How to Fix a Faucet Diverter for a Shower: A Step-by-Step Guide

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How to Fix a Faucet Diverter for Shower

Your shower diverter is a small but important part of your shower. It allows you to switch between the showerhead and the faucet, giving you the flexibility to choose how you want to get clean. But what happens when your diverter stops working?

Don’t worry, you can usually fix a faulty diverter yourself with a few simple tools and a little bit of know-how. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to fix a faucet diverter for shower. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent future problems.

So if your diverter is giving you trouble, read on for all the information you need to get it back in working order.

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Step Instructions Image
1 Turn off the water supply to the shower.
2 Remove the shower head.
3 Inspect the diverter valve.
4 Clean or replace the diverter valve.
5 Reassemble the shower head.
6 Turn on the water supply to the shower.

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Identify the Problem

The first step to fixing a faucet diverter for a shower is to identify the problem. There are a few common problems that can occur with faucet diverters, including:

  • The diverter is stuck in the shower position. This is the most common problem, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
  • A build-up of mineral deposits or soap scum on the diverter
  • A faulty diverter valve
  • A damaged diverter arm
  • The diverter is leaking. This can be caused by a faulty diverter valve or a damaged diverter arm.
  • The diverter is not working at all. This can be caused by a faulty diverter valve or a damaged diverter arm.

Once you have identified the problem, you can begin to troubleshoot the issue and fix the faucet diverter.

Gather Your Tools and Materials

To fix a faucet diverter for a shower, you will need the following tools and materials:

  • A screwdriver
  • A pair of pliers
  • A wrench
  • A plumber’s putty
  • A new diverter valve or diverter arm (if needed)

How to Fix a Stuck Diverter

If the diverter is stuck in the shower position, you can try to fix it by following these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the faucet handle by unscrewing it.
3. Locate the diverter valve. It is usually located behind the faucet handle.
4. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws that hold the diverter valve in place.
5. Remove the diverter valve.
6. Clean the diverter valve and the seat with a toothbrush and warm, soapy water.
7. Reinstall the diverter valve and tighten the screws.
8. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test the diverter.

If the diverter is still stuck, you may need to replace the diverter valve.

How to Fix a Leaking Diverter

If the diverter is leaking, you can try to fix it by following these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the faucet handle by unscrewing it.
3. Locate the diverter valve. It is usually located behind the faucet handle.
4. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws that hold the diverter valve in place.
5. Remove the diverter valve.
6. Apply plumber’s putty to the seat of the diverter valve.
7. Reinstall the diverter valve and tighten the screws.
8. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test the diverter.

If the diverter is still leaking, you may need to replace the diverter valve.

How to Fix a Diverter That Is Not Working

If the diverter is not working at all, you can try to fix it by following these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the faucet handle by unscrewing it.
3. Locate the diverter valve. It is usually located behind the faucet handle.
4. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws that hold the diverter valve in place.
5. Remove the diverter valve.
6. Inspect the diverter valve for damage. If the diverter valve is damaged, you will need to replace it.
7. If the diverter valve is not damaged, you can try to clean it with a toothbrush and warm, soapy water.
8. Reinstall the diverter valve and tighten the screws.
9. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test the diverter.

If the diverter is still not working, you may need to replace the diverter valve.

Fixing a faucet diverter for a shower is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few steps. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily troubleshoot the problem and fix the diverter yourself.

Here are some additional tips for fixing a faucet diverter:

  • If you are not comfortable working with plumbing, you can hire a professional plumber to fix the diverter for you.
  • Make sure to turn off the water supply to the faucet before you begin working on it.
  • Be careful not to damage the diverter valve or the faucet handle.
  • Use plumber’s putty to seal the diverter valve to the seat.
  • Test the diverter after you have finished fixing it to make sure it is working properly.

3. Disassemble the Diverter

To disassemble the diverter, you will need to:

1. Turn off the water supply to the shower.
2. Remove the shower head.
3. Remove the screws that hold the diverter in place.
4. Pull the diverter out of the shower arm.

Once the diverter is removed, you can inspect it for damage. If the diverter is cracked or broken, you will need to replace it. If the diverter is not damaged, you can proceed to repair it.

4. Repair or Replace the Diverter

To repair a diverter, you will need to:

1. Clean the diverter.
2. Apply a sealant to the diverter.
3. Replace the diverter in the shower arm.

To clean the diverter, you can use a vinegar and water solution. To apply a sealant to the diverter, you can use a silicone sealant. To replace the diverter in the shower arm, you can use the screws that were removed in Step 3 of the “Disassemble the Diverter” section.

If the diverter is damaged, you will need to replace it. To replace a diverter, you will need to:

1. Purchase a new diverter.
2. Remove the old diverter.
3. Install the new diverter.

To purchase a new diverter, you can go to a hardware store or home improvement store. To remove the old diverter, you can use the instructions in the “Disassemble the Diverter” section. To install the new diverter, you can use the instructions in the “Replace the Diverter” section.

This guide has provided you with the steps on how to fix a faucet diverter for shower. If you are unable to fix the diverter yourself, you can always call a plumber to help you.

How do I fix a faucet diverter for a shower?

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. This is usually located at the back of the faucet or under the sink.
2. Remove the old diverter. To do this, you will need to unscrew the screws that hold it in place. In some cases, you may also need to remove the handle.
3. Install the new diverter. Make sure that the new diverter is the same size and type as the old one. Once it is installed, tighten the screws to secure it in place.
4. Turn on the water supply to the faucet. Test the diverter to make sure that it is working properly.

What are the common problems with faucet diverters?

  • The diverter may not be able to switch between the shower head and the faucet.
  • The diverter may leak when the shower head is turned on.
  • The diverter may be difficult to turn.

How do I troubleshoot a faucet diverter?

1. Check the water supply to the faucet. Make sure that the water is turned on and that the pressure is sufficient.
2. Check the diverter itself. Make sure that it is not damaged or worn out. If it is, you will need to replace it.
3. Check the O-rings on the diverter. These O-rings can wear out over time and cause leaks. If they are damaged, you will need to replace them.
4. Clean the diverter. Sometimes, a build-up of calcium or other minerals can cause the diverter to malfunction. Cleaning it with a vinegar solution can help to fix the problem.

How can I prevent problems with faucet diverters?

  • Keep the diverter clean. A build-up of calcium or other minerals can cause the diverter to malfunction. Cleaning it with a vinegar solution can help to prevent problems.
  • Replace the diverter regularly. Faucet diverters can wear out over time. If you notice that the diverter is not working properly, it is a good idea to replace it.
  • Use the diverter carefully. Do not force the diverter to switch between the shower head and the faucet. This can damage the diverter and cause it to malfunction.

If I can’t fix the faucet diverter myself, what should I do?

If you are unable to fix the faucet diverter yourself, you should contact a qualified plumber. They will be able to diagnose the problem and fix it quickly and efficiently.

In this blog post, we have discussed how to fix a faucet diverter for a shower. We have covered the different types of diverters, the common problems that can occur with them, and the steps involved in repairing them. We hope that this information has been helpful and that you are now able to fix your own faucet diverter.

Here are some key takeaways from this blog post:

  • Faucet diverters are used to direct the flow of water from the showerhead to the bathtub faucet.
  • There are two main types of diverters: manual and automatic.
  • Manual diverters are operated by a lever or button, while automatic diverters are activated by the flow of water.
  • The most common problem with faucet diverters is that they become stuck in the open or closed position.
  • To fix a stuck diverter, you will need to remove the handle and clean the mechanism.
  • If the diverter is damaged, you will need to replace it.

We hope that this blog post has been helpful and that you are now able to fix your own faucet diverter. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.