Repairing Guides

how to repair a bathtub diverter

by Birdie Kunde Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Here’s how to repair a shower diverter in seven simple steps:

  • Turn off the water supply to your shower.
  • Seal off your drain with tape so that small screws or other important parts are not lost down the drainpipe.
  • Tighten the screws behind the faceplate of the diverter valve. If you attempt this fix but the water continues to pour or leak slowly from the bathtub spout after the ...
  • Disassemble the shower diverter. If your diverter has a rotating valve, unscrew the nut at the stem of the diverter and remove the entire valve. ...
  • Replace the diverter. To be sure you purchase the correct replacement, bring your old diverter with you to the store.
  • Install the new diverter, making sure that the parts do not cross-thread each other. Use a wrench to tighten the diverter, being cautious not to overtighten it. ...
  • Turn the water supply back on. Engage the shower diverter, directing the water flow to the showerhead. ...

Part of a video titled Repair Leaking Tub Spout Diverter Pull in Shower Mode
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And pulling up on the diverter. Knob once that comes off all of the parts will come loose. So we'llMoreAnd pulling up on the diverter. Knob once that comes off all of the parts will come loose. So we'll take a look inside the tub spout in a little bit but first let's check out the washer.

How to adjust the diverter valve in my bathtub shower?

Steps for Replacing a Shower Diverter Valve

  1. Unscrew the Screws. Using a screwdriver, slowly unscrew the diverter knob. ...
  2. Clean the Supply Pipe. You will see a lot of dirt on and around the supply pipe. ...
  3. Remove the existing Shower Diverter. ...
  4. Install the new Shower Diverter. ...
  5. Replace the Diverter Knob. ...
  6. Clean up. ...

How to level and fix a bath tub?

Things You'll Need

  • Bubble level
  • Board
  • Wood shims
  • Premix mortar
  • Trowel

How to change a tub diverter?

How to Replace a Bathtub Faucet Diverter

  1. Shut off Water. The first thing you will want to do is shut off the water at the main water valve. ...
  2. Loosen Holding Screw. The first thing you will need to do is to look under the diverter mechanism itself and locate the holding screw.
  3. Pull Tub Spout Off. ...
  4. Replace the Washer. ...
  5. Lubricate the Diverter Mechanism. ...
  6. Reverse Order. ...
  7. Test It Out. ...

How do I know if my diverter valve is faulty?

  • Unscrew the set screw. See how the spigot is attached to the wall.
  • Unscrew spigot from the wall. Be careful!
  • Wash Supply Pipe. Make sure that you clean off any bits of gunk from the supply pipe.
  • Replace new spout on the copper pipe.
  • Test it and make sure it works!

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How do you fix a bathtub spout diverter?

1:077:29Tub Spout Diverter Repair or Replace? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut you might be able to just take a pair of pliers. And another pair of pliers. And hold the postMoreBut you might be able to just take a pair of pliers. And another pair of pliers. And hold the post while you unscrew. This probably the second easiest way is just to take a hacksaw blade.

Can a shower diverter be fixed?

Once you've determined that your shower diverter is broken, don't delay in repairing it. Though it might be an easy task to put off, a broken shower diverter wastes water and creates a poor shower experience. Repairing a shower diverter is a home improvement project that you can complete in just one day.

Why is my shower diverter not working?

The most common issue with a shower diverter is when water comes out of both the tub faucet and the showerhead. Check to be sure there is no residue clogging the shower diverter lever from fully lifting or lowering. If everything looks clear, the problem could be worn-out parts in the shower diverter valve.

How do you fix a shower spout and diverter?

0:004:12Bathtub Spout with Diverter Replacement. Fix Leaking Tub SpoutYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you want to want to scrape that and break that seal off of the edge of the spout. Then what you'MoreAnd you want to want to scrape that and break that seal off of the edge of the spout. Then what you're gonna want to do is come and look underneath the spout. And if there's any sort of screw.

How do you install a tub diverter repair kit?

0:243:44Replace tub spout diverter pull kit - DIY fix - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow a couple things i want to talk about first grab your pull and it's got this long rod or shaft.MoreNow a couple things i want to talk about first grab your pull and it's got this long rod or shaft. And the top pole here and in the event that this part separates from the rod go ahead and screw it

How much does it cost to fix a shower diverter?

Typically, it costs between $150 and $500 to fix a leaky or dripping faucet, depending on severity of the leak. Repairing a broken diverter will cost you around $125 on average. Below is a breakdown with examples of nationwide shower repair pricing.

How do I know if my shower diverter is bad?

First, if the valve is engaged but water continues to come out of the tub spout only, the gate is severely damaged or has fallen out completely. Second, if the valve is engaged but the showerhead experiences low water pressure and water continues to drip from the spout, the gasket has failed or is starting to fail.

How do you replace a diverter valve?

Diverter Valve on a SpigotUnscrew the set screw. See how the spigot is attached to the wall. ... Unscrew spigot from the wall. Be careful! ... Wash Supply Pipe. Make sure that you clean off any bits of gunk from the supply pipe. ... Replace new spout on the copper pipe. ... Test it and make sure it works!

Step 1: Expose The Diverter Assembly

Feel around the faucet near the wall on the bottom side and locate the indention that holds an an Allen screw. You may not find one, as many faucet...

Step 2: Repair The Faulty Diverter

Locate the rubber washer and replace. This removes the potential for leakage. Go through the diverter assembly and lubricate all moving parts to en...

Step 3: Replace Diverter (If Necessary)

The diverter most likely will not need to be replaced but instead be maintained by lubrication and replacement of any washers in the assembly. If t...

Step 4: Reassembly

Reverse the above instructions to reinstall the parts of the tub. Verify all moving parts are working, screw the spout back onto the assembly and t...

Why is my shower diverter leaking?

In a shower diverter, leaking is simple to detect. If water comes out of the bathtub faucet when it’s supposed to be inactive , you’ve got a leak. The most common cause is that the rubber stopper is starting to break down. When the rubber perishes, it becomes too brittle to create a tight seal. Liquid seeps through.

What is the rubber seal on a shower?

The rubber creates a seal to block water flow. When you’ve switched over to the shower, the seal cuts off the flow to the tub, and vice versa.

How to remove a spout from a spout?

Take a heavy-duty screwdriver and insert it into the opening of the spout. Turn the screwdriver counterclockwise. The action shifts the spout and loosens it. You should then be able to remove it easily.

What happens when you turn off the shower?

When you switch off the shower, some water will remain in the pipe. It’s not much liquid, but the weight above the valve causes the stopper to wear faster. Relieve the pressure by turning the selection back to the tub faucet. Run the tub faucet for a second or two to drain the pipe.

What is a universal tub spout?

Universal tub spout with diverter kit (if needed) The diverter tub spout in your bath/shower assembly makes bathing or showering very convenient. If for some unforseen reason you find that your diverter tub spout stops working properly, you should consider repairing it yourself before calling in a plumber. Following these directions will help you ...

Do you turn off the water when repairing a tub diverter?

Things to Consider. When repairing the diverter assembly in a tub it is not necessary to turn off the water to the home because the diverter is located on the dry side of the plumbing fixtures in the tub. Do not turn on the water faucets in the tub while you have the faucet removed and the diverter exposed.

Can you turn on the water faucet in a tub?

Do not turn on the water faucets in the tub while you have the faucet removed and the diverter exposed. If you do you will cause water to spout from the pipe into your home instead of through the intended water path.

What to do if your diverter gate is stubborn?

If your diverter gate stays stubborn after your vinegar soak, try using a lubricant to make it work better. Any cooking spray will do, and you probably have some in the kitchen.

How to tell if a shower diverter is a two valve or three valve?

When you remove a tee-valve from the wall, you find a single copper pipe. With two-valves and three-valves, you’ll find the corresponding number of copper pipes . If your shower diverter is a two-valve, focus on the temperature dial. This is because it often doubles as a shower diverter gate.

How to stop a handheld shower from leaking?

When you want to stop your handheld showerhead from leaking, you need to clean the inner parts of your diverter gate. Step 1: Turn off your water supply from the main spigot. This prevents flooding.

Why does my diverter gate keep squeaking?

Option 1 – Clean your spout. Sometimes, the diverter gate gets stuck. When you try to turn it or pull it up, it refuses to budge or makes squeaky, grating noises. If you do manage to pull it up, it may stick at the top and refuse to push back down. This is probably due to accumulated dirt, grease, and limescale.

How to clean a spout with vinegar?

If you like, you can mix the vinegar with water. Step 3: Wrap the plastic bag around your spout, submerging the spout. Step 4: Hold the bag in place using a rubber band, string, or shoe-lace. Step 5: Leave the faucet submerged for three or four days, checking it once a day.

What does a shower valve do when it is not working?

If your bathtub has a showerhead, your shower valve redirects water from the showerhead to the tub faucet. When it’s not working, water simultane ously pours from both outlets. It’s easy to fix, so let’s learn how. Shower valves have two parts:

What tool to remove a screw from a faucet?

2. Note that the tool to remove the screw could be an Allen Wrench, Flat Head Screwdriver, or a Phillips Head Screwdriver. 3.

How to make sure water is coming out of shower head?

1. Start this process by ensuring that the water is coming out of the tub faucet and not the shower head. Although it is not necessary to turn off your water supply, you want to make sure that if water does start coming, you don’t get soaked in the process! 2.

How to remove a knob from a sandbox?

Start by removing the knob. Find the screw, if not visible it is located under the plastic button which will need to be popped off using a small flathead screwdriver. 1. Once the knob has been removed, use your hand or a handle remover to remove the base.

Is it bad to have a shower faucet leaking?

It is never a good thing when your shower tub faucet starts leaking, but it is a good thing when you know what to do to fix it! As long as you have the time, tools, and parts for the job you can definitely learn how to fix shower diverter all on your own!

How to replace a diverter?

Replace the diverter. To be sure you purchase the correct replacement, bring your old diverter with you to the store. Install the new diverter, making sure that the parts do not cross-thread each other. Use a wrench to tighten the diverter, being cautious not to overtighten it.

What is a shower diverter?

A shower diverter is the mechanism that reroutes the water from your bathtub faucet to your showerhead. Many shower diverters are controlled by a pin knob that you pull, but there are many types. Maybe yours is turned on with a button or with a third faucet handle between the bathtub’s hot and cold knobs.

Why is my shower diverter not working?

If, after you trigger your shower diverter, water continues to leak out of the bathtub spout rather than the showerhead, the shower diverter is not working properly. This could mean that the inner rubber stopper isn't creating a good seal to fully block and redirect the flow of water, or it could be another problem.

How do I fix a leaky bathtub drain?

Seal off your drain with tape so that small screws or other important parts are not lost down the drainpipe. Tighten the screws behind the faceplate of the diverter valve. If you attempt this fix but the water continues to pour or leak slowly from the bathtub spout after the shower diverter has been engaged, move on to the next step. ...

How to contact Mr Rooter?

Call Mr. Rooter at (855) 982-2028 or request an estimate today. With your newly upgraded bathroom fixture, consider making improvements to the rest of your bathroom. Contact your local Mr. Handyman for bathroom upgrade help. Their professionals can help you save space and improve your bathroom overall.

Can you turn on a shower when the diverter breaks?

Turning on your shower should be as easy as the flip of a switch. But when your shower diverter breaks, taking a shower is not so easy—water continues to pour from your tub’s faucet after you’ve switched the diverter. Luckily, repairing a shower diverter is quick and fairly simple.

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