How To Repair a Shower Diverter
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The shower diverter in your bathroom plays a big role in your hygiene routine. The diverter is the part in your shower system that directs water flow between the showerhead and the bathtub faucet. If your shower diverter isn’t working correctly, you may have a running faucet, experience low or no water flow in your showerhead, or be forced to endure a cold shower.
Fortunately, you can fix your broken shower diverter yourself with some common household tools and a little know-how. Learn the most common issues with shower diverters and how to fix them in our guide.
What Is a Shower Diverter?
The shower diverter is a small but essential part of your shower system. It’s a valve that controls the flow of water between your showerhead and your bathtub faucet. Shower diverters come in various styles, depending on the setup of your shower and bath. Here are the most common types:
- Tub spout diverter: This is a common shower diverter in bathtub/shower combos and older homes. A lever on the tub spout controls the water flow. Pulling it up sends water into the showerhead while pushing it back down sends water into the bathtub.
- Two-valve diverter: These shower system setups have one knob that controls the water’s temperature and another that acts as the shower diverter.
- Three-valve diverter: You’ll find this shower diverter in setups that have three knobs: one for hot water, one for cold water, and a third that acts as a shower diverter. The shower diverter will control the water flow from both the hot and cold taps.
Knowing the type of shower diverter you have will help you troubleshoot issues and make repairs. Identify your diverter type before attempting to fix it.
Common Issues With Shower Diverters
Shower diverters are relatively simple mechanisms but are vulnerable to wear and tear over time. You’ll start to notice common issues, such as the following:
- The diverter is not staying up on a shower faucet. If your diverter keeps sliding back down, it’s likely due to a worn-out washer within the diverter mechanism. The washer can deteriorate over time, leading to issues with the rubber forming a tight seal and keeping the lever in place.
- The water is not fully diverting to the showerhead. This issue can lead to low water pressure in your shower, and a couple of things can cause it. It could be due to too much hard mineral buildup within your shower system, particularly in the showerhead. It may also be due to a problem with the diverter stem, which controls the lever that blocks or opens water flow inside the system. If the stem is broken or bent, it might not create a complete seal to move the water into the showerhead.
- Leaking diverter handle or faucet. These are common signs that you need a new diverter. Leaks could be caused by a worn-out washer or a cracked or loose diverter system. You’ll want to replace a leaky old diverter immediately to prevent water damage around your bathtub.
Tools Needed To Repair a Shower Diverter
You’ll need to gather the necessary tools before attempting to repair your shower diverter. You can fix most issues within your diverter with basic tools and plumbing items. Here’s what you’ll need:
- An adjustable wrench to loosen and tighten nuts and fittings within the diverter system.
- A screwdriver to remove screws and dig gunk out of a bathtub spout that may be blocking the diverter mechanism.
- Plumber’s tape to create a watertight seal around threaded connections within the shower system.
- Pliers are used to grip stubborn nuts or remove small components within the diverter system.
- Rags to plug up the drain hole in your tub or shower to prevent the loss of small components like nuts or bolts while making repairs.
You may also need replacement parts, such as a new washer or a repair kit. Bring any old pieces to the plumbing repair or hardware store to purchase an exact replacement.
Step-by-Step Shower Diverter Repair
A broken shower diverter is a home improvement project most homeowners can take on themselves. Follow these steps to save money on professional plumbing repairs and restore your shower routine.
Locate the shut-off valves for your shower before starting work on the repair. These valves are usually situated beneath the faucet handle or behind an access panel faceplate. Turn the valves clockwise to stop the water from flowing into the shower.
You can unscrew most tub spouts by turning them counterclockwise. If your spout isn’t moving or feels stuck, look underneath the spout for a set screw. Use an adjustable wrench or screwdriver to remove the screw. A little water may leak out when you loosen the set screw or remove the spout.
Once you remove the tub spout, you can find the diverter mechanism inside. Look for signs of wear and tear, cracks in the housing, or a lot of mineral buildup. Pull up the diverter stem to see if it moves up and down smoothly. If it doesn’t, you may need to replace it.
How you fix your shower diverter will depend on the issue. Here are some common problems and how to resolve them:
- Worn-out washer: This is the most common type of diverter issue. Washers usually only last for about five years before they need replacing. Use pliers to remove the old washer. If the washer looks dirty but is otherwise in good condition, you may be able to wash it and put it back into the diverter. If there are cracks or other signs of wear and tear, it’s best to replace it. Bring the old washer with you to your local home improvement shop so you can get an exact replacement. When you replace the washer, add a little grease to keep it moving freely within the diverter housing.
- Mineral buildup: If you live in an area with hard water, mineral buildup is a common cause of broken shower diverters. Use a flat-head screwdriver to carefully scrape mineral buildup from the diverter housing, or take the diverter mechanism apart and soak the pieces in white vinegar for a few hours. Scrub them clean with warm, soapy water and a soft-bristled brush before reassembling and reinstalling the diverter.
- Broken diverter stem: If the diverter stem is bent, damaged, or otherwise broken, you’ll need to replace it. How you do this depends on your faucet model. However, many stems can be gently pried away from the bracket inside the tub faucet. If you aren’t sure how to do it, consult the manufacturer’s website for instructions. Once you’ve removed the broken stem, you can bring it to Home Depot or another home improvement store to find an exact replacement.
Once you’ve repaired or replaced broken parts within the diverter, you can reinstall your shower spout. Start by wrapping a few layers of plumber’s tape around the threads of the spout where it meets the wall. Screw the tub faucet back onto the threads, then replace the set screw (if you removed one). Be careful not to overtighten the spout. You want it flush with the tile and pointing straight into the tub.
Turn the water supply back on and check for leaks around the tub spout or diverter. Turn the water on and test the diverter, moving it up and down a few times to ensure it works correctly. If you are still experiencing issues, you may need to replace the entire tub spout or contact a handyperson for more suggestions.
Safety Tips for Shower Diverter Repair
Most homeowners can repair a shower diverter with a little home improvement experience. As with any do-it-yourself (DIY) project, safety should be your top priority. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind while repairing your shower diverter:
- Turn off the water supply. Ensure the water supply is shut off before working on any plumbing project. This will prevent any unexpected water flow, which could cause water damage to your home.
- Wear safety gear. Safety glasses and a sturdy pair of gloves can protect your eyes and hands while you work.
- Use the right tools for the job. The right tools make plumbing repairs easier and safer. Don’t try to force any parts or use the wrong tools, as you may damage plumbing components and make the issue worse.
- Be careful around hot water lines. Plumbing repairs often happen near hot water lines, which may be scalding hot. Let these lines cool down before working near them, or wear heat-resistant gloves.
- Double-check your work before turning the water back on. Make sure your screws are tight, the plumber’s tape is in place, and the tub spout is in the correct position. Then, turn the water back on slowly. That will help you spot a leak or other issue before the water is entirely back on.
If you run into any issues during the repair process or aren’t sure how to proceed, contact a qualified plumber. A professional plumber will assess the situation and complete the needed repairs safely.
Our Conclusion
The shower diverter is an essential part of your shower system. It controls the water flow between your bathtub spout and your showerhead. However, the mechanism is vulnerable to wear and tear over time. You may start to see issues such as leaks around the diverter, water not being entirely diverted to the shower, or a diverter stem that doesn’t stay in position. Most homeowners can fix a shower diverter themselves to save on professional repair costs.
Start by turning off the water, then remove the bathtub spout by removing the set screw and rotating the spout counterclockwise. Check the diverter for any signs of mineral buildup, cracks, or wear and tear. Clean or replace the affected components, then reassemble and reinstall the tub spout. Slowly turn on the water and check your work. If you’re still experiencing issues with your shower diverter, contact a qualified plumber for assistance.
FAQ About Shower Diverter Repair
How do you fix a shower diverter that won't stay up?
A shower diverter that won’t stay up is most likely caused by an issue with the rubber washer inside the mechanism. Remove the tub spout and gently pry out the old washer with pliers. Replace the washer and add a little grease to help it slide up and down freely.
What is the problem with the shower diverter valve?
The most common problems with a shower diverter valve are due to wear and tear, mineral buildup, or cracks in the diverter housing. You can unscrew the spout and inspect the diverter, removing any mineral buildup and replacing any broken parts. This will fix any issues with the valve in most cases.
Do you need to turn off the water to replace a shower diverter?
Yes, you need to turn the water off to replace a shower diverter. Locate the shut-off valve, usually under the faucet handles or behind an access faceplate, and turn the valves clockwise. Turning the water off will prevent unexpected water flow and reduce the risk of water damage.
How do you replace a plastic shower diverter?
To replace a plastic shower diverter, gently pry out the old one with pliers. Then, take the old one to your local home improvement store, purchase an exact replacement, and reassemble the mechanism.
Is it hard to replace a shower diverter?
It’s not hard to replace a shower diverter. Most homeowners with a little plumbing know-how can take on this home improvement task. However, if you’re unsure or uncomfortable about doing the work yourself, it’s best to contact a professional plumber.
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