Threaded Tub Spout Nipple Too Short

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wongster12

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This is my first post so I would just like to thank anyone that is willing to help.

I have a threaded Kolher tub spout that needs to be replaced. The threaded nipple is 3.75 inches long and all Kolher has discontinued the tub spout. All their new tub spouts require a 4 inch threaded nipple. At first I thought the nipple could be unscrewed and replaced with a longer nipple. However, with all my efforts with a pipe wrench, it will not unscrew. So, I think it is soldered. I had purchased a brass adapter but it extended the nipple half an inch too long. I am stumped and wanted to know if I just need to get a plumber.

Any advise is welcomed
 

Reach4

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There is a thing called an "internal pipe wrench", and "nipple extractor".

I don't know if those are total synonyms, but the phrases should get you started.

I did not have good luck with an internal pipe wrench. It slipped.
armour-line-pipe-wrenches-rp77363-64_145.jpg


Other people use them fine.

Use a brass nipple, not galvanized.
 

Reach4

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How far does this nipple stick out of the wall? That would matter if you wanted to consider a different spout, or if you might cut that nipple, and attach something onto the cut nipple.

Is that nipple colored like yellow brass, or reddish like copper? Is that nipple attracted to a magnet?

Otherwise, you would probably need a plumber.

Check the other side of the wall. Is that a closet? If so, there may already be an access panel.
 

wongster12

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Thank you Reach 4. The nipple is more like yellow but not sure if it is brass or copper. I put a magnet to it and it is not attracted to it. I included a pic.

IMG_20200215_144654.jpg
 

Reach4

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I think you ay mean that the nipple sticks out of the wall 3-3/4 inches.

Looking in the hole with a bright light, any signs of solder?

What is on the other side of the wall?
 

Taylorjm

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It's not copper. Most likely brass. I don't think I've ever seen a brass nipple threaded on one end and soldered on the other so chances are it's threaded in there.
 

wongster12

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You are correct. I meant that the nipple is 3.75 inches from the wall. As for the other side, it is not a closet but a wall to a bedroom. I did try to take a peak with a bright light and unfortunately there a grout around the base of the nipple so I cannot see anything. I tried the internal wrench and a pipe wrench and it won't budge. Any other suggestions?
 

Taylorjm

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You are correct. I meant that the nipple is 3.75 inches from the wall. As for the other side, it is not a closet but a wall to a bedroom. I did try to take a peak with a bright light and unfortunately there a grout around the base of the nipple so I cannot see anything. I tried the internal wrench and a pipe wrench and it won't budge. Any other suggestions?

Yeah, but you were saying you thought it was soldered at the other end. It can't be because it's not copper, the only other thing you can solder is brass, but you wouldn't have a threaded brass nipple on one end, and soldered at the other.
 

Taylorjm

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Well, what choice do you have? You either put a pipe wrench on it and keep going until something gives way and it unscrews, or you cut a hole in the wall behind the faucet and see what's going on, but your probably going to find an elbow and it's threaded and just stuck. Since it's not copper pipe coming out, then this is probably what you have inside.
 

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wongster12

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You guys are amazing!!! I gave it a go again and just didn't give up and came loose. Thank you guys again!!!!!
 
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Reach4

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I just measured the nipple and it is 7 inches. So the next question is how to get a 7.25 inch nipple??
I am not sure how much you can do this way, but if you take your 7 and use a lot of tape on both ends, it could come out a little more.

copper-everbilt-copper-fittings-c604hd12-64_145.jpg

Easiest and cheapest, may be is to get a bit of 1/2" copper pipe and solder on 2 MIP adapters. Make your own nipple at whatever length you want.
 

Terry

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Delta makes tub spouts with their own adapter that gives you much more leeway for the length from the wall.

delta-rp5834-2.jpg


Or you can do it old school and make it work with 1/2" increments by turning tighter or not so tight.
I like the Delta way. The adapter fits within a range, and then the spout spins onto that.

delta-tub-spout-install.jpg
 
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