Having a shower faucet diverter that is not functioning properly can be a frustrating problem to deal with. When the diverter fails, it can prevent water from flowing to the showerhead, causing inconvenience and discomfort. However, fixing a shower faucet diverter is not as complicated as it may seem.
The first step in fixing a shower faucet diverter is to identify the type of diverter you have. There are three main types: a diverter valve located on the tub spout, a diverter handle or knob on the faucet, or a diverter valve located behind the wall. The method of fixing the diverter will depend on which type you have.
If you have a diverter valve located on the tub spout or a diverter handle or knob on the faucet, the most common issue is that the internal parts of the diverter have become worn or clogged with debris. To fix this, you can start by turning off the water supply to the shower and removing the diverter valve or handle. Clean the diverter thoroughly and inspect it for any signs of damage or blockage. If necessary, replace the worn parts or clear the debris, and then reassemble the diverter.
If you have a diverter valve located behind the wall, you may need to call a professional plumber as accessing and replacing this type of diverter can be more complex. However, if you are a confident DIYer, you can try to fix it yourself by following the manufacturer’s instructions or seeking guidance from online tutorials.
In conclusion, fixing a shower faucet diverter is a task that can be accomplished with a little knowledge and patience. By identifying the type of diverter you have and following the appropriate steps, you can restore the functionality of your shower faucet and enjoy a refreshing shower experience once again.
Steps to Fix Shower Faucet Diverter
If your shower faucet diverter is not working properly, causing water to come out of both the showerhead and the bathtub faucet, you can follow these steps to fix the issue:
- Turn off the water supply to the shower faucet. You can usually do this by turning off the main water supply valve for your house or by locating the water shut-off valve specifically for the shower.
- Remove the faucet handle and trim to access the diverter. This can typically be done by removing any decorative caps or screws and then pulling off the handle and trim.
- Inspect the diverter for any damage or debris. If the diverter is broken or worn out, you may need to replace it. If there is debris blocking the diverter, clean it out using a small brush or toothbrush.
- Apply plumber’s tape or thread sealant to the threads of the new diverter (if replacing) to ensure a tight seal.
- Install the new diverter by screwing it into place. Make sure it is tightened securely.
- Reassemble the faucet handle and trim. Make sure everything is lined up properly and tighten any screws or caps.
- Turn the water supply back on and test the shower faucet diverter. The water should now only come out of the desired outlet, either the showerhead or the bathtub faucet.
If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be necessary to contact a professional plumber for further assistance.
Turn Off the Water Supply
The first step in fixing a shower faucet diverter is to turn off the water supply to the shower. This is important to prevent any water from flowing while you are working on the diverter. You can usually find the water shut-off valve for your shower near the water main in your home or apartment.
If you are unsure of where the shut-off valve is located, you can check the plumbing underneath the sink or behind the shower wall. The shut-off valve should have a handle that you can turn clockwise to shut off the water supply.
It’s a good idea to place a towel or a small bucket underneath the area where you will be working to catch any excess water that may still be in the pipes. Once you have turned off the water supply, you can proceed with fixing the shower faucet diverter.
Remove the Faucet Handle
To begin fixing a shower faucet diverter, you first need to remove the faucet handle. This is usually located at the front of the faucet and can be easily removed by unscrewing it counterclockwise.
Before you start, it’s a good idea to turn off the water supply to the shower to prevent any leaks or accidents. Once the water is turned off, you can begin removing the faucet handle.
To remove the faucet handle, locate the screw or bolt that secures it in place. This is typically located either under a small cap on top of the handle or behind a decorative plate. Use a screwdriver or an appropriate tool to unscrew or loosen the screw or bolt.
Once the screw or bolt is loosened, gently pull the handle away from the wall. It may take some wiggling or maneuvering to remove it completely. If the handle is stuck, you can try using a handle puller tool to remove it without damaging it.
Once the handle is removed, set it aside in a safe place. You may also want to take this opportunity to clean the handle and the area around it before continuing with the diverter repair.
Removing the faucet handle is an important step in fixing a shower faucet diverter. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific faucet model, as the process may vary slightly.
Disassemble the Diverter Valve
To begin fixing your shower faucet diverter issue, you’ll need to disassemble the diverter valve. Here’s how:
- Turn off the water supply to your shower.
- Remove the faucet handle by using a screwdriver or an Allen wrench. The type of tool needed will depend on the specific design of your faucet.
- Take off the escutcheon plate, which is the decorative cover located on the wall surrounding the faucet. You may need to unscrew it or simply pry it off with a flathead screwdriver.
- Locate the diverter valve, which is usually positioned behind the faucet handle. It will look like a small, cylindrical piece with an inlet, outlet, and a stem or lever.
- Using a pair of pliers or an adjustable wrench, carefully unscrew the diverter valve from the plumbing. Be cautious not to damage the threads or surrounding pipes.
- Once the diverter valve is loose, pull it out from the wall. If it’s stuck, you may need to gently pry it with a flathead screwdriver.
With the diverter valve disassembled, you can now inspect it for any signs of damage, such as wear and tear or debris buildup. Cleaning or replacing certain components may be necessary to restore proper functionality to your shower faucet diverter.
Inspect and Clean the Diverter Valve
The diverter valve is responsible for directing water flow to either the showerhead or the bathtub faucet. Over time, mineral deposits or debris can build up inside the diverter valve, causing it to become stuck or inefficient. Inspecting and cleaning the diverter valve is an important step in fixing a shower faucet diverter issue.
To inspect and clean the diverter valve, follow these steps:
| Step | Instructions |
| 1 | Turn off the water supply to the shower faucet. This can typically be done by shutting off the main water supply to the house or by closing the individual water shut-off valves located near the shower. |
| 2 | Remove the shower faucet handle to access the diverter valve. This can usually be done by removing a decorative cap or screw and then pulling off the handle. |
| 3 | Inspect the diverter valve for any visible signs of mineral buildup or debris. Use a flashlight if needed to get a clear view. Pay close attention to the valve seat and surrounding areas. |
| 4 | If there is mineral buildup or debris, gently scrub the affected areas with a toothbrush or a small brush. Be careful not to damage the valve seat or other components. |
| 5 | After cleaning, rinse the diverter valve thoroughly with water to remove any loosened debris. |
| 6 | Reassemble the shower faucet by attaching the handle back in place. |
| 7 | Turn on the water supply and test the diverter valve. Check if the water is now properly flowing to the desired outlet. |
If cleaning the diverter valve does not fix the issue, it may be necessary to replace the valve with a new one. Consult a professional plumber if you are unsure or uncomfortable with this task.
Replace the Diverter Valve, if Necessary
If the diverter valve is damaged or not functioning properly, it may need to be replaced. Here are the steps to replace the diverter valve:
- Turn off the water supply to the shower faucet.
- Remove the shower handle or trim to access the diverter valve.
- Use a wrench or pliers to unscrew the old diverter valve from the shower pipe.
- Take the old diverter valve to a hardware store to make sure you purchase the correct replacement.
- Apply plumber’s tape to the threads of the new diverter valve to ensure a watertight seal.
- Screw the new diverter valve onto the shower pipe and tighten it with a wrench or pliers.
- Reattach the shower handle or trim.
- Turn on the water supply and test the shower faucet to make sure the new diverter valve is working properly.
If you are unsure about the installation process or do not feel comfortable doing it yourself, it is recommended to seek the help of a professional plumber.
Reassemble and Test the Faucet
Once you have completed the necessary repairs or replacements for your shower faucet diverter, it’s time to reassemble the faucet and test it to ensure it is working properly.
First, carefully place the diverter stem back into the faucet body, making sure it is aligned correctly. Use your hand or an adjustable wrench to tighten the stem in place.
Next, reattach any retaining clips or screws that hold the handle in place. Make sure these are tightened securely.
Once the handle is back in place, turn on the water supply to the faucet. Test the diverter by pulling up on the handle or pressing the diverter button, depending on the type of faucet you have.
Observe the water flow to check if the diverter is working correctly. If water is coming out of both the showerhead and the tub spout, you have successfully fixed the diverter.
If there are any issues with the diverter not functioning correctly or water leaking from the handle or other areas, it may be necessary to disassemble the faucet again and check for any loose parts or further repairs needed.
Once you are satisfied with the reassembled faucet and confident that it is working properly, turn off the water supply and clean up any tools or materials used during the repair process.
With the shower faucet diverter successfully fixed, you can now enjoy the convenience of easily switching between the showerhead and tub spout for a comfortable shower experience.
