How to keep a tub spout drop ear from wiggling
Tub spouts can wiggle in and out if the drop ear is not properly anchored behind the wall. Securing the drop ear with a solid piece of blocking prevents movement that can stress the plumbing connections and lead to leaks.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Using a 2x4 piece of blocking and a U pipe hanger instead of a drop ear
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“First time DIYer here. Installing a Delta shower valve with tub fill. Is the brass nipples to tub spout safe to use?”source ↗
beaudennis92 · r/Plumbing · 12 upvotes
“Put a piece of blocking and a drop ear to replace that 90 on the tub spout. You don't want that tub spout to wiggle in and out so you have to secure it”source ↗
Timmyckcpt · r/Plumbing · 2 upvotes