A bathtub diverter is a fixture in the shower room that regulates the water flow in the faucet assembly, basically directing the water either through the shower head or the tub spout. For some showers, they use a diverter valve in the tub spout, which means that you have to replace the entire spout if it fails. For other shower faucets, they use a the diverter valve to function as a tertiary water control handle that is located between the hot and cold handles, which means that, if it breaks, you will have to remove the old diverter valve and then install a new one. Here is a step-by-step guide to fixing a bathtub shower diverter:
1. Check the bottom part of the tub spout to find a set screw that holds the spout in place. Most likely, the screw is located in a notched-out area or a small hole at the back of the spout. To remove it, you should an Allen wrench to rotate it counterclockwise. Be careful not to accidentally drop it down the drain.
2. Slide the tub spout directly off the water pipe. If it sticks, twist it back and forth.
3. If it happens that your tub spout does not have a set screw, then you can wrap a piece of cloth around the spout, clamp it with a pipe wrench and turn the spout counterclockwise until it comes off the water pipe.
4. When replacing the spout, it should be with the same location for the diverter—onto the water pipe—and on a reverse manner when you removed the old spout. If your new spout is with an opening that is too big for your existing water pipe, then screw in the plastic adapter piece into its opening before you install it.
5. Cut off the main water supply to you shower by turn off the shutoff valve in the bathroom or the main valve outside your house. Turn the shower faucet on all the way to release any pressure that is left in the pipes. Using a screwdriver, pry off the small piece of cap at the middle of the control knob. Then, remove the screw that sits underneath the cap and pull the faucet handle.
6. Using a pair of needle-nose pliers, remove any other adapter nuts or pieces attached to the shower valve stem, as well as any metal clip or pin.
7. Slide the appropriate socket wrench over the valve and turn the faucet handle counterclockwise until the valve comes off the pipe.
8. Install the new valve into the pipe, screwing it until it sits in place firmly.
9. Re-install other parts of the bathtub shower in the reverse order that you removed them. To see if everything works, turn the water supply back on.
By taking these easy-to-follow steps, you will no longer be bothered by water leaking out of your bathtub spout and low water pressure when taking a bath. Now, you will stop wasting water and again experience more enjoyable showers!
