When a shower is running while the tub is on, it is often the result of incorrect plumbing work or faulty valves / fixtures. This is because a shower and a tub typically run off of separate water supplies, and so when a plumber incorrectly connects them together, the water can flow from one to the other.
This is often the result of incorrect installation, such as when the two were connected in the wrong order. Additionally, if the fixtures that control the water supply for the tub and shower are worn or faulty, the water from one may leak into the other, resulting in a “shower running when the tub is on” situation.
To resolve this issue, a qualified plumber should assess the plumbing setup and properly repair it.
Why does my tub and shower run at the same time?
The primary reason your tub and shower may be running at the same time is due to a malfunctioning or outdated diverter valve. The diverter valve is built into your tub and shower plumbing, and is what controls the flow of water between the two fixtures.
A worn-out or defective diverter valve can cause both the tub and shower fixtures to run simultaneously. In addition to faulty diverter valves, the tub and shower may be running at the same time due to a stop-valve malfunction.
This stop-valve is connected to the main water supply and controls the flow of water to all fixtures. A broken stop-valve can also cause water to flow to both the shower and tub at the same time. If you experience these issues, you may need to have your diverter valve, stop-valve, or both replaced to repair the issue.
How to fix a bathtub faucet that sprays out when the shower is on?
The first step in fixing a bathtub faucet that sprays out when the shower is on is to identify what is causing the issue. If the shower is directing water pressure towards the faucet, then the issue is likely a faulty diverter—the mechanism that diverts water from the faucet to the showerhead.
The diverter may be worn out or corroded and need to be replaced. If there is no water pressure toward the faucet and it is only spraying water when the shower is on, then the most likely culprit is a leaky valve, either in the supply tube or the mixing valve.
If the diverter is the culprit, then it will need to be replaced. You’ll need to turn off the water supply, unscrew the old diverter, and replace it with a new one. Make sure that the new diverter fits the same size and threading as the old one, and then screw it in place.
Test the faucet to make sure that the diverter is diverting properly and the faucet is not spraying.
If a leaking valve is to blame, then you’ll need to identify which one is at fault. This can involve disconnecting the shower head and supply tube, as well as the mixing valve. Then turn the water supply back on and test each piece separately to find the source of the leakage.
If it is the mixing valve then it will need to be replaced with a new one of the same size and threading. If it is the supply tube or showerhead, then they will need to be replaced as well. Once all of the pieces have been replaced and the water is turned back on, test the faucet to make sure there is no spray and the bathroom is functioning as expected.
How do you fix a diverter valve?
To repair a diverter valve, start by ensuring that the water supply to the house is shut off. Once the water is off, then detach the valve from the drain pipe and remove the top plate of the valve. Inspect the valve to ensure that it is not too corroded to repair.
If the valve requires replacement, then purchase a new valve with the same dimensions as the old one. To install the valve, attach the diverter valve to the drainpipe with the top plate removed, and then use sealing compound to seal the rest of the connections.
When finished, turn the water supply back on and check the valve to make sure it is functioning properly.
Why does my shower leak when running bath water?
It could be caused by a worn out gasket caused by age, a faulty or loose shower head, debris in the shower drain, a crack in the shower base, wear and tear in the shower door, a leaking faucet, or a worn out pipe joint.
To determine where the leak is coming from, it’s important to first check all the water sources in your shower and inspect for any evidence of leaking, such as water damage or residue. You will also want to inspect the shower drain to make sure it is free of debris or clogs.
Additionally, check the shower head, faucet, pipe joint, and shower door for any signs of damage or wear. If the shower is out of warranty, you may need to call a professional plumber to repair or replace the damaged components.
What are the symptoms of a faulty diverter valve?
The symptoms of a faulty diverter valve may depend on its type and the application. Generally, the symptoms of a faulty diverter valve can include the following:
1. Reduced pressure in the system: A faulty diverter valve can cause reduced pressure in the system. This can be caused by a blockage or leaks in the valve.
2. Leaks or dripping from the valve: A faulty diverter valve can cause blowing, leaking or dripping from the valve due to a faulty seal.
3. Erratic flow: An improperly serviced or worn out diverter valve can cause an erratic flow within the system, which can lead to uneven system performance.
4. Unstable pressure: A faulty diverter valve can cause instability in the system pressure, which can lead to unpredictable operation.
5. Inaccurate operation: A worn out or misaligned diverter valve can cause inaccuracy in the operation of the system, affecting the system performance.
6. Excess noise: A faulty diverter valve can cause excess noise from the valve, which can be an indicator that the valve is not in optimal working condition.
To determine if a diverter valve is faulty, it is important to have the valve inspected by a professional. If any of the above symptoms are noticed, it is essential to have the diverter valve replaced immediately as a malfunctioning diverter valve can lead to serious damages to the system and environment.
Can you repair diverter?
Yes, you can repair a diverter. Depending on what type of diverter you have and what type of repair needs to be done, the repair process may be different. Generally, you will need a few basic tools–a flat-head and Phillips-head screwdrives, pliers, and a crescent wrench.
If the diverter is leaking, the most common cause is a faulty gasket or O-ring, which can be removed and replaced. If the diverter is stuck, it may be because not enough lubricant was applied to the valve stem.
To remedy this, you can use a lubricant or mineral oil and gently apply it around the valve stem.
If the valve is stuck or won’t divert flow properly, it could be due to a faulty lever. To repair this, remove any screws that may be holding the lever in place and then replace it with a new one.
Finally, if the diverter is not functioning at all, it could be due to a malfunctioning diverter valve. If this is the case, it may be best to replace the diverter valve itself.
In any case, it’s important to refer to the manual for your diverter before beginning any repairs, as the screws, nuts, bolts and other components may vary depending on the manufacturer.
What happens when diverter valve fails?
When a diverter valve fails, it can cause a wide variety of problems with the water flow in a home or business. The valve is responsible for controlling the flow of water from the main water line and diverting it to separate lines for use in a variety of tasks.
A failed diverter valve will often cause water pressure to drop, which can result in a low flow of water. Additionally, a failed diverter valve may also lead to leaks, both from the failed valve itself as well as from other components where the diverted water was used.
These leaks can be costly and difficult to repair.
In addition to a lack of water pressure or leaks, a failed diverter valve may also cause the mixing of hot and cold water in the same lines, leading to uneven temperatures. Without proper mixing of the water, intermittent or significant temperature changes may occur while running faucets, water heaters, or any other component that relies on hot or cold water.
This will often result in a sudden change in the temperatures of water while using certain applications.
Without a functioning diverter valve, many plumbing applications may be severely limited or fail altogether. To avoid these issues and avoid costly repairs, it is important to have the diverter valve inspected regularly so that any necessary repairs or replacements can be completed in a timely fashion.
Why is my diverter still letting out water when I turn the shower on?
The most common cause is an issue with the diverter valve itself. It could be worn out, damaged, or corroded, preventing it from properly diverting the water from the tub to the showerhead. It could also be that the valve is not properly seated, or the seal around it is damaged or missing.
Another possible cause could be a clogged showerhead. If the diverter is functioning correctly, it will divert water to the showerhead. However, if the showerhead is clogged due to scale buildup or hard-water minerals, then the water will still find its way back down to the tub.
It is also possible that the showerhead is not connected properly to the water supply line. If the connection is loose or the seal is not functioning properly, the water will not make its way up to the showerhead and will instead bypass the diverter and find its way back down to the tub.
Lastly, it could also be that the pressure of the incoming water is too high, causing the water to push its way back down to the tub even when the diverter is properly diverting it. In this case, you might need to install a pressure-regulating valve to reduce the incoming water pressure.
If you are uncertain about what is causing the issue, it’s best to have a plumber come out and inspect the system for any problems. They should be able to diagnose the issue and provide a solution to fix it.
How much does a plumber charge to fix a shower diverter?
The cost to fix a shower diverter can vary based on a number of factors. It usually costs between $100 and $150, depending on how complex the job is, the type of diverter, and the cost of the parts. A simple repair may be as low as $50, while a more complicated job could be upwards of $200.
Generally, a professional plumber can diagnose the issue and provide an estimate for the required repairs. It is also important to check what services a plumber provides – some may not include the cost for the new parts, for example.
It is always better to get multiple estimates from different plumbers before making a decision on the job.
Is a diverter valve expensive?
The cost of a diverter valve will depend on the type of valve, the manufacturer, and its size. Generally, a diverter valve varies in cost from around $20 to upwards of $100. For those looking to buy a diverter valve for a shower, most valves can range from about $20 to $50.
However, there are also many more expensive options that can range from around $90 to $100. Commercial grade diverter valves, such as those used in spa/hot tubs, typically cost more as these require a higher quality material and are usually larger and have more features.
In addition, the cost of installation and any other necessary components, such as a valve stem, handle, and escutcheon plate, should also be taken into account.
Is it easy to fix a shower diverter?
In most cases, it is not difficult to fix a shower diverter. However, there are several steps that must be taken to ensure the success of the repair. First, you must locate the diverter and remove it from the wall.
This is usually done with a set of pliers. Once the diverter is removed, you must then inspect it for any damage and then either purchase a new part or repair it. Next, you must take the nut off the back of the diverter and remove the cartridge.
You may need to use a special tool for this. Once the cartridge is removed, you can then inspect it for any problems, replace it with a new one, or repair it and reinstall it in the diverter. Finally, you must reassemble the diverter and reinstall it in the wall.
This should not be too difficult as long as you have the right tools and supplies.
Why is water coming out of tub faucet when shower is on?
This is most likely a case of water pressure imbalance. If your water pressure is too high, it can cause water to come out of the shower head when only the tub faucet is on. This is often caused by a faulty pressure-balancing valve, worn-out faucet parts, or an air pocket in the plumbing, all of which can cause an imbalance in the water pressure and cause the water to flow from both the tub faucet and the shower.
In order to fix the issue, you should start by inspecting the plumbing in your home to see if there is a faulty or worn out part that needs to be replaced, or if you need to install a pressure-balancing valve.
You may also need to have a professional plumber inspect your plumbing if the issue is more complex.
When I turn my shower on water still comes out of the faucet?
This is likely due to an issue with the diverter valve. The diverter valve is responsible for redirecting the water flow from the faucet to the shower head when the shower is turned on. If the valve is broken or not adjusted correctly, it will cause the water to continue to come out of the faucet even when the shower is on.
To solve this issue, you’ll need to check the diverter valve to ensure it’s functioning correctly. Make sure the valve is clean and that the valve gasket or O-ring is in place. If it’s still not working properly then it’s time to replace the valve.
What does a shower diverter valve look like?
A shower diverter valve is typically a round or rectangular wall-mounted fixture located near the showerhead. It can be a single or double handle control with a knob, or it may have a lever style control.
The diverter valve uses a diverter stem with a valve cartridge and a diverter cap to control the flow of water between the showerhead and other shower components like a handheld device, body sprays, or tub spouts.
The diverter cap should be free of rust, corrosion, and algae that can accumulate over time and block the water pathways, leading to poor water flow and pressure. The valve cartridge should be free of mineral deposits, and should be replaced regularly to ensure proper operation of the diverter valve.