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How to fix a tub spout leak

We'll tighten the connection, replace the O-ring, or install a new spout—and tell you when to call a plumber.

How-to · Home plumbing
15–25 min
What you'll need
  • Replacement O-ring or washer (exact match)
  • Silicone grease (optional)
  • Pipe tape (for thread-on spouts)
  • Allen wrench (for slip-on) or pipe wrench

At a glance

  • Shut off the water supply to the tub before working on the spout.
  • Locate the leak—connection to the wall, O-ring seal, or diverter (for shower).
  • Tighten a slip-on spout by turning it clockwise; check the set screw on the underside first.
  • Replace the O-ring or diverter washer if the spout leaks at the wall; use an exact match.
  • If the pipe stub is too short or corroded, you may need a plumber to replace it.
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Steps

Goal: Shut off water, fix the spout connection or O-ring, and know when to call a plumber.

  • Shut off the water to the tub. Turn the faucet on to relieve pressure.
  • Good: No water flows. Proceed to Remove the spout.
  • Bad: Water still flows—find the correct shutoff valve.

Remove the spout

Goal: Take off the tub spout to inspect or replace the seal.

  • For slip-on spout: loosen the set screw and pull the spout off. For thread-on: twist counterclockwise. Use a wrench with a cloth if needed.
  • Good: Spout is off; you can see the pipe stub and O-ring. Proceed to Replace O-ring.
  • Bad: Pipe stub is too short or corroded—call a plumber.

Replace O-ring

Goal: Fix leaks at the wall connection with a new O-ring or washer.

  • Inspect the O-ring or washer. Replace with an exact match if worn. Lubricate with silicone grease. For slide-on: push the spout on and tighten the set screw. For thread-on: add pipe tape and screw the spout on.
  • Good: No drips at the wall connection. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Still leaks—the spout may be cracked or the pipe damaged. Replace the spout or call a plumber.

Tighten connection

Goal: Stop leaks from a loose spout.

  • For slip-on: push the spout fully onto the pipe and tighten the set screw. For thread-on: hand-tighten, then snug with a wrench—do not overtighten. Turn the water on and check for leaks.
  • Good: No drips. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Spout will not seal—replace the O-ring or the spout.

Replace spout

Goal: Install a new spout when the old one is damaged.

  • Match the connection type and pipe size. Install with a fresh O-ring or washer. Confirm the spout reaches the wall and the connection is tight.
  • Good: No drips when the faucet is off. Proceed to Verification.
  • Bad: Pipe stub is too short—call a plumber.

When to get help

Call a plumber if:

  • The pipe stub is too short for the spout.
  • The pipe is corroded or damaged.
  • The leak is behind the wall.

Do not force the spout—you can damage the pipe. For other plumbing fixes, see Fix a shower faucet that leaks or How to unclog a drain.

Verification

  • No drips at the spout when the faucet is off.
  • The diverter (if present) switches flow to the shower correctly.
  • The spout is firmly attached to the wall.

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why does my tub spout leak?
Common causes: a loose connection to the wall pipe, a worn O-ring or washer, or a failed diverter (the part that switches flow to the shower). Tub spouts thread or slip onto a pipe stub; a bad seal causes dripping.
Can I fix a tub spout leak myself?
Yes. Most tub spout leaks are fixable by tightening the connection, replacing the O-ring, or installing a new spout. Shut off the water first. If the pipe stub is too short or corroded, call a plumber.
When should I call a plumber for a tub spout leak?
Call a plumber if the pipe stub is too short for the spout, the pipe is corroded, or the leak is behind the wall. Do not force the spout—you can damage the pipe.

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