Bellingham WA Home Inspections (King of the House) -- Escutcheons

One of the most common problems I see in bathtub inspections is the issue of a great big gap behind the spout. This big gap, see first photo below, is a marvelous opportunity for water from a shower to get down into the wall and that is not where you want it to be. It can lead to rot and other bad things including mold. The problem is that everyone thinks that he or she is versatile enough to resolve this problem without calling a plumber. So, what do they do? Normally they fill this gap with about 1/2" or more of white caulking compound. Sometimes naive people think the gap is normal and do not sweat it or do anything. That is a really big mistake! The first solution, slathering on caulking compound like peanut butter, lasts maybe a few months and then it opens up -- the gap is back. 

So, realistically, what can a homeowner do on his or her own? Here are three fairly simple things that, with care and common sense, the homeowner should be able to do:

(1) Put in a new and shorter threaded nipple. These spouts simply screw onto a nipple. But, sometimes the nipple is such a length that the threads bottom-out before the back of the spout touches the wall. The shorter nipple might solve this, but the installer will have to have some tools on hand, and a roll of Teflon tape or pipe joint compound, to make the threads water-tight and to get the fitting tight at the connection made in the wall. A negative here: I have seen situations where, for whatever logistical reason, the next length nipple down did not assure a good fit either.

(2) Use the same nipple, leave it in the wall, but buy a spout that is telescoping or adjustable in length -- see what I am talking about here. 

(3) Use the same nipple, leave it in the wall, and take a cheap route that is pretty easy. Purchase a simple escutcheon. What you say? An escutcheon is a decorative trim plate, metal or plastic, that is designed to fit over a hole or the gap in plumbing work. See what I am talking about here. With the escutcheon, you are able to snug the spout up against it so you form a strong, tight fit against the wall. It will not flex if touched, and break loose, like over-stretched caulking compound. The second photo down is a lucky spout with an inexpensive chrome-colored plastic escutcheon. It is a very happy spout!

Thanks for stopping in.

Steven L. Smith

Bellingham WA Home Inspector

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