How to Fix a Shower Diverter: A Comprehensive Guide
Is your shower misbehaving? Does the water stubbornly refuse to switch between the showerhead and the bathtub faucet? Chances are, you’re dealing with a faulty shower diverter. A shower diverter is the mechanism responsible for redirecting water flow, and when it fails, it can lead to a frustrating showering experience. Fortunately, fixing a shower diverter is often a DIY project that can save you a considerable amount on plumbing costs. This comprehensive guide will walk you through identifying the problem, gathering the necessary tools, and performing the repair, step-by-step.
## Understanding Shower Diverters
Before diving into the repair process, it’s crucial to understand the different types of shower diverters. This knowledge will help you diagnose the problem accurately and choose the appropriate repair method.
* **T-Pull Diverter:** This is the most common type, usually located on the bathtub faucet. You pull up on the knob to divert water to the showerhead. These are relatively simple in design.
* **Push-Button Diverter:** These are often found on the showerhead itself or near the faucet. You push a button to switch between the faucet and the showerhead.
* **Rotating Diverter:** Found on a separate knob or lever, usually positioned above the faucet, you rotate it to select either the showerhead or the bathtub faucet.
* **Two-Valve Diverter:** Less common, these systems use separate hot and cold water controls for both the tub spout and the showerhead.
Knowing which type you have is the first step to a successful repair.
## Identifying the Problem
Common symptoms of a faulty shower diverter include:
* **Water Leaking from the Faucet While Showering:** This is a classic sign. When the diverter fails to completely seal off the faucet, water will continue to flow from it even when the showerhead is in use.
* **Weak Showerhead Pressure:** If the diverter isn’t fully engaging, some of the water pressure intended for the showerhead will be diverted back to the faucet, resulting in weak pressure.
* **Difficulty Pulling or Pushing the Diverter Knob:** A stiff or jammed diverter knob indicates potential corrosion, mineral buildup, or a worn-out diverter valve.
* **Diverter Knob Not Staying Up:** With T-pull diverters, the knob should stay up on its own once pulled. If it slides back down, the internal mechanism is likely worn.
* **Rattling or Noisy Diverter:** Unusual noises coming from the diverter when in use suggest loose components or internal damage.
## Gathering Your Tools and Materials
Having the right tools and materials on hand will make the repair process smoother and more efficient. Here’s a list of essentials:
* **Screwdrivers (Phillips and Flathead):** A variety of sizes is helpful to accommodate different screw types and sizes.
* **Adjustable Wrench:** For loosening and tightening nuts and fittings.
* **Pliers (Regular and Needle-Nose):** For gripping and manipulating small parts.
* **Penetrating Oil (e.g., WD-40):** To loosen corroded or stuck parts.
* **Plumber’s Tape (Teflon Tape):** For sealing threaded connections.
* **Replacement Diverter Valve (if needed):** Purchase the correct replacement based on your diverter type and faucet model. Bring the old one with you to the hardware store to ensure a match.
* **Small Container:** To hold small screws and parts.
* **Old Rags or Towels:** To protect surfaces and clean up spills.
* **Flashlight:** To illuminate hard-to-see areas.
* **Safety Glasses:** To protect your eyes from debris.
* **Gloves:** To protect your hands.
* **Valve Seat Wrench (if needed):** For removing and installing valve seats (some models).
* **White Vinegar:** To dissolve mineral buildup.
## Step-by-Step Repair Guide: T-Pull Diverter
This is the most common type, so we’ll start with a detailed guide for fixing a T-Pull diverter.
**1. Turn Off the Water Supply:** The most crucial step! Locate the shut-off valves for both hot and cold water leading to your bathtub/shower. These are usually located in the basement, behind an access panel, or near the water meter. Turn both valves clockwise until they are completely closed. After turning them off, turn on the faucet briefly to relieve any remaining pressure in the pipes.
**2. Prepare the Area:** Cover the bathtub and surrounding area with old rags or towels to protect the finish and catch any drips. Place your small container nearby to hold screws and other small parts.
**3. Remove the Diverter Handle:** The diverter handle is usually attached with a small screw. Look for the screw on the front or side of the handle. Use the appropriate screwdriver (Phillips or Flathead) to remove the screw. Once the screw is removed, gently pull the handle straight off. You might need to wiggle it slightly if it’s stuck.
**4. Remove the Diverter Escutcheon (Sleeve):** Behind the handle, you’ll find a decorative escutcheon or sleeve that covers the faucet body. This may be threaded or held in place with an O-ring. If threaded, unscrew it counterclockwise. If it’s held by an O-ring, you may need to gently pry it off with a flathead screwdriver. Be careful not to scratch the faucet finish.
**5. Identify the Diverter Valve:** With the escutcheon removed, you’ll see the diverter valve assembly. This assembly typically consists of a valve stem, a rubber seal or O-ring, and a spring.
**6. Remove the Diverter Valve Assembly:** The diverter valve assembly is usually held in place by a retaining nut or clip. Use an adjustable wrench to loosen the retaining nut. If there’s a clip, use pliers to carefully remove it. Once the nut or clip is removed, you should be able to pull the entire diverter valve assembly out of the faucet body.
**7. Inspect the Diverter Valve and Components:** Carefully examine the diverter valve, rubber seal/O-ring, and spring for signs of wear, damage, or mineral buildup. Look for cracks, tears, or deformation in the rubber seal. Check the spring for corrosion or breakage. Mineral buildup is common and can cause the valve to stick.
**8. Clean the Diverter Valve and Components (if applicable):** If the diverter valve and components are simply dirty or have mineral buildup, you can try cleaning them. Soak the parts in white vinegar for 30 minutes to dissolve mineral deposits. Use a soft brush or cloth to scrub away any remaining residue. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
**9. Replace the Diverter Valve (if necessary):** If the diverter valve or any of its components are damaged or severely worn, it’s best to replace the entire assembly. Take the old diverter valve to your local hardware store to ensure you get a matching replacement. A new diverter valve will typically come with a new rubber seal/O-ring and spring.
**10. Lubricate the Diverter Valve and Components:** Before reassembling, apply a thin layer of plumber’s grease (silicone grease) to the rubber seal/O-ring and the diverter valve stem. This will help ensure smooth operation and prevent future corrosion.
**11. Reassemble the Diverter Valve Assembly:** Carefully reinsert the diverter valve assembly into the faucet body. Make sure the spring is properly positioned. Secure the assembly with the retaining nut or clip, tightening the nut with an adjustable wrench. Do not overtighten.
**12. Reinstall the Diverter Escutcheon:** Screw the escutcheon back onto the faucet body (if threaded) or push it back into place (if held by an O-ring).
**13. Reinstall the Diverter Handle:** Align the handle with the valve stem and push it onto the stem. Reinstall the screw and tighten it securely.
**14. Turn On the Water Supply:** Slowly turn the hot and cold water shut-off valves counterclockwise to fully open them.
**15. Test the Diverter:** Turn on the water and test the diverter by pulling up on the handle. Check for leaks around the faucet and diverter handle. Ensure that the water diverts properly between the faucet and the showerhead.
## Step-by-Step Repair Guide: Push-Button Diverter
Push-button diverters are often integrated into the showerhead itself. Here’s how to tackle a repair:
**1. Turn Off the Water Supply:** As always, start by turning off the water supply to the shower.
**2. Remove the Showerhead:** Unscrew the showerhead from the shower arm. You might need an adjustable wrench for this, but be careful not to scratch the finish. Wrap the wrench jaws with a cloth to protect the showerhead.
**3. Disassemble the Showerhead (if possible):** Some showerheads are designed to be disassembled for cleaning and repair. Look for screws or snap-together parts. Consult the showerhead’s manual if you have it. If the showerhead is sealed, skip to step 6.
**4. Inspect the Push-Button Mechanism:** Once you’ve accessed the internal parts, inspect the push-button, spring, and any associated seals or O-rings. Look for signs of damage, wear, or mineral buildup.
**5. Clean or Replace Damaged Parts:** Clean any mineral buildup with white vinegar and a soft brush. Replace any damaged or worn parts with replacements from the manufacturer or a plumbing supply store. Finding replacement parts for specific showerhead models can sometimes be challenging, so be prepared to do some online research.
**6. If Disassembly Isn’t Possible, Try Cleaning:** If you can’t disassemble the showerhead, try soaking the entire showerhead in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water for several hours or overnight. This can help dissolve mineral deposits that may be affecting the diverter mechanism. After soaking, rinse thoroughly with clean water.
**7. Reassemble the Showerhead (if disassembled):** Carefully reassemble the showerhead, ensuring all parts are properly aligned and secured.
**8. Reinstall the Showerhead:** Wrap the threads of the shower arm with plumber’s tape. Screw the showerhead back onto the shower arm, tightening it securely with an adjustable wrench. Again, protect the finish with a cloth.
**9. Turn On the Water Supply:** Turn the water supply back on.
**10. Test the Diverter:** Test the push-button diverter to ensure it functions properly, switching between the showerhead and any other spray settings.
## Step-by-Step Repair Guide: Rotating Diverter
Rotating diverters are often found on a separate valve near the faucet. The repair process is similar to that of a T-Pull diverter, but with a different handle mechanism.
**1. Turn Off the Water Supply:** Begin by turning off the water supply to the bathtub/shower.
**2. Remove the Diverter Handle:** The diverter handle is typically attached with a screw, often hidden beneath a decorative cap. Pry off the cap with a small flathead screwdriver (be careful not to scratch the finish). Remove the screw and pull the handle off.
**3. Remove the Diverter Escutcheon:** As with the T-Pull diverter, remove the escutcheon. It may be threaded or held in place with an O-ring.
**4. Access the Diverter Valve:** You’ll now see the diverter valve assembly. This may involve removing a retaining nut or collar.
**5. Remove the Diverter Valve Assembly:** Carefully remove the diverter valve assembly. This will likely involve unscrewing a cartridge or pulling out a valve stem.
**6. Inspect the Diverter Valve and Components:** Examine the valve stem, seals, and any other components for wear, damage, or mineral buildup.
**7. Clean or Replace Damaged Parts:** Clean mineral deposits with white vinegar. Replace any damaged parts with appropriate replacements.
**8. Lubricate the Diverter Valve and Components:** Apply plumber’s grease to the seals and valve stem before reassembling.
**9. Reassemble the Diverter Valve Assembly:** Carefully reassemble the diverter valve assembly, ensuring all parts are properly aligned.
**10. Reinstall the Diverter Escutcheon:** Reinstall the escutcheon.
**11. Reinstall the Diverter Handle:** Reinstall the handle and secure it with the screw and decorative cap.
**12. Turn On the Water Supply:** Turn the water supply back on.
**13. Test the Diverter:** Test the rotating diverter to ensure it functions correctly, switching between the faucet and the showerhead.
## Step-by-Step Repair Guide: Two-Valve Diverter
Two-valve diverters are less common but require a similar approach to the other types.
**1. Turn Off the Water Supply:** Turn off the water supply to the bathtub/shower.
**2. Remove the Handles:** Remove both the hot and cold water handles for the shower. These typically have screws hidden under decorative caps.
**3. Remove the Escutcheons:** Remove the escutcheons behind the handles.
**4. Access the Valve Stems:** You’ll now see the valve stems. These are often held in place by retaining nuts.
**5. Remove the Valve Stems:** Unscrew the retaining nuts and carefully pull out the valve stems.
**6. Inspect the Valve Stems and Seats:** Examine the valve stems, rubber washers, and valve seats for wear, damage, or mineral buildup. The valve seats are the parts that the washers press against to create a seal. They may be removable with a valve seat wrench.
**7. Clean or Replace Damaged Parts:** Clean mineral deposits. Replace damaged washers or valve stems. If the valve seats are damaged, you may need to replace them as well.
**8. Lubricate the Valve Stems:** Apply plumber’s grease to the washers and valve stems before reassembling.
**9. Reassemble the Valve Stems:** Carefully reassemble the valve stems, ensuring the washers are properly seated.
**10. Reinstall the Escutcheons:** Reinstall the escutcheons.
**11. Reinstall the Handles:** Reinstall the handles and secure them with the screws and decorative caps.
**12. Turn On the Water Supply:** Turn the water supply back on.
**13. Test the Diverter:** Test both the hot and cold water controls for the shower, ensuring they function correctly and don’t leak.
## Preventing Future Problems
* **Regular Cleaning:** Periodically clean your showerhead and faucet with white vinegar to prevent mineral buildup. Remove the showerhead and faucet aerator and soak them in vinegar for a few hours.
* **Water Softener:** If you live in an area with hard water, consider installing a water softener to reduce mineral buildup throughout your plumbing system.
* **Proper Lubrication:** When reassembling any plumbing components, always use plumber’s grease (silicone grease) to lubricate seals and moving parts. This will help prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation.
* **Avoid Over-Tightening:** When tightening nuts and screws, avoid over-tightening. Over-tightening can damage the components and make them difficult to remove in the future.
* **Replace Worn Parts Promptly:** Don’t wait until a small problem becomes a major issue. Replace worn parts as soon as you notice them.
## When to Call a Plumber
While fixing a shower diverter is often a DIY project, there are situations where it’s best to call a professional plumber:
* **Extensive Corrosion:** If the faucet or valve body is heavily corroded, it may be difficult to remove the diverter valve without causing further damage.
* **Damaged Pipes:** If you accidentally damage the pipes while attempting the repair, it’s important to call a plumber immediately to prevent water damage.
* **Inability to Identify the Problem:** If you’re unsure about the cause of the problem or how to proceed, it’s best to consult a plumber.
* **Recurring Problems:** If you’ve already attempted to fix the diverter yourself and the problem keeps recurring, there may be an underlying issue that requires professional attention.
By following these steps and taking the necessary precautions, you can often fix a faulty shower diverter yourself and save money on plumbing costs. Remember to always turn off the water supply before starting any plumbing repairs, and don’t hesitate to call a professional if you encounter any difficulties. Good luck!