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How to fix bath mixer spout that came off wall?

Odd issue, the spout from my bath mixing unit has come shooting off the wall spigot while filling up the bath (i.e the tap was open on full pressure).

The spout only relies on 2 small grub screws tighting against the smooth, curved brass sides of the spigot. The screws do have a pointed end, but it doesnt press i to the spigot.

This same thing also happened 6 months ago, so it's not isolated, and I know the screws were tightened up as much as they could be without stripping the heads.

Is this a normal mechanism, as it seems really unsecure under a full mains pressure water line? Am I missing something on how it's attached properly? Is it busted and I should get a new unit?

Just looking for advice if it's something a I can fix myself or if I need a plumber.

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EricL

Hello @jacobm

I can clearly see the pointy end of the grub screw and am surprised that it is not digging into the brass surface of the wall spout. I suggest using a Gorilla 7 Piece Metric Fold Up Hex Allen Key Set to tighten the screws of the spout. The Allen key body should give you a better grip and allow you to give the grub screw a tighter fit.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

jacobm

Hi Eric,

I have a hex set i used to tighten it the last time it came off. I tightened it as much as i could without worrying about snapping the heads or stripping the thread out of the spout.

I tried finding the model online but couldnt find any data on what the maximum water pressure it could safely support. (The tap was already installed when i purchased the house). Is it common for a pressure reducing valve to be used on these types of mixers?

Maybe using loctite or something on the screws would stop them from coming loose over time?

MitchellMc

Hi @jacobm,

Under normal household water pressure, the grubscrews should sufficiently secure the spout. Have you checked the filter/aerator on the spout to ensure it is not clogged? If it were clogged and not allowing the full flow of water through it, pressure could build up behind it and blow the spout off. Unscrew the aerator and clean it out well if needed.

Now, the grub screws coming loose over time and them not holding sufficiently in the first place when tightened are two different things. If the spout remained in position for a significant amount of time after you last tightened the grub screws, it could indicate that they are working themselves loose, and some Loctite would certainly help prevent that from happening.

If the spout blows itself off the next use after installation, it would indicate that the grubscrews are not gripping the spout sufficiently.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

jacobm

It has been about 6-12 months since it happened the first time, and had been in place for at least 3 years before that, but the bath wasnt getting a lot of use during that time.

I think i will use some loctite to be sure, and i will try to use a hole punch or drill to make a small depression in the spigot where the grub screws tighten into to help with the lateral force

Noyade

G'day @jacobm

I guess a lot depends on how much you love this spout.

Already I'm disliking it. 😁

As per the suggestions above - clean the aerator, check the condition of the O-rings and maybe even new grub screws.

I'd be hesitant to use Loctite in the event the spout comes off again - and then you can't remove the grub screws.

As per your suggestion - but I'd drill (very small) 'Vs' into the copper to accept the pointed grub screws, very slowly using old technology.

But before I did that - and since I don't like the spout - I'd drill and tap M5 stainless steel bolts into the sides. Trail and error will determine the perfect length. You'll get a lot more pressure/friction on the copper with bolts.

Please keep us posted with whatever you do.

Cheers!

jacobm

thanks Noyade, i hadnt thought of tapping in some bigger screws, that might be a good option if i still dont trust the grub screws or if i overtighten them and they snap.

as far as liking the spout, im definitely not attached to it, but unfortunately removing the bath, then the tiles in order to replace it isnt on the cards right now! The bathroom reno is still a few years off.....

MitchellMc

@Noyade,

"I'd be hesitant to use Loctite in the event the spout comes off again - and then you can't remove the grub screws."

There are different grades of Loctite. 🙂 Parts can be dismantled with normal hand tools. 222 is designed to stop nuts/bolts from backing off through vibration; it doesn't glue them in position. You might be thinking of 270 or 277, they require localised heat and mechanical tools for removal.

Mitchell

Noyade

Why are there two grub screws at the back?

Do they fit into that small cavity on the wall - to maintain a horizontal attitude for the spout - then you tighten the grub screws you're having trouble with?

Noyade

Thanks @MitchellMc - wasn't aware of that. 👍

jacobm

Yeah thats right, the two grub screws on the back face are just there to locate the spout on the horizontal axis, then the spout is fixed in place by the angled screws on the underside.

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