Repair your shower the easy way
- Soak your faucet in vinegar to get rid of dirt and hard water residue.
- Spray the diverter knob with cooking spray to lubricate its sticky bits.
- Replace the shower diverter gate using a store-bought repair kit.
- Replace the whole spout with a newer model from the hardware store.
Full Answer
How to replace a shower diverter valve?
How to Replace a Shower Diverter Valve. 1 1. Turn off Water to the Valve. There will be 2 handles supplying water to the shower diverter valve, one on each side. Turn them off. The advantage ... 2 2. Plug off the Drain. 3 3. Remove the Handle. 4 4. Remove the Escutcheon. 5 5. Retrieve the Valve.
How to repair a broken shower faucet?
Repair your shower the easy way 1 Soak your faucet in vinegar to get rid of dirt and hard water residue. 2 Spray the diverter knob with cooking spray to lubricate its sticky bits. 3 Replace the shower diverter gate using a store-bought repair kit. 4 Replace the whole spout with a newer model from the hardware store. More ...
Why is water coming out of my shower diverter?
This one’s easy. 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 you fix a stuck diverter on a bathtub?
1 Pull the diverter knob up and down a few times to loosen it. 2 Apply some cooking spray to lubricate the knob. 3 Try pulling it up and down again. Spray a few more times if you need to. 4 Wipe away any excess spray and wash the oil off the bathtub. Always use cooking spray instead of hair spray or wax.
Can a shower diverter be repaired?
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.
How do you fix a shower faucet diverter?
0:143:21Repair Leaking Tub Spout Diverter Pull in Shower Mode - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd 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.
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 diverter that won't stay up?
0:041:17Shower Repair : How Do I Repair the Diverter in a Shower? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat you'll take your new one once you get the new one it slides into place use that same allenMoreThat you'll take your new one once you get the new one it slides into place use that same allen wrench lock that screw back in place now on a three handle tub and shower valve.
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 much does it cost to replace a shower diverter?
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.
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.
Do I need to turn the water off to change a shower diverter?
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 clean a shower diverter pull up?
0:142:25“cleaning” a bath tub DIVERTER VALVE so it works again - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPosition where it diverts the water up to the shower to remove this diverter you want to spin. OffMorePosition where it diverts the water up to the shower to remove this diverter you want to spin. Off the little knob.
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 shower 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!
How do you put a shower diverter back in?
0:596:11Tub faucet spout diverter pull lever broke off - DIY fix - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd on the very bottom is an allen screw. As you can see right there it's basically trial and errorMoreAnd on the very bottom is an allen screw. As you can see right there it's basically trial and error until you find the proper size allen wrench go ahead and insert it into the screw.
Do I need to turn the water off to change a shower diverter?
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 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 shower 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!
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, Anyway?
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.
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.
Can you fix a broken shower diverter?
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. Here’s how to repair a shower diverter in seven simple steps:
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.
What parts need to be replaced in a bib washer?
2. The parts that may need to be replaced include corroded nuts and/or a bib washer. The bib washer can be worn down or even nonexistent!
Where is the tee diverter located?
1. Due to this being a tee diverter, the diverter is located within the bathtub faucet, so you will want to start by trying to clean the faucet.
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!
What is a shower diverter?
Your shower diverter is a mechanism that directs water from your bathtub faucet up to the showerhead. There are three main variations of the diverter valve: the three-valve diverter, two-valve diverter, and tee-diverter. Each has its own use. Three-valve diverters are for showers with two-tap faucets. Two-valve diverters are used in showers ...
What happens if my shower diverter isn't working?
If it isn’t working properly, then water will flow out of both your faucet and your showerhead whenever you use either.
What is a three valve diverter?
Three-valve diverters are for showers with two-tap faucets. Two-valve diverters are used in showers with a single-dial temperature adjuster. Tee-diverters are the most common type of diverter. If you pull up on your diverter to send water from the faucet to the showerhead, then it’s a tee-diverter.
What happens if you break a shower diverter?
A broken shower diverter leads to a subpar bathing experience and it wastes water. That means increased water bills and generally bad times in the future. The kind of bad times you can easily avoid. If you ever need help with your home’s shower repairs, never hesitate to call the team at Ben Franklin.
How to stop water from seeping in drain?
Seal off the drain. Use duct tape or something similar that can catch any small screws that get away from you. You don’t want to lose anything in your pipes.
Where should the water flow from the shower spout go?
The water flowing from the spout should go straight to the showerhead. Water should only flow out of either the faucet or the shower heat, never both. Give yourself a pat on the back for a DIY plumbing repair job well done! Don’t take your time getting this fixed as soon as you notice problems.
Can you replace a diverter?
Take the diverter you just removed to the store and get help finding a replacement. It won’t cost a lot, and replacing the entire device is easier and more effective than replacing individual parts.
What is a shower diverter?
If you have a shower-bathtub combination in your bathroom, you then surely have a shower diverter which as its name suggests diverts water to the shower head from the tub spout and back to the spout when needed.
Where is the shower diverter valve?
In most cases, the shower diverter valve will be recessed inside the bathroom wall. This makes it very hard to retrieve with an ordinary wrench.
How many O rings are in a shower diverter valve?
The shower diverter valve has 2 O-rings also which can as well wear out causing leaks.
What is an escutcheon on a valve?
An escutcheon is the trim plate which hides the valve opening on the wall. The escutcheon will either be threaded on the valve stem or held in place using a retaining nut. Before attempting to remove the escutcheon, check if it is caulked to the wall. If it is, cut through the caulk with a putty knife.
How to tell if shower diverter is bad?
The signs of a bad shower diverter are a leaking bathtub faucet when the shower is on, not enough hot water, unbalanced/irregular water flow, sticky handle/knob or a sudden gash of hot water when someone flushes the toilet or runs another appliance.
How many handles does a double handle shower faucet have?
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. You will also have a pull-up shower diverter at the top of the bathtub spout.
Why does my shower head not have a spout?
When the rubber washer is in contact with the valve seat, a watertight seal is created allowing water to flow to the shower head but not tub spout. With the time, due to the friction between the rubber washer and the valve seat, the washer starts to wear out, failing to seal properly.
