Is the shower diverter easy to fix?

What is a shower diverter?

A shower diverter is a valve that allows you to switch the water flow between the shower head and the tub faucet. It’s what allows you to take a shower or fill up the tub. The diverter is usually found on the pipe coming out of the wall. When you pull up on the knob or lever, it redirects the water to come out of the shower head. When you push it back down, it sends the water out the faucet instead.

Why might a shower diverter need repair?

There are a few common reasons a shower diverter might need to be repaired or replaced:

– The diverter is leaking. This usually happens when the seals inside the diverter wear out over time. You’ll notice water dripping from around the diverter knob or water coming out of both the shower head and tub faucet at the same time.

– The diverter is stuck. Mineral deposits from hard water can build up inside the diverter, causing it to stick. The diverter may get stuck in either the tub or shower position.

– The diverter doesn’t fully redirect the water. Over time, the diverter can get worn out and no longer completely stops the water flow. The pressure and volume of water coming from the shower head or tub faucet is reduced.

– The diverter knob is broken. If the knob or handle you use to redirect the water cracks or breaks off, the diverter will need to be replaced.

Signs you may need to repair or replace the diverter

Here are some signs that indicate it’s time to repair or replace your shower diverter:

– Water leaking around the diverter, particularly when in the shower position. This indicates worn out seals.

– Water coming out of both the tub spout and shower head at the same time. The diverter is not fully closing off one side.

– Reduced pressure or volume of water from the shower head. The diverter is not properly redirecting all the water to the shower position.

– The shower diverter is stuck in either the tub or shower position. It won’t toggle back and forth.

– Rust or corrosion is visible on the shower diverter. This can prevent smooth operation.

– Squeaking or grinding noises occur when switching tub/shower position. The interior mechanism is wearing down.

– The diverter knob and handle is loose, broken, or missing. You can’t control or redirect the water.

If you notice any of these issues with the shower diverter, it likely needs to be repaired or replaced altogether. Ignoring the problem may lead to leaks, flooding, and mold issues down the road.

How to inspect the diverter

Before attempting to repair or replace your shower diverter, thoroughly inspect it to determine exactly what may be wrong. Follow these tips:

– Turn on the water and test whether the diverter is directing water properly to both the tub spout and shower head. Note any drips, leaks, reduced pressure, or odd noises.

– Examine the visible portion of the diverter for cracks, corrosion, mineral buildup and other damage. This can help you identify the problem.

– Check for firm attachment to the wall pipe. If loose, tightening may help. But the mounting nut may be corroded and need replacement.

– Wiggle the diverter knob and handle to check for looseness. See if it feels worn or stripped when operating it.

– Use a screwdriver to remove the diverter trim handle and knob to inspect the interior mechanisms. Look for wear, broken parts, and debris buildup.

– Test whether water shuts off completely on both the tub and shower sides when toggling the diverter. Partial shut off indicates worn out seals or parts.

– Consult the manufacturer website for repair tips and videos for your specific model diverter valve. Instructional guides are often available.

Thorough inspection and testing will help you pinpoint the reason for failure and determine the necessary repair steps.

Tools and materials needed for shower diverter repair

If you determine that the shower diverter needs to be repaired, gathering the right tools and replacement parts will make the process smoother. Here are some items you may need:

– Basic plumber’s toolkit (wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, pipe tape, rag, flashlight, etc.)

– Replacement diverter kit or seals. May include rubber washers, O-rings, sleeves, and gaskets.

– Plumber’s putty, sealants, or caulk for re-sealing gaps

– Emory cloth or steel wool for cleaning mineral deposits

– Vinegar and water solution for soaking stuck diverters

– Channel lock pliers for grasping and turning diverter parts

– Wire brush for scrubbing corrosion and rust

– Teflon tape for re-wrapping pipe threads

– Diverter ball for replacing interior mechanisms

– Replacement tub spout if diverter integrated into spout

Having the right DIY shower diverter repair items on hand means you can fix problems as they arise without unnecessary trips to the hardware store.

How to fix a leaking shower diverter

If you have a shower diverter that is leaking from the knob area or drips while in use, follow these steps to fix it:

1. Turn off water supply lines to the shower and relieve pressure by turning on the shower temporarily.

2. Use a screwdriver to remove any decorative trim pieces to expose the diverter valve.

3. Unscrew the knob or lever handle from the diverter valve. This may require an Allen wrench.

4. Check for cracks in the plastic or metal housing. If cracked, you’ll need a replacement diverter valve.

5. Clean out any grit, mineral deposits or debris from inside the diverter valve with a wire brush or bottles brush.

6. Examine and replace any worn rubber O-rings or seats. Use included repair kit parts or get universal replacements.

7. Reassemble the diverter valve. Make sure rubber seals are properly seated.

8. Wrap plumber’s tape around valve threads. Tighten firmly but do not overtighten.

9. Reattach the knob handle. Turn on water and check for leaks. Tighten fittings or reapply tape as needed to stop any drips.

10. Reinstall trim pieces. Be sure escutcheon plate or ring creates a seal with the wall.

Taking the diverter valve apart, cleaning it thoroughly, and replacing worn seals should stop shower leaks in most cases. Make sure all parts are firmly hand tightened.

Fixing a stuck shower diverter

If the shower diverter is stuck, either diverting water to the tub only or shower only, try these troubleshooting tips:

– Spray shower diverter with penetrating oil or lime deposit remover. Let soak 15 minutes. Test operation.

– Tap on the diverter knob or handle sharply with a wrench to unstick internal parts. Work handle back and forth.

– Remove diverter knob and use needle nose pliers to rotate the valve stem inside. Apply gentle leverage to free parts.

– Unscrew the showerhead and use a broomstick handle to depress diverter valve from the shower pipe. Apply force but do not bend parts.

– Disassemble diverter valve and scrub interior parts with a bottle brush and lime remover or vinegar solution. Rinse thoroughly.

– Check and replace worn rubber valve seats or O-rings if needed. Grease parts lightly to prevent resticking.

– If diverter is integrated into tub spout, remove spout arm and soak entire spout in vinegar solution. Scrub and rinse.

– For stuck cartridge style diverters, replace cartridge or seals using manufacturer supplied kit.

– Replace any hopelessly stuck or damaged diverter valves. Match trim appearance and pipe connections.

With some penetrating lubricant and scrubbing, most stuck shower diverters can be repaired and restored to smooth operation. Avoid using excessive force on the diverter parts.

How to replace a broken shower diverter

If the shower diverter has a cracked plastic housing, stripped threaded fittings, or a missing handle, replacement will be necessary:

1. Turn off water supply. Drain shower head and tub spout. Remove old caulk/sealant from wall base.

2. Take note or take pictures of the type of current diverter valve for replacement purposes. Remove any trim components.

3. Using channel locks or wrench, unthread and remove the old diverter valve from the pipe nipple in the wall.

4. Clean nipple thoroughly with steel wool or emery cloth to expose fresh metal for contact with the new valve.

5. Apply plumber’s tape to the nipple. Thread on the new valve by hand first and then use wrench for final tightening.

6. Attach handles and trim components with provided hardware. Make sure handles align correctly to control water flow.

7. Seal any gaps between new valve and finished wall with caulk or silicone. Smooth the bead with a finger.

8. Slowly turn water back on and allow air to bleed from the diverter valve. Check for any leaks.

9. Test shower and tub water flow. Make sure the diverter valve properly shuts off each side when toggling.

With the proper replacement diverter valve, the repair can be completed in less than an hour. Match trim style and finish for a seamless looking update.

Tips for preventing shower diverter problems

To help avoid shower diverter troubles down the road, keep these maintenance tips in mind:

– Periodically clean the showerhead, tub spout, and diverter valve exterior by wiping and rinsing. Remove any debris, soap scum or mineral deposits.

– Once a year, soak the shower diverter valve in a diluted vinegar solution to dissolve hard water mineral buildup inside parts.

– Every 2-3 years, lubricate the stem and interior o-rings of the diverter valve with silicone grease made for shower valves.

– Avoid hitting or exerting excess force on the shower diverter valve with shower heads, elbows, or other objects.

– When remodeling, choose a shower diverter valve with brass or stainless interior components for maximum longevity.

– Confirm shower diverter valve handles are tightened securely so they do’t loosen over time. Check annually.

– Replace washing machine water supply hoses every 5 years to avoid bursting and possible flooding damage to shower diverter.

– Insulate hot water pipes leading to shower to prevent temperature fluctuations that can accelerate diverter breakdown.

With routine cleaning and lubrication, you can get 20 years or more from a quality shower diverter valve. Catching small leaks early also prevents the need for extensive repairs down the road.

When to call a plumber for shower diverter repair

While many shower diverter repairs can be managed by a knowledgeable DIYer, some situations call for a professional plumber:

– You have a shower/tub combo with a tub spout diverter. These integrated diverters are usually soldered in place and harder to replace.

– The existing valve has rusted, corroded galvanized pipes that may also need replacement.

– The shower uses multiple diverters for body jets, rainfall shower, steam, etc. The system may be tricky to take apart and properly reassemble.

– You discover water supply or valve access issues requiring re-plumbing of shower lines.

– Leaks originating behind wall tiles or under the tub require cutting drywall or tile for access.

– You are uncomfortable working with water supply plumbing and would rather have an expert do the repair.

While a handy homeowner can replace a standard tub/shower diverter valve, complex systems or access issues are best left to a licensed plumber. They have specialized tools and skills. Paying a plumber to avoid flooding disasters or cosmetic damage is wise.

Cost to repair a shower diverter

The cost to repair a shower diverter valve can range from $10 – $250, depending on the specific issue and repair method:

– Minor repairs like cleaning stuck or leaking diverters: $10 – $50 in supplies.

– Replacing worn seals and o-rings: $5 – $30 in parts.

– Installing a new diverter valve: $25 – $150 for new valve and supplies.

– Plumber repair service: $175 – $250 per hour, including supplies.

– Tub spout diverter requiring spout replacement: $50 – $150 parts and labor.

To save on shower diverter repair costs, attempt DIY repairs using new seals and o-rings or a replacement valve before calling a plumber, which will incur service fees. However, plumber expertise is recommended for difficult access, re-piping, or complex shower systems.

Conclusion

Repairing or replacing a faulty shower diverter valve is an affordable and achievable home improvement project for many handy homeowners. The most common problems include leaks around the diverter, reduced water pressure, sticking, and broken internal parts. Careful inspection of the diverter can reveal issues like worn seals, corrosion, and loose handles than can be fixed with basic tools and replacement parts. For tricky access or re-plumbing issues, calling a professional plumber may be warranted. But in many cases, some disassembly and cleaning of the diverter are all that is needed to get it working properly again and restore full control over directing water flow in your shower. With routine maintenance and lubrication, a high quality shower diverter valve should operate smoothly for over 20 years. Paying attention to small drips or changes in performance and doing preventative cleaning can help avoid extensive repairs down the road.