What is the difference between slip fit and screw tub spout?

Quick Answers

The main differences between slip fit and screw tub spouts are:

• Installation Method – Slip fit spouts slide over the pipe protruding from the wall and are held in place by friction or a setscrew. Screw spouts thread directly onto the pipe.
• Removability – Slip fit spouts are easier to remove since they slip on and off. Removing a screw spout requires unscrewing it from the pipe threads.
• Sealing – Slip fit spouts rely on rubber washers or o-rings to seal against the pipe. Screw spouts seal through the pipe threads.
• Compatibility – Slip fit spouts will work on any standard tub pipe. Screw spouts only work on threaded pipe.
• Appearance – Screw spouts tend to have a more minimalist, integrated look. Slip fit spouts often use decorative trim pieces to hide the joint.

In summary, slip fit spouts are easier to install and remove, while screw spouts offer a more integrated look and reliable thread seal. Choosing between the two depends on the existing plumbing and personal preference.

What is a Slip Fit Tub Spout?

A slip fit tub spout is designed to slide over the tub’s water pipe and be held in place by friction or with a setscrew. Here are some key features of slip fit spouts:

• Slide-on Installation – Slip fit spouts have an opening that allows them to slide over the protruding tub pipe. This makes installation quick and easy.
• Removable – Since they slide on, slip fit spouts can also be easily removed by sliding them back off the pipe. This simplifies replacement or upgrading the spout.
• Uses Washers to Seal – Rubber washers or o-rings are used to form a watertight seal between the spout and pipe. As these washers age, the spout may begin to leak.
• Decorative Trim – A decorative trim piece often conceals the joint between the spout and pipe. This provides a more finished look.
• Standard Dimensions – Slip fit spouts are made to fit standard 1/2″ or 3/4″ tub pipes, making them widely compatible.

Overall, the slide-on design of slip fit spouts allows for easy DIY installation and removal. The joint may need periodic resealing as the washers age.

Slip Fit Spout Dimensions

Standard slip fit tub spouts are made to fit common pipe sizes:

Pipe Size	O.D. (in)
1/2 inch	0.840
3/4 inch	1.050

The spout opening is slightly larger to allow it to slide over the pipe. The rubber washer is compressed to create the water-tight seal.

Advantages of Slip Fit Tub Spouts

Slip fit tub spouts offer several advantages:

• Easier Installation – Just slide on rather than needing to thread or screw in place.
• Removable – Slide off for easy replacement or upgrading.
• Universal Fit – Designed to fit standard tub pipes, no need for adaptors.
• Conceal Joints – Trim pieces allow for a more finished look.
• Lower Cost – Simple design with fewer moving parts.

The main benefit is the convenience of slide-on installation and removal. This makes DIY installation and upgrades simpler.

Disadvantages of Slip Fit Tub Spouts

Potential drawbacks of slip fit spouts include:

• Can Loosen Over Time – Vibration and use can cause the spout to loosen from the pipe.
• Prone to Leaking – Rubber washers wear out and may lead to leaks.
• Loose Joints – The joint may move or wobble if not properly secured.
• Less Integrated Look – Trim pieces disrupt a streamlined appearance.
• Potential to Damage Pipe – Friction fit can scratch pipe surface over time.

The concealed slip joint and reliance on rubber seals require periodic maintenance to avoid leaks. The joint also may not feel completely solid.

What is a Screw Tub Spout?

Screw tub spouts thread directly onto the tub’s pipe to create a watertight seal. Key features include:

• Threaded Connection – Spout has female threads that screw onto male threaded pipe.
• Integrated Design – Spout screws directly to pipe for seamless look.
• Rigid Seal – Threads provide reliable, leak-free seal.
• Permanent – Removing requires unscrewing pipe threads.
• Custom Sizing – Needs to be sized to fit pipe threading (e.g 1/2″ NPT).

The threaded installation provides a solid, integrated spout connection. However, it also makes the spout permanent and more difficult to replace.

Tub Pipe Thread Dimensions

Two common tub pipe thread standards are:

Thread Standard	Threads Per Inch
1/2″ NPT	14
3/4″ NPT	14

NPT threads form an airtight seal and do not require any additional sealant. The spout threads must match these pipe threads.

Advantages of Screw Tub Spouts

The advantages of screw tub spouts include:

• Leak-Free Seal – Pipe threads form a reliable, watertight seal.
• Integrated Design – Spout screws directly to pipe for a seamless look.
• Rigid Connection – Threaded spout feels completely solid and integrated.
• Permanent – Does not loosen or wobble over time.
• Works on Threaded Pipe – Designed for standard threaded tub fills.

The primary benefit is the leak-free, integrated seal that threaded spouts provide. This creates a high-end look and feel.

Disadvantages of Screw Tub Spouts

Some potential drawbacks of screw tub spouts:

• Harder to Install – Needs to be screwed/threaded onto pipe properly.
• Not Removable – Must unscrew from pipe to remove.
• Threaded Pipe Required – Will not work on standard slip-fit tub pipes.
• Pipe Damage Risk – Can strip or cross-thread pipe threads if misaligned.
• Higher Cost – More precision manufacturing than slip-fit spouts.

The permanent threaded connection makes installation and removal more difficult. Threaded pipe fittings must also be present.

Slip Fit vs. Screw Tub Spouts

To summarize the key differences:

	Slip Fit Spout	Screw Spout
Installation	Slides over pipe	Screws onto threaded pipe
Sealing	Rubber washers	Pipe threads
Removability	Easily removable	Permanent, must unscrew
Pipe Compatibility	Standard tub pipes	Requires threaded pipe
Appearance	Uses trim, concealed joint	Minimal, integrated

So in summary:

• Slip fit spouts are easier to install and remove.
• Screw spouts provide a better integrated look and seal.
• Slip fits work on any standard tub pipe.
• Screw spouts require compatible threaded pipe.

The type of existing plumbing will dictate which option will work. Personal preference for appearance and ease of installation may also sway the decision between the two styles.

How to Install a Slip Fit Tub Spout

Installing a slip fit tub spout involves just a few simple steps:

1. Turn Off Water Supply – Turn off the hot and cold water valves supplying the tub.
2. Remove Old Spout – Slide the existing spout off the tub pipe.
3. Clean Pipe – Use emery cloth or steel wool to remove any rust or scale from the exposed pipe.
4. Test Fit – Temporarily slide on new spout to ensure it fits over pipe.
5. Apply Plumber’s Tape – Wrap the pipe threads with 2-3 layers of plumber’s tape.
6. Slide On Spout – Lubricate rubber washers and slide spout onto pipe.
7. Secure – Tighten setscrew (if present) and install trim piece.
8. Turn Water On – Reopen water supply and check for leaks.

The key steps are cleaning the pipe, testing the fit, and properly applying plumber’s tape to prevent leaks. The whole process can be completed in less than 30 minutes.

Tips for Installing Slip Fit Spouts

Here are some helpful installation tips:

– Use pipe cleaning brushes to thoroughly remove rust and scale.

– Test fit spout before applying plumber’s tape to ensure proper sizing.

– Apply 2-3 overlapping layers of plumber’s tape in clockwise direction.

– Lubricate washers with a small amount of plumber’s grease before sliding on.

– Fully tighten setscrew (if present) to secure spout to pipe.

– Confirm spout is oriented correctly and centered before sliding over pipe.

Taking extra care during installation will result in a properly sealed, securely mounted slip fit tub spout.

How to Install a Screw Tub Spout

Installing a screw tub spout takes a few extra steps:

1. Turn Off Water – Shut off the hot and cold water supply lines.
2. Remove Old Spout – Unscrew the existing spout from the pipe.
3. Inspect Threads – Verify pipe threading is in good shape. Re-tap if needed.
4. Test Thread Fit – Temporarily screw on spout to check threading.
5. Apply Plumber’s Tape – Wrap pipe threads clockwise with tape.
6. Screw on Spout – Hand tighten spout until completely threaded on.
7. Check Orientation – Confirm spout is straight and oriented properly.
8. Turn On Water – Turn supplies back on and check for leaks.

The key differences are verifying the pipe threading and taking care not to cross-thread when screwing on the spout.

Tips for Installing Screw Tub Spouts

Some tips for a smooth installation:

– Inspect pipe threads for any damage before starting.

– Use pipe threader tool to re-cut threads if necessary.

– Hand tighten only, do not over tighten with pliers or wrench.

– Apply plumber’s tape in direction of threads to assist with tightening.

– Screw spout on by hand to feel resistance and avoid cross-threading.

– Align spout properly before tightening fully to prevent leaks.

Taking it slow and keeping the spout well-aligned will allow the pipe threads to seal correctly.

Replacing a Slip Fit or Screw Tub Spout

Over time, tub spouts may need replacement due to wear, leaks or to upgrade the style. Here are the steps for each:

Replacing a Slip Fit Spout

1. Shut off water supply to tub.
2. Remove old spout by sliding it off the pipe.
3. Clean any scale or buildup from the exposed pipe.
4. Slide new spout into place and secure.
5. Restore water supply and confirm proper operation.

Since the spout just slides off, the process is quick and easy. Adding plumber’s tape helps provide a fresh watertight seal with the new spout.

Replacing a Screw Tub Spout

1. Turn off the tub’s water supply.
2. Unscrew old spout counterclockwise from pipe.
3. Inspect pipe threads for damage.
4. Apply plumber’s tape to threads.
5. Hand tighten new spout until fully threaded on.
6. Turn water back on and check for leaks.

The key steps are fully unscrewing the old spout and carefully threading on the replacement by hand. Forcing the connection can damage the threads.

Conclusion

To summarize:

• Slip fit tub spouts offer easier installation and removal.
• Screw tub spouts provide a more integrated look and solid connection.
• Choose slip fit spouts for DIY-friendly installation.
• Select screw spouts for a high-end, seamless appearance.
• The existing plumbing will determine which type will work.
• Both styles should be properly sealed and secured during installation.

When selecting a new tub spout, consider the current tub fill, your ability to access plumbing, and the desired look. With proper installation, both slip fit and screw spouts can provide years of leak-free performance. Carefully following the steps outlined above will ensure success when installing or replacing either tub spout type.