Replacing very old tub spout

[Loch]

Hello there,

I am trying to replace a very old tub spout. It is old and different from those I have seen so far.

Please see the attached pictures. As you can see there are two parts. I was able to remove the spout but now I have a second part still attacked to the wall. What shall I do?

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[phishfood]

I have never seen that method of attaching a tub spout before. But I am going to venture a guess that the part that is still attached is soldered to the copper piping coming from the valve. A torch, some soldering flux, pliers and a good "alternative" vocabulary will be needed to remove it.

 

[Mr_David]

I would guess that it is threaded on to a pipe nipple
The 2 tabs radiating from the center hole looks like something to grab hold of to turn off because the back flange is a finished surface I don't think was meant to put a torch to.

scrape the inside of the hole and see if it looks like brass or copper. or look inside the hole and see if it may have a joint in the middle or is it solid all the way back to the fitting.

 

[Loch]

I am pretty sure it is galvanized. I have galvanized pipes in the whole house made in 1939.
I tried to loosen the part but it is extremely hard. I was thinking to loosen the brass part with a fire and keep cold water running on the pipe so that that part remains cold. I am only afraid to crack the tiles, though. Any suggestion.

 

[Loch]

I have been heating the brass part with a propane torch (1 to 2 minutes) and simultaneously run cold water on the galvanized pipe. I have been able to move the brass part 1/2 inch on the left but it is still extremely hard. I am going to take a break for a while. Any tip at this point?

The heat+water solution has given the best results so far. With only heat without water this thing doesn't move a bit. But still I can't believe it is so hard after being able to unscrew it by 1/2 inch.

 

[havasu]

How about a penetrating oil, such as PB blaster. Us jeep owners don't leave home without it in our back pockets. I've also had luck using CLR and vinegar, allowing a full night of soak time

 

[Loch]

Hi,
After some hard work, I have been able to remove the brass part.
Now, it looks like I have 1/2" galvanized pipe nipple screwed into a 3/4" galvanized pipe nipple. The 3/4" nipple is 1/2" long and the 1/2" nipple is 3/4" long for a total length of 1 inch 1/4 (sticking out of the wall).
What's my next step? Do they sell spouts that fit 1 inch and 1/4 long nipples or shall I try to unscrew the 1/2" nipple from the 3/4" nipple?
Thanks again for all of your help!!

 

[havasu]

After looking at your pipes, I would not be doing much more tugging or twisting on them for fear of cracking your pipes. I would purchase the tub spout you want, find out how long the threaded pipe has to be, then use a 1/2" coupler and extend it with a nipple to make the length needed. If you are not sure, buy a few sizes, one a little long and another a little short, until you have proper threading and the end of your spout is against the tile.

 

[Loch]

Yes thank you, Havasu. I bought all brass parts and extended the nipple. It works great! Thank you!

 

[havasu]

Brass? Them things are pricy! I'm glad it worked out for you and thanks for posting the outcome!

 

[Loch]

yes true they are expensive $5 for 2 and 1/2 inch nipple and another $3 for the coupler.

 

[Loch]

Here is the picture of the final work.

 

[havasu]

Nice!

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