securing feature:
- Slip-fit spouts – These spouts forgo threading and instead slide securely over the end of the tub pipe. No set screw is needed since the tight fit keeps them in place.
- Compression spouts – A gasket or O-ring allows this spout style to be pressed onto the tub pipe and sealed in place with hand pressure only.
- Wall-mount spouts – These install directly against the wall with screws rather than onto a pipe.
- Sweat spouts – Sweating the copper spout directly onto a copper pipe creates a watertight seal without threads or screws.
Set screws are useful for securing threaded spouts but generally not applicable to other mounting configurations like these. So the existence of a set screw depends entirely on the specific tub spout type.
Identifying If a Threaded Tub Spout Has a Set Screw
For standard threaded tub spouts, the easiest way to identify the presence of a set screw is to:
- Examine the underside of the spout base where the set screw would be located.
- Look for a small screw head or hex socket protruding from the base.
- Check for a pilot hole or divot meant for the set screw to press into.
Spouts with a set screw will have one or more of these identifiers. Threaded spouts without any of these features do not utilize a set screw.
Another method is to try inserting the tub spout on the pipe by hand without fully tightening it. On spouts with a set screw, there should be some rotational play or wiggling possible until the screw is tightened down. If the spout fits snugly onto the pipe and will not rotate at all even when hand tight, this also indicates no set screw is present.
Advantages of Tub Spouts with Set Screws
Spouts that include set screws have two major advantages:
- More secure installation – The set screw makes the spout less likely to loosen from repeated forceful water pressure, bumps, leveraging when adjusting water flow, or vibrations over time.
- Easier to align – Installing while being able to finely tune the spout angle or orientation is simpler with the rotational adjustment enabled by the set screw.
These benefits make set screw spouts the optimal choice in most cases. The additional stability and rotational control they allow during and after installation are well worth the minor extra effort of tightening the set screw.
How to Install a Tub Spout with Set Screw
Installing a tub spout with a set screw takes a few extra steps compared to one without:
- Slide spout over tub pipe with set screw facing down.
- Hand tighten initially to hold in place temporarily.
- Adjust spout to desired orientation, taking advantage of rotational play.
- Tighten spout fully using pipe wrench or locking pliers.
- Tighten set screw firmly with screwdriver, seating into pipe.
The key actions are being able to precisely set the spout angle before the final tightening and then locking that orientation in securely with the set screw. This achieves a rock solid installation.
Removing a Spout with Set Screw
To remove a tub spout that has a set screw:
- Turn off water supply and drain pipe.
- Locate set screw on underside of spout.
- Turn set screw counterclockwise with screwdriver to loosen completely.
- Twist spout back and forth while pulling outwards to detach from pipe.
- Unscrew or cut spout off pipe using pipe wrench if needed.
Loosening the set screw first is critical as it releases the grip on the pipe and allows the spout to be removed. Trying to forcefully detach the spout without doing this can damage the pipe.
Can You Install a Spout Without a Set Screw?
It is possible to install threaded tub spouts that do not have a built-in set screw. However, there are some precautions to take for a safe and secure installation:
- Wrap threaded pipe with Teflon tape to improve grip.
- Hand tighten initially then finish tightening with wrench.
- Use pipe joint compound or thread sealant for added stability.
- Carefully align spout orientation before final tightening.
- Consider adding an aftermarket set screw for more support if needed.
The lack of a set screw means extra care should be taken to achieve a tight friction fit. Periodic checks to ensure the spout remains tight over time are also recommended.
Conclusion
In summary, set screws are very common but not universal for tub spouts. Threaded metal or plastic spouts often include them while other designs like slip-fit, wall-mount, or sweat spouts generally do not require them. Checking for a screw head, divot, or rotational wiggle are the best ways to identify if a given spout has an integrated set screw. While a spout can be installed without a set screw, utilizing one provides the most secure and adjustable connection.