How to Fix Your Shower Diverter?

The shower diverter is the device that directs water from the bathtub tap to the showerhead. If your diverter is working properly, it will cut off water from either the tap or the showerhead. If your diverter isn't functioning properly, water will leak from your tap and showerhead when you use them.

Over time, diverters wear out and become less useful. They eventually need to be replaced or repaired. They are relatively easy to repair. Follow the steps below.

Which type of shower diverter do you have?

There are three types of shower diverter valves:

• Three-valve diverter for showers with two tap taps
• Two-valve diverter for showers that have a single-dial temperature adjustment
• Single valve or Tee diverter - Pull up to send water to the showerhead from the tap

Tee-diverters, the most popular type of shower diverter valve, is also known as Tee-diverters. These are the most common type of shower diverter valves. We will discuss how to fix them first.

How to Repair Your Tee Valve Shower Diverter

1. Turn off the water. It is much easier to repair something if you don't have to worry about water seepage. An access panel should be installed on the wall behind your shower.

2. The drain should be sealed. Tape or another similar material can be used to catch any screws that may fall down the drain.

3. Turn the waterspout’s screw loose. Some spouts may not have one. This tiny screw is usually located on the underside or near the base of the spout.

4. Disconnect the waterspout. Depending on the type of bathtub tap, it will slide off or turn.

5. Remove diverter. The diverter knob is a small piece of plastic that moves up and down as you pull it. You can replace the diverter with a kit at your local hardware store if it is damaged or worn out.

6. Test the water pressure by replacing the waterspout. The water should flow to the shower head. The mineral buildup may cause your water not to flow properly.

7. Install a new waterspout. Replace your old spout if it is corroded.

Repair your two- or three-valve shower diverter

You will need to identify which type of valve diverter you have in order to repair it. Most likely, your valve is behind a faceplate. Turn off the water supply, cover the drain, and then follow these steps:

• Take out the tub's handle and faceplate, which are often made of metal and remove it to inspect.
• Remove your old shower diverter. Remove the rotating valve if it is attached to a stem. Then, pull the entire thing out. To remove the diverter from behind the wall, use a socket or a shower tap wrench to cover it and loosen it.
• Replace your diverter valve. To ensure that you receive the correct replacement, take the diverter that you have just taken to the store. It will not cost much and it is more efficient than replacing individual parts.
• Install the replacement. The replacement should be installed in a matter of minutes. Do not tighten any screws.
• Make sure you test your valve. Turn on the water supply and activate the diverter. The water coming from the spout should flow straight to the showerhead. Water should only be able to flow from either the shower head or the tap.

Do not delay in getting your diverter repaired as soon as you spot problems. Broken shower diverters can lead to substandard showers and wastewater. This can lead to higher water bills and possible water damage within your walls.