For your convenience, this post has links to Amazon.
Standard bathrooms always have shower diverters installed. This enables you to turn on the shower with just a flip of a switch. However, the shower diverter can break, and that makes taking a shower rather difficult. Then you’d ask yourself, “how do I fix my shower diverter gate?”.
Luckily, fixing a shower diverter is an easy process. A shower diverter controls the passage of water from your bathtub faucet to your showerhead. The other end is connected to the pipe fixed inside the wall, and the diverter serves as the connector.
The common issue people experience with shower diverters is when water comes out from the bathtub faucet and the shower head also. Before you conclude that it is a serious issue, check if no particles are clogging in the shower diverter. If everything is in check, the shower diverter valve may be worn out. Read on to find out how to fix a shower diverter gate.
How To Fix A Shower Diverter Gate
Before you consider fixing your shower diverter, you need to know and understand each part. A shower diverter has two components:
- The spout where water flows forms to fill the bathtub.
- The diverter directs the flow of water.
Types of Diverter Valve
Shower diverters come in different types. These are the three valves: tee-valve, two-valve, and three-valve.
Tee valve or single valve
This is very common in many households. It comes with a handle that allows water to move from the tub to the shower when pulled up.
Two valve diverter
It has a smaller and larger handle. You can control the temperature with the large one and control water flow, with the smaller handle
Three valve diverter
These diverters have handles to switch from hot to cold. The third handle is used to control the water flow from the showerhead to the bathtub.
With these basic steps, you can fix your shower diverter.
- Use vinegar to get rid of dirt by soaking the faucet in it.
- Spray cooking spray on the diverter knob to lubricate it
- Replace the damaged shower diverter gate using a repair kit
- Replace the spout with a new one from the store.
Method One: How To Fix A Diverter Gate
To fix a damaged diverter gate, follow these steps;
1. Place a plug at the drain hole
You need to be very careful, so the small loose parts don’t get lost. To ensure this is protected, plug the drain hole with a towel or cloth. This will prevent small parts of the plug from falling into the drain.
2. Turn off the bathroom water supply
This is to avoid getting wet during the fixing process. Some people forget to do this before starting the process. The right thing is to shut off the bathroom valve.
3. Remove the diverter knob
Unfasten the screw at the center of the knob. The diverter interior gets exposed, so you can check the stem and the diverter. You can remove dirt that is present inside.
4. Detach the diverter from the faucet
You need a wrench to remove the shower diverter from the faucet. Clamp the adjustable wrench to the diverter and unscrew it to remove it from the faucet.
After this, you can decide to replace the diverter with a new one or continue using the existing one. To fix the existing diverter, unscrew the rubber washer from the diverter and inspect it. In many instances, this is the main issue. You can replace the worn-out rubber washer with a new one.
5. Reinstall the diverter
After completing all the steps, you can reinstall the diverter back in position. Screw the diverter back into the faucet and tighten it with the adjustable wrench – just like you did in the beginning.
Then, screw the shower knob back. Test run the shower, if water is still dripping around the handle of the diverter, you can tighten it more with the wrench.
Method Two: How To Replace A Shower Diverter Spout
If your shower diverter has completely worn out, get a replacement ASAP! Leaving it unattended will gradually reduce the water pressure. Follow the steps below;
1. Place a towel at the drain hole to prevent any screws from falling.
2. Use a set screw from below the spout or a strong screwdriver to open the spout.
3. You can use a clean cloth to wipe the threads around the supply pipe. Use three layers of thread tape to wrap the threads. To seal the supply pipe to the wall, apply silicone caulk.
4. A new spout should be used to position the set screw on the supply pipe.
5. Wrap a masking tape around the teeth of tongue-and-groove pliers to secure the spout on the pipe.
Method Three: How To Fix A Shower Diverter Pull Up
You can use two different options to fix this.
Use a cooking spray to loosen the diverter.
Any kind of cooking spray can lubricate it before the main task begins.
1. Loosen the diverter knob by pulling it up and down.
2. Put in some cooking spray on the knob to lubricate it.
3. You can try to pull it up and down again to spread the cooking spray.
4. Wipe off excess cooking spray from the diverter, so the tub doesn’t become slippery.
Soak The Spout
Vinegar is best used for cleaning purposes. Add a few drops of it to soak the spout in. It will remove all the debris and make it clean as new. Follow the steps below;
1. Turn off the water supply
2. Make sure the spout is properly attached to the wall. Attachment can be done with a threaded pipe, a single screw, or a pop-in pipe.
3. Remove the spout by separating it from any of these attachments.
4. Use sandpaper to scrape off visible stains from the spout. Baking soda and vinegar can be applied for this.
5. Add few drops of vinegar to water and soak the spout completely in it.
6. Leave it soaked for some hours. Watch it as the dirt comes off gradually.
7. Once it is clean, you can dry the spout with a cloth. Remember to add Teflon tape to the tip of the spout.
8. Return the spout in position.
8. Check if other parts are good in position, then you can reconnect the water supply.
FAQs on How To Fix A Shower Diverter Gate
What Caused My Shower Diverter Leak?
A leak can arise when the valve isn’t perfectly sealed. The normal place for water to flow out is the showerhead or the tub spout. If water drips out of the faucet, then you need to fix it.
What Is The Function of A Shower Diverter?
This helps to divert the flow of water from the bathtub faucet to the showerhead. With a shower diverter, you can have a shower and a bathtub in the same bathroom.
What Happens When A Mixing Valve Stops Working?
The mixing valve includes two or three valve diverters. They control the water temperature. If the thermostatic valve stops working, the water temperature will increase than normal. It may make the water too cold or too hot.
Takeaway
Fixing a shower diverter is a straightforward process. This can save you the cost of hiring a plumber. The main goal is to ensure the flow of water diverts from the showerhead to the bathtub with the help of the bathtub spout.
This guide will assist you with ways to fix your shower diverter. All you need is to follow each step. Be patient and stay focused!
How to Remove a Stripped Allen Screw from a Faucet
How to Adjust Hot Water in Shower Moen
How to Fix a Cracked Toilet Tank – 6 Easy Steps
How to Clean Glass Shower Doors – Follow the 6 Step Guide
