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how to repair a leaky shower diverter

by Adelia Bechtelar Sr. Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Shower Diverter Valve Leaking: How to Fix It

  1. Turn the Water Supply Line Off. Always begin the job involving toilets, showers, and kitchens by turning off the water supply first.
  2. Seal the Drain Properly. Remember that the shower diverter valve is just on top of the drain on standard tubs. ...
  3. Remove the Spout Correctly. ...
  4. Find a Replacement Using the Right Model. ...

Full Answer

How do you fix a leaking shower knob?

Tools you may need:

  • Phillips-Head screwdriver
  • Slotted screwdriver
  • Wrench (Some shower faucets require a specialized tool, a cartridge puller, to remove the cartridge. Read your manufacturer’s manual for more information.)
  • Needle nose pliers
  • Hex key (Sometimes called an Allen key, this tool is needed to remove some faucet handles.)

How to replace a diverter?

How to Replace a Shower Diverter Valve

  1. Turn off Water to the Valve. There will be 2 handles supplying water to the shower diverter valve, one on each side. ...
  2. Plug off the Drain. You do not want to drop anything and lose it to the drainpipe. ...
  3. Remove the Handle. ...
  4. Remove the Escutcheon. ...
  5. Retrieve the Valve. ...

How to replace a bathtub spout shower diverter?

Spout types

  • Slip-on spouts. Slip-on spouts slide over 1/2-in. copper pipe and fasten with a setscrew. ...
  • Screw-on spouts. Screw-on spouts have threads deep inside. They can connect to a copper threaded fitting or to steel pipe.
  • Screw-on spouts with threads at the back end. Screw-on spouts may have threads at the back end. ...
  • Tip:

How to adjust the diverter valve in my bathtub shower?

You may have a:

  • A single handle shower faucet. With this type of installation, you will have a pull-up shower diverter on the bathtub spout.
  • Double handle shower faucet. Here you will have 2 shower faucet handles, one for the cold water and the other one for the hot water. ...
  • Three handle shower faucet. ...

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How do I fix a leaking shower diverter?

1:433:21Repair Leaking Tub Spout Diverter Pull in Shower Mode - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHere I'm just cleaning off the pipe dope. And teflon tape off the threads. And then I put new teflonMoreHere I'm just cleaning off the pipe dope. And teflon tape off the threads. And then I put new teflon tape on and screw on the tub spout.

Why is my shower diverter leaking?

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.

Can a shower diverter be fixed?

It may be a simple job to put off, a damaged shower diverter wastes water and creates a bad shower experience. Repairing a shower diverter is a DIY job that you can complete in simply one day.

Can you change a shower diverter without turning off the water?

If you're only working on the diverter, you don't need to turn off the water supply to the faucet. While working, place a cloth over the tub drain to prevent any dropped screws from going down the drain. Some showers use a diverter built into the tub spout activated by lifting a button on the spout.

How do you seal a shower diverter valve?

0:000:42Shower Valve Waterproofing Tip - #shorts - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis absolutely is one of the best ways to waterproof around a custom shower valve to cut the rubberMoreThis absolutely is one of the best ways to waterproof around a custom shower valve to cut the rubber gasket out of a schluter mixing valve seal.

How much does it cost to replace a shower diverter valve?

Replacing a shower diverter valve costs $225 to $575, including materials and labor. A shower diverter valve switches the flow of water between the bathtub spout or shower head and is typically controlled by a small handle located on the center trim plate or near the tub spout.

Can a diverter valve leak?

Introduction. Diverter valves often leak, it's common knowledge. Regardless of the amount of air that escapes a valve, if any air escapes it is correct to say there is a leak.

How do you replace a shower diverter stem?

3:327:49How to repair replace 3 way Shower Faucet Diverter - FAST & EASY!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you over tighten it you could cause internal damage to the valve. And that would not be good getMoreIf you over tighten it you could cause internal damage to the valve. And that would not be good get a pretty snug hand tight and then from there we'll grab our wrench. And from here grab the wrench.

How do you replace a diverter spout?

0:153:36how to replace tub spout, change tub diverter. Easy! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt. So first we're going to just try to spin this guy off. And it's spinning pretty easy we've got aMoreIt. So first we're going to just try to spin this guy off. And it's spinning pretty easy we've got a set screw under here. But it looks like this will probably just spin.

Can you fix a diverter valve?

Diverter valves can become damaged or stuck. This is because they're a moving part and can be oscillating between being open or closed many times a day. However, they are fixable.

How do you fix a bathtub 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.

How do you install a tub diverter repair kit?

1:143:44Replace tub spout diverter pull kit - DIY fix - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt comes down and you'll notice two little notches here or tabs. And this piece right here is goingMoreIt comes down and you'll notice two little notches here or tabs. And this piece right here is going to slide in place inside here with the rubber gasket on the opposite side of your pole.

Can a diverter valve cause a leak?

When a diverter valve is working properly, water only flows out of either the tub spout or the showerhead. However, diverters very often leak significantly, allowing water to flow out of the tub spout even when in shower mode, as shown in Figure 3.

Can a shower diverter leak behind the wall?

Most times shower valve leaks behind the wall are very slow. Usually, they are pinhole leaks from a faulty valve or sloppy soldering from the water connection points to the valve. Over the years the joint wears out or the flaw in the casting process of the valve rears its ugly head.

How do you fix a bathtub 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.

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.

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 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.

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 is a shower diverter valve?

A shower diverter valve gives you the ability to have a shower head and a handheld shower coming out from the same pipe. You may also have two shower heads that can be used from the diverter valve.

How to remove a diverter from a spherical cylinder?

Remove both the face plate and the knob. Use a screwdriver and a wrench to remove both of these pieces . You now should see the diverter.

How to stop water from leaking from valve stem?

If there is no signs of corrosion, you should be just fine with using the old nuts. Tighten the existing nuts completely on the stem until the water stops leaking from the valve and stem area. Tighten all of the nuts until the leaking has stopped.

Can you switch the water back and forth between shower heads?

You can switch the water back and forth between the two parts. In addition, some units give you the ability to share the water between the shower head and the handheld unit. Sometimes the diverter valve leaks and needs to be fixed. Here is how you go about this fix. Continue reading below Our Video of the Day.

How To Know If Shower Diverter Valve Is Broken?

Shower diverters are important plumbing pieces that help regulate where the water in your shower goes. If this part of the system is broken, it can lead to some costly and unpleasant surprises later on. To check if a problem with your shower diverter valve has occurred, take a look at these symptoms:

How to Repair Your Shower Diverter

Step 1: Turn off the water supply to your shower diverter valve. This can be done by turning off the shutoff valve that is located on or near it or unscrewing a hose from its inlet and outlet ends. Making sure there’s no pressure coming out of this part of the system will help you avoid any possible further harm while working with it.

How To Replace a Shower Diverter Valve

If your shower diverter valve is broken, the best way to fix it will be by replacing it. This can be done in as little as an hour and with just a few easy steps that are outlined below!

Final Words

If you found this article helpful on how to repair your shower diverter, please share it with your friends and family. We know that when a shower diverter gets clogged or broken, the last thing on one’s mind is how to fix it.

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.

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 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 do you fix a leaking shower diverter?

How to Repair a Shower Diverter 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. Disassemble the shower diverter. Replace the diverter.

How do you fix a leaking diverter valve?

Shower Diverter Valve Leaking: How to Fix It Turn the Water Supply Line Off. Always begin the job involving toilets, showers, and kitchens by turning off the water supply first. Seal the Drain Properly. Remove the Spout Correctly. Find a Replacement Using the Right Model.

How do you replace a shower diverter valve?

Diverter Valve on a Spigot 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!.

How much does it cost to replace a shower diverter valve?

Replacing a shower mixing valve or diverter valve costs $225 to $575. Replacing only the shower valve cartridge costs $100 to $350 and may fix a shower faucet leak without replacing the entire valve.Cost to replace shower valve assembly. Part Average cost to replace Shower diverter valve $225 – $575.

How do I stop my shower faucet from leaking?

Gather Tools and Materials. Turn Off the Water Supply and Open the Faucet. Remove the Handle Cap, Handle and Faceplate. Remove the Locking Clip. Remove and Replace the Cartridge. Replace Other Parts and Test. Remove the Metal Stem in a Shower Faucet with Two Handles. Replace the Metal Stem if Needed.

What does a shower diverter look like?

The diverter looks like a pin pulled upward from the bathtub faucet spout. It’s possible that it may come in the form of a third handle or a button that needs to be pushed or pulled. Either way, when the valve is activated, it engages a rubber stopper, which causes the water to flow in a different direction.

Can a diverter valve be repaired?

Diverter valves can become damaged or stuck. This is because they’re a moving part and can be oscillating between being open or closed many times a day. However, they are fixable.

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Step 1 - Remove The Knob and Face Plate

  • When you look straight at your diverter, you will see that it is covered with a face plate and a knob. Remove both the face plate and the knob. Use a screwdriver and a wrench to remove both of these pieces. You now should see the diverter. It is positioned directly behind the knob or the lever.
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Step 2 - Remove The Nuts

  • Looking at the stem of the diverter you should see two nuts. The nuts are usually brass in color. The nuts are also different sizes, because they need to accommodate the different sized diverters. Remove the nuts and set them aside for safe keeping.
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Step 3 - Open The Valve

  • The diverter will have a valve. Open it. Water will slowly come out and moisten the area around the diverter once you have done this.
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Step 4 - Add New Nuts Or Re-Attach Old Nuts

  • You have two options here. You can either reattach the original nuts or replace them. If there is no signs of corrosion, you should be just fine with using the old nuts. Tighten the existing nuts completely on the stem until the water stops leaking from the valve and stem area. Tighten all of the nuts until the leaking has stopped. If the existing nuts don't correct the problem when tighten…
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Step 7 - Changing The Spout

  • When all else fails and you see that there are still leaks in the shower diverter, you will need to change the spout and replace it with a new one. Generally the spout will be threaded onto the supply pipe. Using a pipe wrench, take the spout off by turning counterclockwise. Take the old spout to the local home improvement center and purchase a new unit. Replace the old spout wit…
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