Sorry to hear that. It's the bad scenario we all agreed can easily
happen when you start trying to fix old plumbing that you have no
or limited access to.

All I wanted to do was replace the tub spout...

I've had a lot of experience with old plumbing at my in-laws house
(galvanized pipe, even worse). I've learned nothing is easy when it comes
to old plumbing.

Given that this is a fixer upper in need of a lot of repairs, I would not
hesitate to use sharkbite if it makes things easier.

Access is going to be the biggest problem.

I won't be able to get back to mom's house for a few days.

Anthony