[BillyB44]

I just finished tiling an old tub surround and the new tile plus backer board added about one inch in new thickness so the end-threaded tub spot no longer reaches the threads on the pipe coming off the wall. (See pic which doesn't quite show the pipe!) I am hoping this is a common problem (?) and there might be a simple screw-on extension or something but local Lowe's was no help. Do I need a plumber to sweat on a whole new piece or is there an easier fix?? Thanks!

 

[brokenknee]

No pitchers showed up.

If it is a galvanized nipple, just unscrew it and get one that is one inch longer.

edit: If it is copper, just cut it back and sweat in a little longer piece.

 

[BillyB44]

Thanks, it is galvanized pipe but could be 'frozen' in place from age. I guess I may have to just try to muscle it out and hope nothing breaks...

 

[Mike Swearingen]

Working with old galvanized can be fun.
Tap the end of the pipe with a hammer (not too hard, just enough to cause enough vibration to help loosen the threads).
Use a large pipe wrench and try to turn it clockwise (to normally tighten it) to also try to break it loose.
Then spray the end in the wall with WD-40 and let it sit for a bit.
Now, turn it out with the pipe wrench counter-clockwise.
Get a 1/2" galvanized nipple one inch longer. Wrap 2-3 flat wraps of teflon tape around each threaded end clockwise as the threaded ends face you, and tighten it in. Then screw on the spout.
Good Luck!
Mike

 

[Otherbill]

Had the same problem. A six inch was too long and a four inch was too short. Went to the lawn sprinkler entensions and found all different size fiber extensions. Just right!!

 

[al's sewer]

nipples come in various lentghs not just 4 inch or six inch you can get a 3and a half or 2 inch whatever you need. also after you put the nipple in put caulk all around the pipe where it goes through the wall and after you install the tub spout put a bead of caulk all around the spout where it meets the wall. do the same with the handles.

 

[al's sewer]

should also have mentioned a tub spout does not have to be that tight as long as you get a good snug fit against the wall you will be ok. Just make sure that when you caulk you don't caulk that little notch that is on the bottom of the spout where it meets the wall.

 

[BillyB44]

Interesting, thanks.

Sounds like good advice, but are you saying you didn't need to remove the old (too short) pipe from the wall and were able to just add a short extension from lawn sprinkler dept? That'd be ideal! Thanks for the grouting pointers, too...I'll be glad when I get to that stage.

 

[al's sewer]

Sounds like good advice, but are you saying you didn't need to remove the old (too short) pipe from the wall and were able to just add a short extension from lawn sprinkler dept? That'd be ideal! Thanks for the grouting pointers, too...I'll be glad when I get to that stage.

If its a threaded galvanized nipple you will have to remove tthe old nipple and replace with a new one. be careful working with old galvanize can be a pain.

 

[BillyB44]

This is a great idea. I went to Lowe's and for .47c found a nylon sprinkler pipe extension that (by cutting it down some) lets me extend the galvanized pipe the needed 1". Much better than trying to remove and replace the old pipe. Thanks!

 

[kenmac]

Is the nylon rated for hot water. Most I've seen isn't. May be a problem. May not

 

[BillyB44]

Damn good question. I'll have to check that out. Seems like some sprinklers could be exposed to very hot, sunny conditions, but this bears some investigating. Thanks.