Delta tub spout troubles

[Kelin Ashley]

Let me start by saying my plumbing skills are very limited. I just had my tub refinished, and I'd rather not risk having a plumber potentially drop a tool or bang into a wall if I can help it. My house was built in 1974, and I guess hard water the reason the diverters keep failing on my tub spouts (they've been the cheap Danco ones from Lowe's). This time around I really wanted to find something that would last, but I feel like I'm limited because the pipe sticking out of the wall is only 1/2" long. So anyway, I bought the Delta spout with the pull down diverter that came with the brass adapter, but the adapter won't screw onto the pipe coming out of the wall. What am I doing wrong?

this is as far as it will go

 

[Terry]

Have your read your instructions yet?

Delta Faucet RP5834 1/2" CHROME TUB SPOUT, 5-5/8" x 2-1/2"

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Kelin Ashley]

I read the instructions, and I've read a bunch of posts on this forum about the Delta adapter. Am I missing something obvious? The adapter won't screw on past the first two threads on the pipe - my assumption was that it needed to go further in order to seal properly, but my husband thinks it's sufficient.

 

[Reach4]

Maybe use pipe dope and PTFE both to minimize the chance of leaking with such low thread engagement.

Your nipple is a bit shorter than 1/2 from the surface of the wall, maybe?

 

[Kelin Ashley]

It's actually a little more than 1/2" out from the wall. There are more threads on there, but the adapter will not move any further.

 

[Reach4]

It's actually a little more than 1/2" out from the wall. There are more threads on there, but the adapter will not move any further.

I think I would try to restrict the showerhead output as a test. Some handheld shower have shutoff positions. Turn on the shower. Block the water. Watch for leaks outside of the tub. During heating season the air is drier, so any leaks would dry quicker.

 

[hj]

use a wire brush on the threads. They are corroded so the adapter does not screw on properly. OR, do it the right way and replace that steel pipe with a brass nipple.