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How to replace a sink spout?

Hi all, I want to replace the existing spout for my bathroom sink with a new one. The problem is the current spout (it's probably the original one) has been painted over with a thick coat/s of paint, with no obvious joins anywhere, and I can see it's going to be very difficult to remove. It there a way for me to do this so I can replace the spout myself?

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JacobZ

Hi @Lila,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us.

I am fairly confident that to remove this spout, you will need to look underneath the basin where the spout goes through the top of the basin.

Do you have access to the underside of the basin? If so, could you upload a photo of what you find?

It is likely there is some method of attachment underneath the basin that you'll have to undo to remove the spout. As an example, this is what is under the basin in my home.

To remove my spout, you would remove the two bronze nuts from the threaded pieces. It's likely there is something similar beneath your basin.

Allow me to tag some of our knowledgeable members to see if they've got any ideas @Dave-1, @Noyade, @Jewelleryrescue.

Let me know how you go. If this is not correct, some further investigation might be required.

Jacob

Dave-1

Afternoon @Lila

The steps that @JacobZ has shown are the same steps I would be following along. Its a tight area but the thing I tell myslef is that it was put in so I must be able to undo it 🙂 That has made me try several times when trying to do something with what appears to be no space.

Dave

Lila

Hi @JacobZ , I put my hand underneath but it is not connected as you say. There's a pipe that goes from one tap handle to the other and in the middle there's a separate 'offshoot' pipe that leads up to the spout.

Lila

Hi @Dave-1 thank you for replying but the spout is not connected with two bolts. It's at the top of a pipe that is an offshoot from another pipe that leads from one tap handle to another. The spout appears to have been painted, with quite a number of coats of paint by the look of things.

Dave-1

Afternoon @Lila

MMmmm any chance of a photo from underneath?

Dave

JacobZ

Hi @Lila,

As @Dave-1 has said, a photo would definitely be handy.

While it may not have the exact same mounting set-up as the one in my home, it will likely still be underneath the basin.

Let me know how you go.

Jacob

Lila

Hi @Dave-1

Please see attached photo of under the sink spout on question. And sorry it's taken me this long to get it to you.

Lila

Hi @JacobZ

Sorry it's taken me a while to post these photos. I just posted one above, but here's another of a different angle of the sink spout in question ...

Dave-1

Morning @Lila

Bingo! You can see the large nut in the middle just under where the tap itself is. I would say thats the nit that needs to be undone so the tap can be removed to be replaced. No the question is "How do you do that?"

I have a sneaking suspicion that those "nuts" on the the hot and cold pipes need to be undone, then the whole top taken off the cupboard so you canb access the nuts underneath. I would wait until someone else confirms this as I havnt had to do one like this yet and wouldnt want you to waste the effort if I am wrong.

Dave

MitchellMc

Hi @Lila,

As @Dave-1 has mentioned, to gain access to that nut, you'll probably have to disconnect the entire breech, which is the copper pipe between the handles and spout. Hopefully, that will give you enough access to get a basin wrench in there.

Please remember that this is considered plumbing work, requiring a licensed plumber to perform it.

Mitchell

Lila

@Dave-1 thank you for your reply. Looks like it's a job that's a bit (actually, a lot) out of my league, but at least I know what needs to be done now. Again, thank you.

Lila

Hi @MitchellMc, thank you for taking a look and for your advice. Yes, it looks like it's something I may need to leave to a professional. But thank you for steering my in the right direction.

I've just had an afterthought ... when it comes to changing the taps, is it a simple matter of undoing them at the top, or do I need to approach that job too, underneath, based on the picture of my fittings?

I've already bought my new tap fittings, from Bunnings of course, and was going to have a try at replacing them myself, but if you think I should leave that job too to a professional, please let me know. Thank you!

EricL

Hello @Lila

If the tap set you've purchased includes the brass body and not just the handle and flange set, then I propose allowing the trade professional to install the rest of your tapware. In this manner the entire tap set is covered under the installers warranty. However, I suggest observing the installation so that you can see how it's done and next time you need to update any of your tapware you'll be familiar with the steps.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

Lila

Hi @EricL I purchased a boxed (matching) Shaw and Mason white and chrome taps and spout set. I haven't opened the box yet but I'm guessing that includes the brass body. Would that be right?

If it does, I'll just get a licensed plumber to install it, as you suggest, since he has to come for the spout anyway.

Thanks for the tip.

Regards, Lila

MitchellMc

Hi @Lila,

It would be best to have the plumber install it all at the same time.

Mitchell

Lila

@MitchellMc .. gotcha. Thank you!

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