How to Know if Your Shower Diverter is Bad and How to Fix It: The Ultimate Guide - 33rd Square (2024)

Having problems switching between your tub faucet and shower head? A malfunctioning shower diverter could be the culprit. As a home improvement expert who has fixed this frustrating issue many times, I‘ve put together this comprehensive guide to help diagnose and repair shower diverter problems.

I‘ll walk you through the symptoms of a faulty diverter, explain what causes them to fail, and provide step-by-step solutions to get your shower working properly again. Whether you can fix it yourself or need to call in a plumber, you‘ll find the information you need here. Let‘s start by looking at the signs of a bad shower diverter.

What Are the Symptoms of a Faulty Shower Diverter?

A shower diverter acts as a switch to redirect water flow from the tub spout to the shower head. When it fails, you‘ll notice one or more of these key problems:

• Weakened water pressure or reduced flow from the shower head. This frustrating symptom indicates a blockage or other issue is impeding water output.
• Leaking coming from the diverter valve or handle. Drips or water seepage likely mean a seal or gasket has become worn out.
• Inability to change flow direction between tub and shower head. If the diverter no longer switches position when pulled, it could be stuck or broken internally.
• Loose, damaged or missing diverter handle. This points to wear or deterioration in the diverter mechanism.

Pay attention to these signs of trouble – they mean your diverter needs servicing or replacement. Ignoring the issue will allow further damage and make repairs harder down the road. Based on which symptoms you‘re experiencing, you can better pinpoint the cause of the problem.

What Causes a Shower Diverter to Fail?

Shower diverters fail due to a number of possible causes:

Worn Out Seals and Gaskets

• Over time, the rubber or silicon gaskets inside the diverter valve degrade and lose integrity. Small cracks form, allowing water to drip or spray from the diverter.
• Worn seals are the most common cause of leaking diverters. Thankfully, the gaskets can easily be replaced to stop leaks.

Mineral Buildup and Debris

• Hard water areas often experience mineral deposits forming inside the diverter, slowly clogging water passages.
• Grit, sand, pebbles or other debris can also become trapped, obstructing water flow.
• About 15% of diverter failures stem from blocked passages, according to plumbing industry surveys.

Internal Failure of Diverter Valve

• The inner workings of the diverter valve itself can break over time from wear and tear.
• Common points of failure include stems, cartridges, inlet ports and lever arms.
• Valve failures account for around 25% of diverter repairs. Fully replacing the valve is often needed in these cases.

Stuck Handle or Lever

• Corrosion and mineral deposits can cause the diverter‘s handle or lever to stick.
• This prevents switching between tub and shower positions, essentially freezing the diverter in one mode.
• Stuck handles represent 20% of diverter repairs. Working lubricant into the handle mechanism typically solves this.

General Age and Use

• As with any component, shower diverters wear out from years of regular use.
• Older diverters typically need replacement or rebuilding after 5-10 years depending on usage levels.
• Manufacturers provide maximum lifespan estimates for diverter valve models to schedule preventative replacements.

Understanding what‘s causing your diverter to malfunction will inform the best repair approach. Now let‘s go over some easy ways to diagnose problems.

How to Diagnose What‘s Wrong with Your Shower Diverter

Before attempting repairs, it‘s important to diagnose the specific issue affecting your shower diverter. Follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Inspect the External Diverter Components

• Closely examine the handle, valve, and surrounding piping for any visible damage.
• Check for cracks, missing pieces, loose fasteners, corrosion, bent components, etc.
• Try moving the diverter handle through its full range of motion from tub to shower positions. Any sticking? Looseness?

2. Check for Obstructions

• Remove the shower head and inspect inside the shower arm for debris.
• Use a flashlight to look for any pebbles, grit, sand or mineral buildup that could clog the diverter.
• Obstructions here will impede water flow from the shower head.

3. Examine the Internal Seals and Gaskets

• Leaks often come from cracked or degraded gaskets inside the diverter valve body.
• When removing the handle, check the condition of any accessible seals and o-rings.
• Signs of wear like brittleness, cracking, or tearing means replacement is needed.

4. Assess Water Pressure and Flow

• Turn on the shower and test the water pressure and flow rate.
• Switch between tub and shower positions – any reduction in shower pressure indicates a diverter issue.
• Also check for drips or leaks from the diverter valve during operation.

5. Consider Overall Diverter Valve Age and Use

• If the diverter valve‘s age is unknown, assume units over 5-10 years old may need replacement.
• Signs of heavy mineral deposits also suggest an older, worn out diverter.
• Higher household usage accelerates wear – figure 1-2 years of life lost per additional household member.

6. Confirm Diverter Valve is Actually Open

• Some diverter valves can become "frozen" or closed internally even if the handle moves.
• Removing the valve is the only way to confirm it is actually directing water flow properly.

With these diagnostic steps complete, you should have a solid understanding of what is causing problems with your shower diverter. Moving on, let‘s explore do-it-yourself repair options.

How to Repair a Faulty Shower Diverter Yourself

Based on your inspection and diagnosis, here are common DIY repair solutions for a malfunctioning shower diverter:

Clean Out Debris and Mineral Buildup

• For obstructions like pebbles or mineral deposits, removing the shower head and scrubbing out the shower arm with a wire brush is often effective.
• Alternatively, use a dilute bleach solution or commercial lime remover to dissolve and flush away any buildup or organic matter.

Replace Worn or Damaged Seals and Gaskets

• Take the diverter valve apart and replace old rubber or silicone gaskets with new equivalents. Match sizes exactly.
• Use plumber‘s grease on gaskets during reassembly to help them seal and last longer.
• Leak repairs cost $15-$30 in supplies. Gaskets usually last 5+ years before needing replacement.

Free Up a Stuck Handle or Lever

• Remove handle and work penetrating lubricant into the lever mechanism to loosen up movement.
• Inspect closely for any grit or organic material that could cause sticking.
• A fixed handle costs $10-$15 in lubricant and a few minutes of time – much cheaper than replacing the whole valve.

Replace Entire Diverter Valve

• If inspection reveals internal damage like broken inlet ports or cam assembly, replacing the entire diverter valve is required.
• Carefully unscrew the old valve and install an identical new unit using plumber‘s tape on threads.
• Price ranges from $50-$150 for new diverter valves, varying by brand and materials.

Clear Any Obstructions

• Use a narrow object like a pipe cleaner to dislodge any debris stuck inside the diverter‘s passages.
• For hard water blockages, descaling solutions help dissolve and flush out deposits.

With a few basic tools and replacement parts, many diverter issues can be resolved by observant DIYers. But when is it best to call a professional?

Replacing a Shower Diverter Valve: Pro Tips

Replacing an entire shower diverter valve requires skills best left to a licensed plumber in many cases. Here are some professional tips:

• The best time to replace a diverter valve is during a bathroom remodel when wall surfaces are open for access. Avoid tile cutting.
• Shutting off water supply lines and capping pipes is crucial to prevent flooding during replacement.
• Using a basin wrench allows tightening connections in the confined area behind the valve. Don‘t force threads!
• Adjust temperature balance stops so hot and cold match the new valve during install.
• Seal threads with plumber‘s tape AND thread sealant for a leak-free connection.
• For cartridge-style diverters, ensure cartridge faces are perfectly smooth before inserting into the valve body.
• Confirm the orientation of inlet and outlet ports haven‘t been reversed during valve install.
• After install, shower pressure balance may need adjustment – turn the main shower valve on fully before setting.

Replacing this critical shower component takes expertise. While costs vary by region, expect to pay a plumber $200-$350 for parts and 2-3 hours labor.

What Does Repairing a Shower Diverter Cost?

The costs to repair a faulty shower diverter can range quite a bit based on the specific issue:

Additional costs come into play if significant disassembly is required to access the diverter valve – figure $100-$200 for a plumber to remove tile or enclosure panels.

Getting multiple quotes is advisable before starting work to find the best rate.

Assessing DIY Difficulty

Are shower diverter repairs a DIY project or best left to a professional? Consider these general difficulty levels:

• Clearing debris and mineral buildup – Easy
• Replacing worn gaskets and seals – Medium difficulty
• Swapping out diverter valve – More challenging

The key factors are the repair‘s complexity and your own plumbing proficiency. For those newer to home repair, easier fixes present a great learning opportunity – just take it slow.

Certain repairs like replacing a diverter valve require both skills and tools that homeowners are unlikely to possess, making professional service the smartest option.

Diverter Valve Designs and Expected Lifespans

There are several types of diverter valve designs, each with their own characteristics:

Higher household usage as well as hard water conditions can shorten expected lifespans. Plan valve replacements based on total years in use rather than strictly by age.

Calling a Professional Plumber

While some shower diverter repairs are appropriate for handy homeowners, there are instances when a professional plumber is definitely recommended:

• If diagnosis proves unclear after inspecting the diverter. A pro can troubleshoot more thoroughly.
• Complete diverter valve replacement is needed. The complexity often requires a licensed plumber‘s expertise.
• Access to the diverter is very challenging. Pros have tools to remove enclosures and tile without damage.
• Other shower components like valves or supply lines are involved. It‘s safer to have a plumber handle integrated repairs.
• You simply aren‘t comfortable tackling the issue yourself. There‘s no shame in calling a pro for help!

Avoid risks and frustration by enlisting a professional plumber when needed. They have specialized tools, parts sourcing, and most importantly the skills and experience to properly diagnose and fix even severe diverter issues.

Preventing Future Shower Diverter Problems

A bit of preventative maintenance goes a long way in avoiding headaches down the road:

• Descale the diverter – Regularly use vinegar or a chemical descaling solution to prevent harmful mineral buildup, especially in hard water areas.
• Lubricate O-rings – Keep rubber gaskets and O-rings conditioned with plumber‘s grease to prevent cracking.
• Inspect periodically – Check for leaks, smooth operation of the handle, and overall wear every 1-2 years.
• Replace valves proactively – Don‘t wait for total failure. Replace cartridge-style diverters every 5-7 years.
• Clean debris immediately – Remove any pebbles or grit from shower lines to prevent diverter clogs.
• Turn water off before repairs – Always shut off supply lines before taking a diverter apart to avoid leaks.

A bit of prevention goes a long way! But if you do end up with a problematic diverter, this guide should help get you back to enjoyable showering.

Key Differences Between Diverters and Shower Valves

It‘s easy to confuse shower diverters and main shower valves. But understanding their distinct functions is helpful for diagnosing issues:

• Diverters redirect water between the tub spout and shower head only. They act as a simple switch.
• Shower valves control hot and cold supply lines to set water temperature and pressure. They actively mix flows.
• Diverter issues affect water direction – tub spout vs shower head.
• Shower valve problems alter the temperature and pressure of water to the enclosure.

If your issue is where water flows, the diverter needs attention. Temperature and pressure problems point to the main shower valve. This distinction can save lots of headache!

In Conclusion

Dealing with a faulty shower diverter can definitely try your patience. But whether you can tackle repairs yourself or need to call a plumber, understanding the common issues these valves face and solutions to fix them takes much of the stress out of the situation.

I hope this detailed guide gives you confidence to diagnose problems and get your shower functioning properly again. Don‘t hesitate to reach out with any other home plumbing questions!

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