Plastic piece stuck on pipe- trying to change tub spout

[jennyr]

Hello,

I am trying to install a new tub spout. I was able to get the old spout off. However, there is a piece of plastic that will not come off of the pipe. I can move it back so that it is flush with the wall, and I can move it forward as far as it shows in the attached picture. Do you know what is keeping it from moving off of the pipe and how I can get it off? If I can't remove it, then do you know if there is a certain spout with diverter that uses the same plastic so that it could go over this?

Thank you,
Jenny

 

[kozzney]

I'd say try to cut it off with a dremel tool cutting wheel or something like that. And most tub spouts screw onto a nub, you might have to add a nub after

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Terry]

That plastic piece will come off. You will need to remove it for the new spout. They just slide off with pliers.

Normally that piece would be held on with an Allen screw.

 

[Reach4]

If somebody glued yours on, you could try cutting with a hot knife. Normally the thing would not be glued, but it looked like there might be some silicone glue in your photo.

 

[Terry]

This one is a Delta tub spout.

And your photo enlarged. Is that a clip behind the white plastic?

 

[Sluggo]

If you can slide it back and forth on the copper pipe, but not get it completely off, the pipe may have a slight protrusion at the point where it is stopping, like a trace of solder or some surface corrosion or mineral deposits. It wouldn't take much to keep a tight fitting piece of plastic from slipping off easily. Slide it back against the wall and feel all around the pipe, including the underside, to see if there is anything like that. If so, it could be removed with a bit of emery paper or similar abrasive.