How To Fix a Shower Diverter
If you turn on your shower, but water keeps coming out of the bathtub faucet instead of the showerhead, your shower diverter is not working correctly. This device is a mechanism that directs water to the showerhead or the bathtub spout.
When the diverter valve becomes faulty, taking a shower can be inconvenient and frustrating. Fortunately, shower diverter repair is a quick and straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fix a malfunctioning shower and tub spout valve:
- Shut off the water flow to your shower.
- Close the drain stopper on the bathtub and seal it off with tape. This step will prevent small screws and other crucial parts from getting lost in the drainpipe if they fall off during the repair process.
- Tighten the screws behind the diverter valve’s faceplate. If water leaks from the bathtub spout after tightening, move on to the next step.
- Take apart the shower diverter. For a gate-type valve, unscrew the threaded tub spout. If you have a rotating valve, unfasten the nut on its stem.
- Check the rubber washers. A damaged or corroded washer is often the cause of leaks. Examine the round rubber piece on the diverter valve and clean it if dirty. Replace it if damaged. If this step does not solve the problem, you may have to change your shower diverter.
- Purchase a new diverter. Bring your old one to the store to ensure you get the correct replacement.
- Install the new diverter, ensuring parts are aligned and not cross-threaded. Use a wrench to secure it, taking care not to over-tighten it. Adjust the gate or stopper position as required.
- Test the new shower diverter by turning the water supply back on and engaging the valve. Check if the water flows to the desired outlet.
Leave It to the Experts
If you’ve tried following this guide to fix your diverter valve and the problem persists, contact us at Severson Plumbing for reliable and efficient shower diverter repair. We are the trusted plumbers in Bend, Oregon. Our experienced team can help diagnose the problem and provide the necessary repairs or replacements. Call us today to schedule an appointment and to learn more about our services.