Loosening old tub faucet for removal

[choo]

I want to replace my tub spout. I'm afraid of breaking the pipes in the wall -- it was dripping for several months and the diverter valve is also "frozen".

Any recommendations on how to loosen the hardwater deposits before attempting to unscrew the spout?

(corrected "faucet" to "spout", thanks Majakdragon)

[majakdragon]

Choo, Welcome to the DIY forums.
When you say faucet, are you talking about the tub spout? If so, start by looking underneath the spout near the tub and see if there is a slot in the spout. If so, there is a set screw there that has to be loosened to allow the spout to slide off the pipe.You will have to cut the silicone that seals the spout to the tub. If not, take a wrench and turn the spout counterclockwise to unscrew it. Again, after cutting silicone seal. Grab the spout as close to the tub as you can to help prevent twisting the piping. Good luck and post back.

[choo]

Majakdragon, Thanks for figuring out what I meant instead of what I said!

- There is a slot in the underside of the spout, but there is only a pipe through the hole (no screw or screw hole).

- The spout is not attached to the tub. It's attached to a pipe that comes through a tiled wall. (There's also no access plate behind the wall, which is another reason I'm cautious about trying to twist the spout.)

Thanks!

[majakdragon]

I was aware that the spout would not be attached to the tub however, there should be a screw in that slot holding the spout on. If not, then it must be screwed on. Grab it as close to the wall as possible and turn counter clockwise.

[choo]

Yes, but it won't budge.

[choo]

I eventually was able to get the spout off -- some of the pipe came with it, as the spout was FIRMLY attached to the supply pipe.

My local hardware store sent me to a plumbing supply store that provided me with a new spout and supply pipe, which I was able to screw in inside the wall.

By the way, the newer model is designed differently, with a nylon(?) plate at the back that screws onto the supply pipe, so the supply pipe I needed was much shorter. (The old spout had the supply pipe attachment INSIDE the spout, almost at the end.) By comparing the old spout plus pipe to the new spout plus pipe, I was able to get a better fit (the old one had a gap of about 1/8 - 1/4" between the wall-side of the pipe and the wall which had always been a nuisance!).

[majakdragon]

Glad it all worked out for you. Thanks for posting back as other members may have the same problem and can learn as you did. At least you know where to come for assistance the next time you want to Do It Yourself.