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.
Found another way around this?
Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.
- 1Using a 2x4 piece of blocking and a U pipe hanger instead of a drop earDid this help you?
- 2Shooting a support strap or anchor on the vertical pipeDid this help you?
- 3Slicing a sliver of wood, pounding it into the hole to slim it, and caulking itDid this help you?
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, 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 ↗
“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 ↗
“It seems like it shouldn’t be so loose but I’m not sure if it’s actually a problem so wanted to check with the professionals here”source ↗
Where this came up
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