When we jump into the shower stall or in the bathtub, we expect a nice and even flow of water. When either the showerhead or the spout isn’t supplying you with enough water, it is most likely because the “Diverter” is at fault and you need to change it.
A “Diverter” is a valve that diverts water between multiple showerheads and the spouts. When it goes bad, people tend to “Fix” it spending an hour or more dedicated to the process. My solution is, changing the diverter altogether. The process is a lot easier and takes up less time. Let me guide you through the process.
Remove the Spout First
Depending on the spout type you need to go to different routes to remove them. The spouts with setscrews are called “Slip-fit” spouts. The setscrew is located beneath the spout. Find it out and use a screwdriver to loosen it. Then simply pull the spout out.
The “Second” type of spouts are threaded spouts. To get these out, you need to use a pipe wrench. Loosen the copper nipple and then just pull it out from the wall.
If you have a “In-Spout” diverter, removing the spout and replacing it will solve your problem. However, if you an independent diverter, proceed to the next few steps below.
Turn off the Water Supply
You need to shut the valve that regulates water in your house at this point. If you do this, there won’t be any water wasted when you actually remove the faucet and the diverter in the process. After that, turn off the shower faucet as well, so there isn’t any water left in the pipes.
Remove the Faucet Cap
Very often, shower faucet and diverter’s control knobs are one and the same. If this is the case, remove the cap of the diverter/faucet, and you’ll find a screw inside. Use any screwdriver to remove the bolt. Then simply take the handle out.
Remove any Nut of Adapter
After removing the handle, you’ll find an adapter and other intricate pieces that sit on the valve. Remove these pieces one by one. Start from the adapter pieces and all the nuts. Clear the valve stem. Clean any debris that you may find. You’ll have to attach the new diverter here.
Remove the Valve
The next step is to remove the valve itself. To do that, a deep-set socket wrench of the appropriate size is needed. Place the socket wrench over the valve and turn it counterclockwise. After a few turns, the valve will come out of the water pipe.
Set a New Valve in Place
Then, you’ll have to screw in a brand new valve. Make sure the valve is of the same size as the previous one. Turn the screw in “Clockwise” direction to tighten the valve. At one point, it will sit tightly with the pipe.
Put Everything Together in the Reverse Order
Now that you replaced the valve, it is time to put in the nut that connects the adapter to the valve. When you are buying a new diverter, an adapter and the nuts will come with the package. So, don’t worry.
After you put the adapter and nut in place, find the another screw and put it at the center of the setup. Tighten it with a screwdriver. After that put the handle back in place and tighten it by hand.
At the very last, turn the water supply of your house back on.
Quick Tips
- Always buy shower diverter fittings of the same brand as your previous model. It will fit in nicely.
- Check the entire kit for missing nuts and screws.
- If you have to remove spout, make sure you apply some of the cluckings in between the spout and the wall so that it sits up snugly.
- If you are dealing with threaded spouts, make sure to apply some sealing tape. The sealing tape prevents the attachment from leaking water.
Final Words
Replacing or changing a shower diverter is an easy job that requires less time if you know what to do. Many of us call in professional help because they don’t know the process. It sheds some extra bucks that can be saved. These steps can be handled under an hour, and you can complete the job with overall maintenance cost in the double digits. But be careful of one thing, you need to follow these steps exactly as I mentioned. Otherwise, you might notice an imbalance between the hot and cold stream of water in your house due to poor heat distribution.