Removing Delta Monitor Tub Spout: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you're experiencing a leak in your Delta Monitor tub spout, you may need to remove and repair or replace it. Before starting, ensure you turn off the water supply to the bathtub to avoid flooding. Delta tub spouts come in two types: screw-on and slip-on. To identify which type you have, look for the set screw underneath the spout. Once you've identified the type, you can follow the appropriate removal process. For a screw-on spout, you'll need to protect the spout with a soft cloth, loosen and unscrew the spout counterclockwise, remove old caulk and plumber's tape, and then reinstall the spout. For a slip-on spout, you'll need to remove the set screw, slide the spout away from the wall, remove old caulk and plumber's tape, and then reinstall.

Turn off the water supply

Before you start removing your Delta Monitor tub spout, it is crucial to turn off the water supply to your bathtub. This is because, without shutting off the water flow, you will end up with a flooded bathroom, which can be incredibly damaging.

The shutoff valve for the water flow of your bathtub is typically located behind the wall. Once you have located it, turn off the water supply. It is a good idea to cover the drain with a towel in case you drop any small parts down the drain while working.

Now that you have successfully turned off the water supply, you can proceed to the next steps of removing your Delta Monitor tub spout, which will vary depending on whether you have a screw-on or slip-on spout.

To identify which type of spout you have, look for the set screw underneath the spout, close to the wall. If you have a screw-on spout, you will need a pipe wrench to loosen and unscrew the spout. If you have a slip-on spout, you will need an Allen wrench to remove the set screw.

Protect the spout from scratches

Protecting your Delta Monitor tub spout from scratches during removal is a simple but important step.

First, ensure you have a soft cloth. You want to avoid using any abrasive cleaning pads or chemicals, as these can damage the spout's finish. A microfibre cloth is ideal, but any soft cloth will do.

Next, cover the spout with the cloth. This will protect the finish from scratches when you begin to loosen the spout.

When you are ready to begin loosening the spout, place the pipe wrench over the cloth, ensuring that the jaws of the wrench are on the cloth-covered spout. This will provide a protective barrier between the wrench and the spout, preventing scratches.

As you begin to turn the spout counter-clockwise, be mindful to maintain the cloth covering. Once the spout is loose enough, you can finish unscrewing it by hand.

Finally, when you are ready to reinstall the spout, remember to cover it with the soft cloth again. This will prevent any scratches as you screw the spout back on.

Loosen and unscrew the spout

Before you start, make sure you have turned off the water supply to the bathtub. The shut-off valve for the tub's water flow is usually located behind the wall. If you skip this step, you risk flooding your bathroom, which can be incredibly damaging.

Now, cover the spout with a soft cloth to protect it from scratches during removal.

If you have a screw-on spout, turn the spout counterclockwise slowly using a pipe wrench. When the spout is loose enough, you can finish unscrewing it by hand to avoid damaging the finish. Then, simply remove the spout from the wall.

For an iron pipe installation, place a large flat screwdriver into the opening at the bottom of the old tub spout and turn it counterclockwise to unscrew it.

If you have a slip-on spout, you'll need to remove the set screw underneath the spout, close to the wall. An Allen wrench can be used for this. Turn the Allen wrench counterclockwise to unlock the screw. Make sure to cover the drain with a towel in case the screw falls when you remove it.

Once the screw is completely removed, gently slide the spout away from the wall. With the spout off the wall, you can now repair or clean it as needed.

Remove old caulk and plumber's tape

To remove old caulk and plumber's tape, you will need a chemical caulk remover, a putty knife, and an old toothbrush or wire brush.

First, apply the chemical remover to the caulk. Allow it to sit for several hours or, ideally, overnight. Once the caulk has softened, use the putty knife to scrape it off.

Next, moisten the plumber's tape and scrape it off with the toothbrush or wire brush. Clean the area with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol, and let it dry completely before applying new caulk.

When reinstalling the spout, don't forget to wrap new plumber's tape around the nipple to prevent leaks.

Reinstall the spout

Once you have completed the necessary repairs or replacements, you can reinstall the spout.

For a screw-on spout:

• Wrap new plumber's tape around the nipple before replacing the spout. This will help prevent leaks.
• Cover the spout with a soft cloth to prevent scratching.
• Use a pipe wrench to secure the spout.
• Screw the spout back on by turning it clockwise slowly. Start this process by hand to prevent damage, then use the pipe wrench to ensure the spout is tightened properly.
• Apply new silicone caulk to the area where the spout meets the wall using a caulk gun. Smooth it out to ensure a clean finish.
• Allow the caulk to dry completely before turning the water supply back on and using the tub.

For a slip-on spout:

• Apply new plumber's tape to the nipple before replacing the spout. This will prevent leaks. Wrap the tape tightly.
• Slide the spout back onto the wall.
• Reinsert the screw that holds the spout to the wall.
• Use an Allen wrench to tighten the screw and secure the spout to the tub correctly.
• Apply silicone caulk to the areas around the spout that connect to the wall, using a caulk gun to ensure an even application.
• Allow the caulk to dry completely before turning the water supply back on and using the tub.

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