Fix Tub Spout That Leaks Water When Shower Is On

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I will walk you through the process of fixing a tub spout that continues to flow water when the diverter is pulled and the shower is on. This is a very common problem but often with no tools and about 30 minutes you can have the problem fixed and stop wasting water during your showers.
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DISCLAIMER: This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

[@RHMoore-bo6dt]

This sounds exactly like what is happening in my shower! I soooo appreciate your clear, concise directions. I followed you, thanks!!

[@cooter.malone]

I don't say it often enough, but I LOVE your videos. I watch EVERY one of them, even if the subject is something I can't use right now. I learn so much from them. Fills me with confidence, like I can do anything. If I get in a jam, I can go back and watch the applicable videos again. THANK YOU very much!!!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

That's awesome and thanks for all the support!

[@hassanbazzi3545]

It is so satisfying when you see the bubbles and CLR doing its job. Thank you for sharing

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

For sure, thanks for watching 👍

[@luxurycardstore]

I can only imagine how much money you just saved all of us because we now won't need to call a plumber for something so easy. I always wondered how that kind of tub spout worked.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Saving time and money is the name of the game 👍

[@luisframirez2]

Thank you so much for this!!!! I kept sticking Allen wrenches in that little notch at the bottom when all I had to do was twist it. Replaced o-ring and cleaned. Fixed it! Thanks again.

[@WaltWW]

Excellent. That Delta o-ring adapter makes it so much easier to remove than standard ones that corrod together.

[@foggymtnbreakdown]

Nice video. As you pointed out, Teflon tape is not necessary to stop the faucet from leaking. Teflon tape may be a lifesaver in the future for someone who wants to remove that spout after many years. That tape will help it to come off. I often use Teflon tape for that reason or I use Pernatex Anti-Seize which I get at auto parts stores. After many years, these faucets get stuck on. That is why they make strap wrenches so you don't mess up the finish. Some people stick a dowel or screw driver into the spout to get some leverage. Vinegar works very well. It works better when heated up. I heat it up in the microwave. I don't know if I would do that with CLR.

[@highlander5170]

I have the delco pull down tub diverter spout . I picked up some great value white vinegar one gallon at walmart $3,74 cents placed my tub spout in a meat loaf dish because its deep filled it up with white vinegar and let iit set for24 hours and bingo removes the calcium the CLR is almost $9.00 dollars at walmart and $29.00 at true value your choice but the white vinegar works great.

[@tonyharrison2542]

Awesome! I have this exact problem and can't wait to give your solution a try in the morning. Thank you so much.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Happy to help!

[@normahalsted1995]

Awesome. I wondered why the faucet still ran water after turning on the shower. Thanks bunches. 😊

[@PoeLemic]

Thank you for this video. Same thing is happening with mine. But, mine has threads on the pull-down object, which I took off -- thinking that there was some debris from the city that came through the water pipes. But, it's not got any debris. So, I think the problem would be solved how you showed. But, I am also thinking that I need to take off the pull-down thing and then put some new tethlon tape around the threads. [Sorry, I don't know the names of things, but I get the gist of what needs to be done.] This is a very helpful and clear video.

[@peglomaniac]

Brilliant! Super clear and concise. TYVM!

[@jamessotherden5909]

I used white vinegar in my bathroom faucet aerator. Had hardly any flow. When I took it apart the screen was almost plugged with calcium. Works great now. Thanks for these tips.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks for sharing

[@salsamink]

Everyday Home Repairs That Fix It Guy hi. A plumber installed a brand new tub faucet yesterday. Now there is an issue. When running the diverter, only water comes out of the diverter with good pressure. The problem is when running the shower, the diverter still running. Both at good pressure. When everything is turned off, there are no leaks. I noticed this after the plumber installed and I asked the plumber why the diverter would still run, when shower is still running. The plumber said that is what the new faucets do now. That seems like a huge waste of water when showering. Is what he’s saying true or did he install something wrong? If he installed wrong, what is the fix?

[@pitbull6527]

@@salsamink I think your plumber is FOS!

[@CarlW-vy7fg]

Thanks for the help!! I can't wait to give that a try!! Excellent tutorial.

[@goodlife916]

Thank you sir. Your video just saved me hours of research and a ton of money.

[@minaflash5107]

Thank you so so so so much man I really appreciate the time you took to make that super helpful video I used a plastic container to shower because I didn’t even know how to pull down this deserter Thanks again 👍👍

[@thanawutaung-aphinant7128]

Thank you so much! I was able to fix my own tub sprout because of your video! Bravo!

[@robertgarcia4117]

From Steve. Thank you for all your help. I learned a lot from you.

[@ASR-BA]

This is definitely helpful. Thanks for making such videos.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

My pleasure!

[@SpookieSadie]

Fun fact fron a professional house cleaner. You CAN use a stainless steel wool pad to speed up the process of removing calcium build up. Make sure it’s the 0000 grade. I use scotch brite brand. It’s safe for chrome fixtures, most nickel finishes too. Just not on brass. You can also use stainless steel wool pads on glass! Just make sure it’s not tinted.

[@ediereay7507]

This looks like I could DIY it. Your presentation was very clear. I had a feeling white vinegar would help but didn't know where to put it . Thanks.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Best of luck!

[@marklawrence343]

Thank you brother. I just bought and replace the shower head then the tub spout starts leaking so badly with bits of black and white residue falling in the tub from the spout. I did what you instructed and the blockage went away. Thanks man, you save me buying a tub spout.

[@PoeLemic]

Yeah, probably some old calcium broke off and came out. Or, the damned city cleaned their pipes upstream, then you got particles that came your way. Both has happened to me.

[@amysimons8967]

This was SO helpful! Thank you so much! :)

[@sileapek3372]

Thank you for sharing the video , my tub spout look the same as you have

[@christinebudell866]

Thank you for showing me how easy it is to fix this buildup.

[@joep9764]

Thanks similar issue today Same problem - o ring was not there Replaced and good to go

[@lindar1789]

Very helpful video. Thank you

[@terripleasanton7198]

Thanks for showing how long it actually takes to unscrew the faucet...I probably would have stopped thinking, it was stripped .

[@marissaffs9824]

very helpful! thank you so much!

Very helpful. Thank you

[@aaronwooden6624]

Thank you! Great video! 👍

[@zurdoremi]

what about the spouts that you pull up to divert water to shower head?

[@annalog1713]

Thanks for the simple, easy to follow video! Wondering if the spout was changed (new) what could still be causing the water to come out the shower and spout at the same time? The only way to stop it is to pull up the diverter BEFORE turning the water on (to get the water coming out only the shower head). Also, when the plumber changed the spout we suddenly got dripping from the spout!

[@PoeLemic]

Probably need some tefthon tape on the threads. I've got the leakage too, so that is what I am surmising.

[@paulierox7341]

awesome.. im suffer from this problem.. i cant wait to try it... thanks

[@ricg7606]

worked like a charm

[@wettgilliam]

Thank you for this video. This was very helpful. Leak costing me money. Not no more.

[@user-id1kl8uw2r]

Thank you

[@danpeete3014]

Thank you.

[@brianthomassonplc9885]

I appreciate your video. Very instructional. Quick question - ours continues to drip when the shower is off. Could it be the same thing or perhaps something else? I appreciate your time.

[@VladimirYukht]

Thank you very much!!! You are great man 👍👏👏👏

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

You're welcome!

[@PhearaXT]

Wow! Just like it's brand new!

[@CyberPitz]

I've got a kitchen faucet with the combo sprayer / regular pour thingy that clogs up and really slows the water flow. I've tried vinegar and it starts to work, but I may give CLR a try now. Thanks for the tip!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Yeah, I think CLR is a bit more effective. Try to soak it fully submerged for 15 mins. Let me know how it works 👍

[@CyberPitz]

@@EverydayHomeRepairs dumb question, with water and vinegar the piece floats even when submerged for a second. Is CLR dense enough to keep it down, or should I get a weight still? Your channel is amazing, thank you for everything you do!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

​@@CyberPitz Thanks for the kind words. I bet it is more the tub spout material which would most likely float in both vinegar and also CLR. I would just put something a little heavier in the center threaded hole which should help keep the spout submerged.

[@CyberPitz]

@@EverydayHomeRepairs you're the absolute best. Cheers mate!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

@@CyberPitz 🍻

[@roxchelreed-harris2459]

Thank you. You saved us some money.

[@davidv775]

Thx man👍

[@AlphardV55WR35]

Many THX for yr video !

[@michaelhogsett7445]

Great video thanks

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

You bet!

[@Deafjustin]

Good job man!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thx!

[@jdstamm9663]

very helpful thanks a ton 😁✌

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

You're welcome!

[@Davidjune1970]

White vinegar works and is a lot cheaper. Also many modern tub spouts are held on with a grub screw that is loosened with an Allen key

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Thanks for the feedback David 👍

[@melisarushing5159]

That’s what I needed to know! 🙏 I have a Hampton Bay and it has a little Allen key hole at the base by the wall, and I wasn’t sure what I needed to use. Very helpful!

[@AmyC37217]

Delta faucet. Two screws holding it to where it can't be twisted off (it's the pushbutton version of diverter). Advice on how to remove those? It leaks half the water that normally flows thru the faucet. Thankfully I have amazing water pressure.

[@cindyfleming154]

You just saved me over $100. Thank you

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

That's what we are here for 🙌

[@heemanchalmaharaj6709]

This little kzbin.infoUgkxVoi3B4CB6Oygq1-vo4OTL1M_M5JkrXif tub works perfect in our 6 x 6 shower and is easy to get in and out. Also easy to drain.

[@terryh.9659]

Hello, I go full strength with CLR and let the item soak longer. Then I pour the CLR back in the CLR container and use it again.

[@juligrlee556]

helpful

[@hilarydavis1247]

This video refers to the leaky tub when the shower is running. But I have the leaky tub when the shower isn't running. Should I assume I will get a similar resolution if I follow your instructions?

[@stinald]

Can I unscrew the 2 little screws at the back of the faucet and attempt to take the faucet apart so that I can clean it better?

[@mrockefeller10mr]

Thank you Sir!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@bullishemoney93]

Can you put the link for the diverter ,that clr didn't work

[@yellowlingling748]

Hi Scott, I am currently experiencing this problem with my symmons shower valve. Do you know what I can do to repair the water coming out from the shower head and sprout?

[@bobby9823]

mine has a knob on top . pull up for shower. been stuck in that position for years. will this work for me ?

[@kathleenrknut4328]

I am having a hard time finding that exact faucet at home emprovment stores do you have a suggestion?

[@christophersithamparam5598]

I 've got a new universal sprout through which enough water not released when open the tap. Why is it and how to fix it? Thank you.

[@michaelhogsett7445]

Can't seem to get the tub spout loose. Any thoughts? Tried applying lots of pressure and twisting.

[@lisapappasperrodin6731]

I have the exact same tub spout, and I hate it. I want to go with a diverter spout that has the diverter on top instead of the pull type on the bottom. Will I be able to use that kind of spout in place of this one.... like in the video?

[@carolyn1153]

I just installed a new delta tub spout with diverter like the video. It has a small enough of a drip when not using that causes calcium marks in my new drain. Did I not tighten it enough or what? I know your video is 2 yes old but hope to get a response.

[@rambergkatherine]

Hi Hon, I have a spout with the lift is on top and it came off... How can I fix this issue??? Thank you ☺️☺️☺️

[@treborcua8702]

hi there! my problem is leaking my tub spout when its off. thanks

[@_UglyBarnacle]

im feeling alil defeated rn. i replaced my diverter on my 3 handle system. i followed all directions from videos and a nice guy at lowes. my tub faucet is still pouring water when i have it set to shower. im losing it. lol even looking up a way to just cap the tub portion but idk wtf im doing 😄

[@yummybubbles]

I am no where near a plumber but after so much wasted money i finaly took a look myself and saw that it leaks either thru the hole under the spout or something behind the spout because downstairs it leaks right above my central air heater . could i be right that its a faulty stem for the spout?

[@khetz9403]

Excellent- thank you for making this clear. Easy to follow instructions too!

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

You bet!

[@chrisloveall2821]

Can these be taken apart? I have a kind of fancy spout that I'm not going to be able to match and the esthetic is very important

[@brothermine2292]

I hope you don't mind me asking a loosely related question: In a condo where the plumbing is the responsibility of the condo association to maintain, and plumbing fixtures (sinks, bathtubs, showers, toilets) are the responsibility of the condo unit owner, what defines the dividing line between plumbing and fixture? For example, is the threaded pipe onto which the spout screws classified as part of the plumbing or as part of the tub/shower fixture? (To my eye, that pipe looks like part of the rough-in plumbing, not part of the fixture. My rule of thumb is that the dividing line is where connections are made, with threads or nuts and seals such as o-rings or plumber's tape.) Also, does the Plumbing Code imply traps are part of the plumbing, not part of the fixture, where the Code talks about the distance between the trap and the fixture outlet? (Except toilet traps, which are built into the toilet.)

[@Christy.1]

Just my opinion, for whatever that's worth :) You would think, as you said, where the connection is. If they the immediate pipe that connects is your responsibility as well, what if you damage it and it causes other problems in spots that are "their" responsibility? Most of those fixtures are cheap and easy to replace, as well as break due to their cheapness, hence why they say it's your responsibility. You'd be best catching the actual maintenance person and asking them directly-as opposed to someone in the office. Plus, the maintenance person may be pretty cool and do stuff on the side or a little extra on the company's dime. Never know :)

[@peggysx]

Does NOT work for American Standard faucets with set screw. So trying to be a good wifey, I 'unscrewed' the faucet, scored the pipe and luckily did NOT cause the pipe to break and created more work for the Hubs. Plus, the replacement faucet was close to $25.00. GREAT video of DELTA products.

[@susanrosengrant6362]

Nothing less than perfect! I thought I was going to have to call my plumber and cha-ching. Can't wait to try this myself! THANK YOU!!

[@UnleashedBeastMJL]

do you have a Name Brand / or size of hole for thread on this faucet you are fixing here?

[@Awkward_Fox]

How about the other type of diverter that comes from the wall rather than the spout itself? Have this problem myself, but have a different type of diverter than the one shown here

[@kraftyDevilX]

Did you ever figure this out?

[@Awkward_Fox]

@@kraftyDevilX nope... and I've since moved to a place without that problem

[@craigibara8060]

Do I need to turn off my water supply to change this? Your example is the same one I have.

[@prosay]

I wish my diverted spout comes off that easily. My pipe bent and broke. My plumber was happy!

[@chadharvy]

Okay so I had to replace my valve, and spout. My spout was leaking when I turned the valve off, now it does not. It does however leak slightly when the shower is on. What could be the cause of that? Also My water pressure feels lower now that the new valve is on. What could that be? Do you have a video or videos you recommend for these issues?

[@dukefrywokker6470]

What other ways are there to take the spout off? Just curious because I don't have that kind and I don't want to go muscling off mine and break something only to find out that it comes off a different way.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

If it doesn't simply thread off then you might have a small set screw on the bottom which you can loosen with the appropriately sized allen wrench.

[@championplayerdo7604]

This is the exact problem that I have the only other problem I have is that I have to push button Delta diverter system. I changed the diverter but it's still doing it and I don't know how to get to any mineral deposits behind the push button Style. Any help would be appreciated if there's somewhere I could send pictures let me know

[@joemccarthy3748]

Good video but my problem is just a little different. My Moen spout is the screw on/off style instead of the set key. I am unable to screw the spout off. It easily spins but is somehow stuck onto the pipe and won't spin "off". Thanks for any thoughts you may have.

[@deprofundis3293]

Did you figure this out?

[@PoeLemic]

[Ignore this question ... I figured it out. My new faucet diverter has the adapter screwed in, so it was quite confusing. But, I get it now.] Can I ask ... I have that exact same shower faucet diverter and the exact same pipe arrangement. EXACTLY. What is the model number of that shower faucet diverter? I can't find it.

[@georgef3428]

What happens if I replaced my spout and it’s still happening? I have to lift the spout with lots of force for the water to stop coming out.

[@siyamicarswell4610]

What do I do if my tub spout won’t turn? I don’t know if the previous owners did something to it because I’ve found a lot of bandaid fixes in this house so it would sell, I tried turning it and it just won’t turn and I’m having this exact issue

[@rockdiane1]

I pull the ring diverter down and nothing comes out the shower head or tin facet. I have the same Delta tub facet as you showed

[@grumpylovsyoda]

I am getting water coming out the back of the spout. Any ideas? Maybe a defective unit. Cause I just bought it.

[@sunshineyesslith5590]

What do I do if the water is leaking out from the wall area of the spout? It’s coming out of the drain and the wall area

[@MrBigpoppi101]

Moen Cartridge 1222 , I Replaced My Old One With A New One But The Tub Spout Is Still Consistently Flowing In Full Even With The Single Handle Turned All The Way Off . Have To Keep Shutting Off The Water When Not In Use . Help

[@danielabbey7726]

Would it also be a good idea to replace the O-ring, and put a dab of silicone grease on it before screwing it back in?

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Not a bad idea at all. Especially if you are running to the home improvement store anyway. 👍

[@fomoco300k]

I would definitely recommend a little silicone lube. You can get it in small round gray plastic tins at any hardware store for a few bucks.

[@ryandeno4190]

Is it a special size o ring? I have the same exact diverter setup and the o ring is bad. Water leaks out the back of the spout.

[@danielabbey7726]

@@ryandeno4190 Can't recall, since I ended up getting a replacement spout. Too much corrosion/lime scale on the old one.

[@eddie7319]

@@ryandeno4190 I need to know the same thing

[@RohitSingh-yf5ct]

Do you happen to know the model number of this spout? if I wanted to buy new one.

[@MakeupMobster]

Can’t wait to try this because this is super annoying

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Best of luck!

[@jake9705]

I recently had a TERRIBLE behind-the-wall-leak with a Delta faucet handle like the one in this video. The water slowly seeped behind the wall for years causing swelling in a door jamb in the floor below so badly that the door wouldn't even close. Could you demo fixing a faucet handle like the one in this video?

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Not good. So you had a leak in one of the pipes coming into the mixing valve?

[@jake9705]

@@EverydayHomeRepairs -- No idea what the ultimate mechanical explanation was, unfortunately. I was renting and it was the landlord's problem to fix. The leak behind-the-wall could be stopped if the handle was pushed all the way in and turned all the way to the left; that is how I was told to manage the minor leak when I moved in. Two years later that fix no longer worked and you could barely hear water running at all times. I notified the landlord several times and nothing was done until far too late. Edit: I gave landlord 2 weeks notice to fix this and other major plumbing problems. Nothing was done so I forced myself to move out. The shower handle in question looks like a Moen 3270 crystal handled one.

[@smallnuts2]

Mine drips when water is off. I do have same tub faucet and it looks just like your problem with mineral deposits. If that dont work I guess it the round handle that turn bath/shower may need replacing.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Yeah, you might be able to replace the o-rings on the valve or get a complete new valve assembly to stop the dripping.

[@kblickley1979]

What if you have the turn handle to turn on shower that is in the middle of hot handle and cold handle?

[@kraftyDevilX]

Did you ever figure this out or maybe the technical name for the wall spout?

[@nancyglasscock1385]

What if there is no diverter on the spout? I have the 3 handles where the diverter is the middle handle. But the tub spout is leaking bad when the shower is on. 😢

[@ogtrades4005]

How about the opposite the shower head always runs (some of the flow) when the water is on. When the diverter is pulled all the flow goes to shower. We have a delta and have changed the cartridge and tub diverter to no avail.

[@giovannip]

Most likely the brass valve body was installed upside down inside the wall. The valve has 4 ports. 1 hot 1 cold 1 shower 1 tub outlet. Internally the casted porting for the shower outlet is smaller than the tub outlet. This is designed to cause some back pressure so the natural water flow favors the tub outlet. ( Gravity, height, and shower heads play a role as well) When the shower valve is upside down, the internal restricted port is hindering the flow to the tub spout and forcing the water out of the shower head by back pressure resistance. This will cause some water to run from the shower head every time the tub is running. If you inspect a new shower valve, you will see all the inlet and outlet ports are different. Shower valves are labeled embossed with "up" or "shower" to signify intended orientation.

[@marg233]

My spout will not budge, won’t even turn unfortunately gotta call plumber still thank you i did learn what to look for & how to fix 👏

[@skrewdreyever]

Question. Does one need to turn off the main water to the entire house before taking the tub spout off? thankyou.

[@EverydayHomeRepairs]

Nope, as long as you have the shower handle in the off position you shouldn't have any issue.

[@danielbrowniel]

I have the pull type and replaced the whole thing, it still leaks, very annoying.