Fixing a shower diverter that has come off requires some careful maneuvering depending on what type of diverter you have. If the diverter has come off its spigot, you will need to replace the washer or O-ring if broken and re-secure the diverter and the spigot.
You must first shut off the water supply and open the faucet to allow any remaining water to drain. Armed with a wrench, loosen and remove the spigot by fully unscrewing it and inspect the O-ring. If it appears to be damaged, you’ll need to buy a washer and O-ring kit from your local hardware store.
Once you’ve fit the O-ring back onto the spigot and onto the diverter, you’ll need to re-seat the spigot onto the wall. To do this, you must make sure that the channels in the O-ring are lined up properly and reconnect the spigot.
Place the washer over the threads and screw the spigot back onto the diverter. When you have the spigot firmly in place, before turning the water back on, test it by turning the diverter up and down.
If the lever works, you can now turn the water back on and check for leaks. If the diverter is sprung or broken, then you may need to replace the lever itself. If this is the case, you’ll need to remove the shower lever and spacer and then unscrew the back of the lever in order to gain access to the bolt that holds it in place.
Remove the nut, bolt, and washer before replacing the lever with a new one, and return the nut, bolt, and washer back to the wall. Then, replace the spacer and the rest of the diverter before turning the water back on to check for leaks.
Can I replace a shower diverter myself?
Yes, it is possible to replace a shower diverter yourself but it is a job that requires some skill. You will need to identify the type of diverter you have and purchase the matching replacement. To replace the diverter you will need to turn off the water to the shower and then remove the existing diverter.
Depending on the type, you may have to unscrew the debris trap or unscrew it to the wall or you may have to remove screws to lift it out of the shower arm. Once it is out, you can install the replacement diverter, making sure to properly secure it with all the necessary seals, washers, and screws.
Then reinstate the water supply and test the new diverter. Minor adjustments may need to be made if the head does not direct the water appropriately, using an adjustable wrench. It is important to ensure that these seals and washers are in place for a watertight system.
Can I fix a diverter valve myself?
In most cases, you can fix a diverter valve yourself. If you’re confident in your ability to complete plumbing tasks, the first step in troubleshooting the valve is to check for any kinks or other obstructions in the hose leading to the valve.
If there are signs of corrosion or wear, you might want to replace the hose or valve. You should also check to make sure the valve is closed fully in order to stop the flow of water. You might want to clean the valve by using a toothbrush or a pipe cleaner.
If all of these steps do not work, then it is possible that the valve needs to be replaced. It is recommended to consult a professional if you are not confident with making repairs on your own.
Can you repair diverter?
Yes, in most cases you can repair a diverter. The first step is to determine the cause of the problem. Common causes of diverter issues include a damaged or fouled washer in the diverter valve, a broken spindle, a broken gasket, failing O-ring seals, accumulation of debris, calcium buildup, and a clogged diverter port.
The best approach to repair a diverter is to remove it from the pipe connection, disassemble the components, and inspect for damage. If any component is damaged, the part should be replaced and the valve should be reassembled before being installed back in the system.
Once the diverter is reinstalled, it should be tested to ensure it is working properly. Additional steps may be required depending on the specific cause of the issue.
How much does a plumber charge to fix a shower diverter?
The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors. The cost of fixing a shower diverter can vary greatly depending on the type of work being done. Generally speaking, a plumber will charge a fee for labor and additional expenses, such as parts and materials.
More complex jobs may also include additional fees for inspections and permits. For a typical job involving fixing a shower diverter, a plumber might charge anywhere from $75 to $200, usually on the lower end if only the diverter needs to be replaced.
Rates may also be higher in more populated areas and be subject to taxes and other fees. Before work begins, it’s important for the plumber to inspect the shower diverter and provide an estimate for the total cost of the job.
Are shower diverter cartridges universal?
No, shower diverter cartridges are not universal. While some cartridges can fit several body types and styles, it is always best to use the cartridge specified by the manufacturer. Each cartridge is unique and must fit the specific body style and handle of your shower.
Therefore, when shopping for a cartridge, you should match the manufacturer model number to make sure you are getting the correct one. Installing an incorrect cartridge can result in wear and tear issues, decreased performance, water leakage, and other unwanted complications.
Additionally, using the wrong cartridge can sometimes void a product’s warranty, so it is important to make sure to use the correct one. If you are not sure which model you need, consult the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer directly for assistance.
What does a shower diverter valve look like?
A shower diverter valve is a device installed in your shower that controls the flow of water between the showerhead and the spout. It’s typically a round, raised plastic knob or lever on the wall near the showerhead.
Depending on the model, to switch from the showerhead to the spout, you’ll either have to pull down on the knob/lever or turn it left or right. The diverter valve can be plastic or metal and is usually connected to the water supply by a short length of pipe.
Depending on the valve, you may be able to replace the knob/lever with a decorative one. If you have a multi-valve system, there will be multiple diverter valves, typically three—one for the handheld shower, one for the main showerhead, and one for the tub spout.
What are the parts of a shower diverter?
A shower diverter consists of several key components. These components include the diverter body, diverter valve, supply nipples, and the diverter handle. The diverter body is the enclosure for the other components and is typically made of brass, although it can be made of stainless steel as well.
The diverter valve is the main component of a shower diverter, and it controls the flow of water between the showerhead and spout. The supply nipples, which typically connect to the valves on the wall or in the floor, are the points where water enters the diverter body.
Finally, the diverter handle is used to control the diverter valve, allowing for a user to control the water flow from the showerhead or spout.
What is the difference between a shower diverter and a shower valve?
A shower diverter and a shower valve are two different parts of a shower system and each serves a different purpose.
The shower diverter is responsible for diverting the flow of water from the tub to the showerhead or vice versa. It is typically mounted within the wall and is operated using some type of lever, knob, or switch.
The diverter is a plumbing part and does not affect the temperature or pressure of the water flowing through it.
The shower valve, on the other hand, is responsible for controlling the temperature and pressure of the water coming out of the showerhead. The valve contains an internal mixing chamber and is usually located at the wall within the shower area.
Depending on the type of valve, the mixing chamber can be mixing both the hot and cold water supplies together or blending an existing hot and cold water supply together. It can also be used to control the flow rate of the water.
The shower valve is an important component of the shower system and is necessary for a good showering experience as it ensures that the water coming out of the showerhead is at the desired temperature and pressure.
Why is my diverter valve not working?
It is possible that your diverter valve is not working due to various reasons. The most common reasons include a malfunctioning diaphragm, a clogged valve/piping due to debris, a faulty O-ring, or a loose valve handle.
The diaphragm can become stretched or cracked over time, resulting in a compromised seal. This can result in a leak or a misalignment of the valve, thus preventing its proper functioning. A clogged valve or piping can be a result of sediment or calcium deposits, which can stop the flow of water and cause the valve to become stuck in one position.
O-rings tend to degrade over time and may need to be replaced regularly. It is also possible that the valve handle is not tightened properly, which can cause the valve to fail. To ensure your diverter valve works properly, it is important to regularly inspect and maintain it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
What happens when diverter valve fails?
When a diverter valve fails, it can cause a variety of problems. The diverter valve is responsible for directing the flow of water from the main supply line to other ports such as showers and faucets.
Without the diverter, water will be unable to make its way to the household fixtures, causing the water pressure to drop and flow to decrease significantly.
In addition, failure of the diverter valve can also lead to water damage – either from flooding or from leaks. If the valve is not functioning correctly, water may pool within the pipes or walls, potentially leading to costly repairs.
Additionally, any water that does manage to get past the diverter valve could generate moisture in areas of the home that are not meant to be exposed to water, such as behind walls or in the attic.
In order to prevent any potential damage, it is recommended to have the diverter valve inspected regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly. It is also wise to shut off the water supply if any of the fixtures suddenly experience low pressure or a decrease in flow, as this can indicate a problem with the diverter valve.
If any problems are found, a qualified plumber should be contacted to inspect and repair the diverter valve as soon as possible.
Can a shower diverter be repaired?
Yes, it is possible for a shower diverter to be repaired. A shower diverter, also known as a bathtub diverter valve, is an essential component of any shower or bath. It diverts the stream of water from the spout up to the showerhead.
Over time, the diverter may become worn or damaged, leading to a stalled or limited stream of water. Fortunately, with the right tools, a repair is relatively easy.
If you believe your diverter is failing, you should shut off the water supply and remove the shower diverter valve by unscrewing it. Normally, a few turns of the screwdriver should be sufficient to loosen it.
Take note of how the components fit together in order to complete the repair.
Once removed, inspect the diverter valve for any blockages that could be impeding the flow of water. If found, these can be cleared. If the diverter valve is damaged, it may need to be replaced. This can be done by buying a new valve of an appropriate sizing and fitting it accordingly.
With the new valve attached, you can screw the valve back into the wall and turn the water source back on. Once the water is running freely, the repair is complete.
Overall, yes, it is possible to repair a shower diverter. With the right tools and methods, it is usually a straightforward and simple process.
Is a diverter valve expensive?
The answer to whether a diverter valve is expensive or not depends on the type and make of the valve, as well as the materials used in manufacturing. In general, high quality diverter valves tend to be costlier due to the materials used and intricate designs.
These valves are typically made from high grade stainless steel, brass or even plastic, depending on the requirement and type. Generally, mid-range diverter valves cost between $40 – $100, whereas the more expensive ones range anywhere from $100 – $200 or more depending on quality and size.
The cost also depends on the brand, as some may cost more than others. To ensure that you are getting a good quality diverter valve with the features you need, it is wise to research various options and shop around to compare prices.