How To Fill Gaps Between A Tub Spout Or Shower Handle & Wall?

Some tub spouts screw onto a threaded pipe hidden behind the wall. If the fitting isn't correctly positioned, a space can occur between the wall and the spout. If you're wondering how to fill such a gap, keep reading. We've done research on this problem and have solutions to share.

You can fill a gap between a tub spout or shower handle and the wall by using spray foam, escutcheon, caulking, or trim plates. You should ascertain the cause of the gap and call a specialist for assistance if the problem is the result of material or installation flaws.

A gap can cause water to spout and be splattered back against the wall when you use the shower. Continue reading, since we have plenty of information to share after researching this subject!

Filling Gaps

Working with gaps between a tub spout or shower handle and walls can be challenging, especially if you don't have previous experience. Here are a few ideas for bridging those gaps.

A brass tub spout turned on at the living room

Spray Foam

The spout will be stabilized due to spray foam expanding in the wall. Although screws are preferable, spray foam will work since you can't penetrate the wall. Spray it around the pipe and spout as well as within the wall.

Then use a silicone caulk that is approved for bathrooms to seal the area around the spout. Getting low-expansion foam is crucial; all you need is a single can.

Low-expansion foam is preferable because there is always a danger of snapping a joint apart in this kind of application.

See this spray foam on Amazon.

Escutcheon

An escutcheon can fill the gap between the spout and the wall. You can obtain a split escutcheon that will fit over the pipe with the faucet. Alternatively, you can remove the tap, put the escutcheon on the pipe, and replace it.

Click here to see this escutcheon on Amazon.

Silicone Caulk

An excellent adhesive is high-grade silicone caulk. Use only high-quality silicone caulk for this application. You could also use other caulks explicitly designed for sealing metal and glass to smooth surfaces exposed to water.

Ensure the spigot is clean, dry, and free of oils and other loose particles if the tub surround is generally robust. Give the caulk time to dry before securing and fastening the spigot to the wall.

Fill the gap with caulk if it is slightly bigger than half an inch but not flush with the surface.

See this silicone sealant on Amazon.

Use A Trim Plate

Look for a trim plate that you may attach behind the spout if the gap is more expansive than half an inch. You can find these plates in stores that sell building supplies. The standard offset of the spout opening from the wall may fill the gap.

You might need to caulk over the gap if it is more prominent. In any case, you should caulk the trim plate's edge and the base of the spout to keep water out.

How Should A Tub Spout Be Caulked?

Interior of a luxurious modern bathroom with white painted walls and a glass wall bathtub, How To Fill Gaps Between A Tub Spout Or Shower Handle & Wall?

Finding water damage may be disastrous and time- and labor-intensive during a remodel. Caulking around bathtubs, showers, and faucets is one of the best ways to prevent water damage. Follow these steps for caulking:

  1. Get rid of the old caulk.
  2. Wash the spout and wall.
  3. Load the caulk gun.
  4. Apply caulk using a caulking gun.
  5. Spread and flatten the caulk.
  6. Allow the caulk to dry before using the shower or tub.

The caulking will prevent water or other liquids from entering the wall behind the bathtub or shower assembly and the faucet. 

Wet stainless steel nickel tub spout

Silicone Caulk

Silicone sticks to smooth, non-porous surfaces like metal, glass, and ceramic tiles best. The best caulk to buy is silicone-based, and to prevent it from standing out, choose a hue that complements the color of your sink.

To apply the caulk, you should follow these steps.

1. Remove The Caulk

Eliminate the existing caulk. Applying caulk over old, peeling caulk won't always result in a watertight seal. So use a utility knife or razor edge to pry open the seal between the tub, the spout, and the caulk.

Hold the knife or razor at an angle to lessen the risk of harming the bath surfaces and yourself.

Check out this utility knife on Amazon.

2. Remove old caulk

Your razor or knife can release the caulk by pushing it inward. The caulk should be cut in a line. You can then grab the end and gradually pull it. The majority of the caulk ought to come out in a long strip. Use your knife or razor to scrape away any residual caulk.

3. Clean The Surface

Use a rag soaked in a solution of one part bleach and three parts warm water to clean the wall and spout. The surface must be clean for the caulk to form a watertight seal. Avoid using a moist cloth that can leak water behind the wall.

4. Load The Caulk Gun

Snap the caulking tube into the caulking gun. Using a utility knife, trim off about half an inch of the tube's tip by cutting at a 45-degree angle. To make caulking around the tub spout easier, use a nail to pierce the tube's nozzle and let the caulk flow.

5. Apply The Caulk

When the caulk starts to appear at the tip of the caulk gun, squeeze the trigger. Place the tube tip where the bath spout meets the wall after removing the caulk with a rag. Reset the trigger, then move the caulk gun around the spout's end.

To complete the circle around the spout, you might need to stop and start a few times. Stopping is acceptable if the new bead begins by touching the previous one.

A caulking gun placed on the table

6. Flatten The Caulk

Run a damp finger along the caulk bead. It'll help spread and flatten the caulk, giving it a cleaner appearance and creating a tighter seal.

Additionally, it evens out any areas of caulk where you may have stopped and started. 

How To Install A Tub Spout?

Replacing a tub spout is a simple task that you probably complete on your own. It's an easy method for updating your bathroom's appearance or repairing a spout. 

Follow these steps to install a tub spout quickly:

  • Identify the faucet location.
  • Remove any caulking.
  • Brace and anchor it.
  • Combine pipes.
  • Assemble the body fittings.
  • Install and tighten the fixture.

You must identify the type of tub spout you already have and the replacement type before you start work.

There are a few types of tub spouts, including a diverter spout, which has a diverter right on the tub spout, which sends the water to the tub and shower, and a non-diverter spout, which only sends water into the tub.

Identify Faucet Location

The protective plastic cover of a faucets is a reference point for the depth at which you should install it. When deciding where to position the bracing, you must consider the finished wall's overall depth.

Supply pipes might need to be split out further than they would for a single-handle faucet. This applies if you have various faucet configurations, like a three-handle faucet.

The spout is fastened to a pipe by threads, set screws, or friction. If there is a set screw, look underneath the spout where it connects to the shower wall. Use hex keys or screwdrivers for the set screw.

See this Hex key set on Amazon.

Remove Caulking

Cut away any caulking surrounding the tub spout's wall end with a putty knife or razor. Then unscrew the tub spout in a counterclockwise direction until the brass adaptor is free of the tub spout.

Brace And Anchor

Choose the location for the spout, faucet handles, and showerhead, ensuring they will clear the tub. Install a brace for each one, and fasten it with screws rather than nails to make it simpler to move it when it needs adjusting.

Different kinds of shower heads on a white background

Combine Pipes

In a dry run, assemble all the pipes. Short pipe lengths are run to the threaded adapters on the faucet, reducer couplings or elbows are added, and the pipe is adjusted to the faucet's height.

Finally, add hammer arresters and anchor the faucet using the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Assemble Fittings

Sweat all the fittings once you are confident of the connections. Start with the faucet, then focus on the connections for the shower arm and spout. Attach drop-ear elbows on both ends as you run it up the shower arm and down to the spout.

Install and Tighten 

Install both drop-ear elbows with a threaded nipple, either brass or galvanized, by finger-tightening. Install the shower arm and tub spout after removing and placing the wallcovering.

Click here to see these threaded nipples on Amazon.

Here's a video showing you how to install a tub spout.

In Closing

A gray stainless steel tub spout turned on

You may fill bathroom wall gaps using spray foam, escutcheon, caulking, or trim plates. Find out what type of spout you have and determine what approach you need to take.

If you find this article informative, check out these related articles:

What Color To Paint Gutter And Downspouts? [8 Options]

How To Extend A Bathtub Spout Pipe – 2 Methods To Try

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