
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. ...
Why is my shower diverter not working?
Option 4 – Replace the valve gate
- Turn off your water using your main bathroom spigot.
- Cover the drain with duct tape. This prevents small faucet bits and screws from going down the drain and getting lost.
- Remove your shower spout from the wall and carry it to the hardware store.
- Ask for a replacement gate valve that fits your shower model.
How to fix the diverter in your shower?
What Is a Shower Diverter?
- Step One: Prepping Your Area. First things first, you’re going to want to clear the area and make sure you are adequately prepared to fix your diverter.
- Step Two: Accessing the issue. ...
- Step Three: Removing Your Shower Faucet/Handle. ...
- Step Four: Lubricate Your Shower Diverter. ...
- Step Five: Correct Any Leaks. ...
How to repair a leaky tub and shower faucet?
- Clear any rust, wax or caulk from around the base.
- Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the bolts that hold it together. ...
- Remove the stem and install a new one in the fitting using new bolts. ...
- If the bathtub faucet is still dripping after replacing the handle, washer and stem, you may need to replace the entire bathtub spout.
How to fix shower diverter pull down?
- Pull the shower diverter knob up. This could be hard but just force it up. ...
- Slide the file inside one of the groove and start filing it up and down. ...
- When you are satisfied that the groove is clean move to the next one and file it as well.
- Push the shower diverter knob down and pull it up again. ...

Can a tub 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 bathtub shower 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 tub 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 replace a tub 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.
How do I know if my shower diverter valve 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 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 you fix a shower diverter stem?
0:527:15How to Repair a Shower Valve Stem | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou have to pry off the index from the end a good tip is to make sure you have something in the tubMoreYou have to pry off the index from the end a good tip is to make sure you have something in the tub drain. So you don't drop it right down the drain.
How do you fix a stuck shower diverter valve?
0:001:01How to fix stuck shower diverter valve - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPull up and eventually you'll find that this will loosen up and it'll go up. And so when you're doneMorePull up and eventually you'll find that this will loosen up and it'll go up. And so when you're done. You want the knob to move like that that's about it thanks for watching have a great day.
How do you install a tub diverter repair kit?
0:473:44Replace tub spout diverter pull kit - DIY fix - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you will notice the inner portion is basically the cut portion. And the way this goes in is youMoreAnd you will notice the inner portion is basically the cut portion. And the way this goes in is you want to make sure you put that side in and that is flush on the bottom side or inner side.
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 diverter valve?
First, find the correct spigot to replace your old version.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 does a tub spout shower diverter work?
When the diverter valve is open, water flows directly through the faucet and into the tub. However, when you want to take a shower, you lift the knob or lever to close the diverter valve. This creates pressure, forcing the water flow upward and out of the showerhead.
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.
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.
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 does a bathtub shower diverter work?
When the diverter valve is open, water flows directly through the faucet and into the tub. However, when you want to take a shower, you lift the knob or lever to close the diverter valve. This creates pressure, forcing the water flow upward and out of the showerhead.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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!
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 to fix a diverter that is leaking?
When you remove the diverter’s faceplate, you may see screws. Sometimes these screws rattle loose over time, causing leaking. Tighten the screws, and then turn the water back on.
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 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.
How to clean a spout?
Wipe the threads on the spout and supply pipe with a clean cloth. Cleaning removes grease and grit that could interfere with the seal.
How long does it take to fix a drain in MT?
The repairs should take a couple of hours or so. If this seems too troublesome, or you don’t feel especially handy, then be sure to call our MT Drains and Plumbing team if you live in the Greater Toronto Area—or your local plumber if you live outside our service area.
How to stop teeth from scratching a spout?
Wrap masking tape around each head of a pair of pliers. This buffer prevents the teeth from scratching the spout.
What happens if you don't turn off the water supply?
If you don’t turn off the water supply, water will seep out while you’re working. It will make a mess and make it harder to see what you’re doing.
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.
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 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 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.
What is a 3 handle shower faucet?
Three handle shower faucet. With a three handle shower faucet, the middle valve will be the one connected and used to operate the shower diverter valve. The valve handle is either pulled or turned across an 180 0 angle to divert water to the shower head.
