How do I know if my kitchen faucet diverter is bad?

Having issues with your kitchen faucet? A faulty diverter valve is often the culprit behind many common kitchen faucet problems. Read on to learn how to identify signs of a bad diverter valve, determine if replacement is necessary, and tips for an easy DIY repair.

What is a Faucet Diverter Valve?

A diverter valve is a mechanism inside the faucet that allows you to switch between different water functions like stream and spray. When you flip the lever on your kitchen faucet one way, it draws water up through the faucet spout. Flip it the other way, and it diverts water flow through the side sprayer hose.

The diverter valve is what makes this directional change possible. It’s essentially a switch inside your faucet that moves the water between the spout and sprayer outlet. Diverter valves typically consist of a cartridge with inlet and outlet ports, seals, and a switching mechanism activated by the faucet handle.

6 Signs You Have a Faulty Diverter Valve

If your diverter valve is damaged or worn out, you’ll notice certain signs of trouble. Here are some of the most common indicators that the diverter valve in your kitchen faucet needs replacement:

1. Leaks From the Faucet Spout

One of the primary symptoms of a bad diverter is water leaking from the spout when the sprayer is turned on. This happens because a failing diverter valve allows water flow through both outlets at the same time. The leak may be a small dribble or steady stream.

2. Weak Water Flow

As the seals inside a diverter valve deteriorate, it may not create a solid seal between water inlets and outlets. This allows some water to bleed out, causing lower than normal water pressure from the sprayer and/or spout.

3. Unable to Completely Turn Off Water

Damaged or worn valve components can prevent the diverter from fully closing off water flow through the spout. If the faucet drips after you shut off the handles, the cause may be a faulty diverter.

4. Water Sputters from Sprayer

If the water sputters, spurts, or sprays erratically from the side sprayer, it’s likely due to issues with the diverter. Uneven water flow indicates the diverter isn’t channeling water properly through the sprayer outlet.

5. Leak From Base of Sprayer

When a diverter valve no longer creates a tight seal, water will leak out wherever it can. If you notice water dripping around the base of the sprayer arm, a malfunctioning diverter is usually to blame.

6. Unable to Switch Between Sprayer and Stream

If flipping the faucet lever does nothing or only allows water to flow from one outlet, the switching mechanism in the diverter is likely worn out or broken. Replacing the old diverter will be necessary to restore diverter function.

What Causes a Diverter Valve to Go Bad?

Like any other mechanical component, diverter valves wear out over time. Certain factors can accelerate the wear and tear on a diverter, leading to premature failure. Common causes of diverter malfunction include:

• Mineral buildup. Hard water deposits can stick to critical sealing surfaces and impede function.
• Sediment. Small grit, sand, and debris carried in tap water contribute to erosion of delicate internal parts.
• Constant use. High usage faucets experience more rapid wear than infrequently used taps.
• Corrosion. Exposure to corrosive elements can degrade critical rubber seals and plastic components.
• Improper installation. Incorrect positioning or tightening during faucet assembly can damage the diverter.

Should I Repair or Replace a Bad Diverter Valve?

In most cases, replacement is the best solution for a malfunctioning diverter valve. Attempting to clean or rebuild an old, worn-out diverter rarely fixes the problem long-term.

The internal seals, springs, and plastic parts are just too delicate to properly restore once damaged. It’s simply better to swap in a brand new diverter cartridge and return your faucet to like-new performance.

However, if your faucet diverter is fairly new and you notice issues soon after installation, the problem may be improper installation rather than a faulty part. Carefully reseating the diverter cartridge may fix flow problems or leaks in this scenario.

How to Replace a Kitchen Faucet Diverter Valve

Installing a new diverter cartridge is a straightforward DIY home repair. Follow these steps:

1. Turn off water supply lines and open faucet to release pressure.
2. Unscrew and remove faucet handle.
3. Extract old diverter cartridge with pliers or a cartridge puller tool.
4. Grease replacement cartridge o-rings with faucet grease or petroleum jelly.
5. Drop in new diverter cartridge, aligning positioning tabs or notches.
6. Reattach faucet handle and turn water back on to test.

The most challenging part is often extracting the old stuck diverter valve. A special cartridge removal tool can make this significantly easier. Be prepared to use some muscle. Once the old diverter is out, installing the new one just takes a few minutes.

Troubleshooting Diverter Valve Problems

Before assuming you have a bad diverter valve, take a moment to troubleshoot other potential causes. Here are some things to check:

Inspect Seals & Gaskets

Worn out seals around the faucet spout can allow leaks even with a functional diverter. Examine any o-rings and gaskets for cracks or damage. Replace any deteriorated seals.

Clean Valve Seats & Filters

Clogged seats or filters will restrict water flow through the faucet. Use a stiff brush or toothpick to clear out any debris.

Adjust Water Pressure

Excessively high or low water pressure can affect diverter function. Adjust pressure at the shut-off valves to see if it improves performance.

Check for Proper Installation

An improperly installed diverter won’t function optimally. Ensure the cartridge is fully seated and oriented correctly within the faucet body.

Clean Aerator Screens

Small particles trapped in the faucet aerator can obstruct water flow. Unscrew the aerator and rinse out any sediment.

When to Call a Plumber

Repairing a diverter valve is usually a quick and easy DIY project. However, there are a few cases when it’s best to have a professional handle the faucet repair:

• You can’t isolate or turn off the water supply lines – A plumber can safely shut off water to the sink.
• The diverter cartridge is stuck in place – A pro has the right tools to remove a seized cartridge without damaging the faucet.
• There are other faucet leaks or issues – A plumber can fully inspect and identify all necessary repairs at once.
• You’re uncomfortable doing plumbing repairs – Hire a plumber to ensure it’s fixed correctly.

FAQs about Replacing Diverter Valves

What does a diverter valve do?

A diverter valve redirects water flow between the faucet spout and side sprayer when you flip the faucet handle. It acts as an internal switch inside the faucet.

Where is the diverter valve on a kitchen faucet?

The diverter valve cartridge is located inside the faucet body, behind the faucet handle. You’ll need to remove the handle to access the diverter.

Can I just replace a diverter cartridge?

In most cases, yes – replacing just the diverter cartridge will fix issues caused by a malfunctioning diverter valve. Installation is simpler than replacing the entire faucet.

How do I remove stuck faucet diverter?

Try using pliers or a special cartridge removal tool to grip and pull straight up on the diverter. Applying penetrating oil around the cartridge can help loosen a stuck valve. Remove with gentle twisting force.

How much does it cost to replace a diverter valve?

Replacement diverter cartridges range from about $15-50. A plumber will typically charge $75-150 per hour for installation labor.

Conclusion

Issues like reduced water flow, spraying, and leaks often point to a worn out diverter valve. Replacing the diverter cartridge is a relatively quick fix that can restore proper function to your kitchen faucet. With a few basic tools and plumbing skills, it’s a DIY-friendly repair.

Knowing when you can tackle a diverter valve replacement versus calling in a professional plumber comes down to your comfort level, tools, and ability to turn off the water supply. But in most standard kitchen faucet setups, it’s a repair within reach of an intermediate DIYer.

So next time your kitchen faucet acts up, don’t hesitate to dig into diagnosing and potentially replacing the diverter valve yourself. With a brand new diverter cartridge installed, you can get back to rinsing veggies and spraying down dirty dishes without frustration.