A bathtub/bathe diverter is a small however essential a part of your lavatory plumbing. It is answerable for directing water stream between the bathtub spout and the showerhead. In case your diverter will not be working correctly, you could not have the ability to get water to stream out of 1 or each of those fixtures. Fortuitously, fixing a bathtub/bathe diverter is a comparatively easy activity that may be accomplished in a couple of minutes.
Step one is to determine the kind of diverter you will have. There are two principal sorts: push-button diverters and lever diverters. Push-button diverters are the most typical kind, and so they work by urgent a button to alter the water stream. Lever diverters work by shifting a lever to alter the water stream. Upon getting recognized the kind of diverter you will have, you’ll be able to observe the steps beneath to repair it.
Figuring out the Downside
Decide the Sort of Diverter
* Pull-up Diverter: Contains a knob or lever that you just pull upwards to modify between tub and bathe modes.
* Push-button Diverter: Has a button that, when pushed, diverts the water stream.
* Rotating Diverter: Turned like a dial, rotating it means that you can change between modes.
* Cross-handle Diverter: Two handles management the stream to both tub or bathe.
Verify for Obstructions
* Hair, cleaning soap scum, or particles can block the diverter valve, stopping it from functioning correctly.
* Examine the diverter outlet for any blockages and take away them with a brush or small object.
Study Valve Seat and Washer
* The diverter valve seat is the half that seals in opposition to the washer when the diverter is in a sure place.
* Over time, the valve seat might turn into worn or broken, inflicting leaks or improper diversion.
* Equally, the washer might deteriorate, decreasing its effectiveness and resulting in issues.
Examine O-ring or Packing
* A diverter might have an O-ring or packing that seals the valve.
* If this seal turns into worn or broken, it might trigger water leaks or have an effect on diversion performance.
* Verify the situation of the O-ring or packing and substitute it if mandatory.
Take into account Water Stress
* Excessive water strain can put stress on the diverter and trigger issues.
* Verify the water strain in your house and alter it to an acceptable stage if it is too excessive.
Gathering Needed Instruments and Supplies
Sorts of Tub Bathe Diverters
There are numerous kinds of tub bathe diverters accessible, every with a singular design and set up course of. Earlier than gathering instruments and supplies, it is essential to determine the kind of diverter put in in your tub bathe. Frequent sorts embrace:
| Diverter Sort | Description |
|---|---|
| Stem Diverter | Operated by a rotating deal with or lever |
| Piston Diverter | Managed by a push-pull or push-button mechanism |
| Cartridge Diverter | Housed inside a cartridge, requiring the substitute of your complete cartridge |
Instruments Required
As soon as you have recognized the kind of diverter, you will want the next instruments:
* Adjustable wrench
* Tub faucet wrench (if relevant)
* Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
* Pliers
* Needle-nose pliers (for cartridge diverters)
* Allen or hex key (if relevant)
Supplies Required
Relying on the particular diverter and restore wanted, you could require the next supplies:
* Substitute diverter stem or cartridge
* O-rings or seals
* Plumber’s tape
* Thread sealant
Eradicating the Faceplate
Eradicating the faceplate is a vital step in fixing a bathtub bathe diverter. Here is an in depth information that will help you navigate this course of:
- Collect your instruments: Earlier than you start, guarantee you will have the required instruments, together with a flathead screwdriver, a Phillips head screwdriver, and a pair of pliers.
- Establish the faceplate screws: Find the screws securing the faceplate to the diverter valve. These screws are sometimes positioned on the perimeters or across the faceplate.
- Unscrew the faceplate screws: Utilizing a Phillips head screwdriver, rigorously unscrew the faceplate screws. Be mild to keep away from stripping the screws or damaging the faceplate.
- Take away the faceplate: As soon as all of the screws are eliminated, gently pull the faceplate away from the diverter valve. It might be barely caught, so wiggle it forwards and backwards to launch it.
| Device | Use |
|---|---|
| Phillips head screwdriver | Unscrewing faceplate screws |
| Flathead screwdriver | Prying free the faceplate (if wanted) |
| Pliers | Gripping and eradicating caught screws (if wanted) |
Finding the Diverter Valve
Figuring out the diverter valve is a vital step in repairing any tub bathe diverter points. Observe these steps to find it:
- Establish the Deal with Sort: Decide in case your diverter is managed by a knob or a lever.
- Study the Tub Spout: If there’s a separate tub spout, it might have a built-in diverter. Verify the bottom of the spout for a small deal with or lever.
- Look Behind the Faceplate: Take away the faceplate of the bathe valve, which is often held in place by screws. The diverter valve could also be positioned behind the faceplate.
- Entry by means of the Entry Panel: For those who can not find the diverter valve utilizing the above strategies, test if there’s an entry panel within the wall behind the bathe. Take away the panel to entry the plumbing fixtures.
Various Strategies for Sure Diverter Varieties
For particular diverter sorts, various strategies could also be essential to find them:
- Tub/Bathe Mixture Valves: These valves sometimes have the diverter positioned on the highest of the valve physique, accessible from the showerhead aspect.
- Thermostatic Mixing Valves: These valves usually have a hid diverter, which will be accessed by eradicating the faceplate and adjusting a lever or knob hid inside the valve physique.
For those who encounter difficulties in finding the diverter valve, it is suggested to seek the advice of knowledgeable plumber for help.
Changing the Diverter Cartridge
1. Flip off the water provide. Find the shutoff valves beneath the sink or behind the entry panel and switch them off clockwise. Activate the tap to launch any residual water strain.
2. Take away the deal with. Use a small screwdriver or Allen wrench to take away the set screw attaching the deal with to the stem. As soon as the screw is out, pull the deal with straight off.
3. Take away the trim plate. Use a flat-head screwdriver or a putty knife to softly pry the trim plate away from the wall. Watch out to not harm the encircling tiles or partitions.
4. Take away the cartridge. Unscrew the cartridge retaining nut utilizing an adjustable wrench or pliers. Pull the cartridge straight out of the diverter physique.
5. Examine the cartridge. Verify the cartridge for any seen harm or put on. The rubber O-rings could also be torn or deteriorated, inflicting leaks inside the system. Change the cartridge if mandatory.
Changing O-Rings:
| O-Ring Location | Substitute Directions |
|---|---|
| Primary Seal | Take away the outdated O-ring and substitute it with a brand new one of many identical dimension and materials. |
| Finish Cap O-Rings | Take away the top caps and substitute the outdated O-rings with new ones of the identical dimension and materials. |
| Stem O-Rings | Take away the stem and substitute the outdated O-rings with new ones of the identical dimension and materials. |
6. Set up the brand new cartridge. Insert the brand new cartridge into the diverter physique and tighten the retaining nut securely.
7. Reattach the trim plate. Place the trim plate again on the wall and press it into place. Safe it with screws or bolts.
8. Reinstall the deal with. Align the deal with with the stem and push it on till it suits snugly. Safe it with the set screw.
9. Activate the water provide. Slowly activate the shutoff valves and test for any leaks. If there aren’t any leaks, the restore is full.
Putting in a New Diverter Stem
If the diverter stem is broken or worn, it’s going to have to be changed. Here is the best way to do it:
1. Flip off the water provide.
Find the water provide valves for the bathtub and bathe and switch them off.
2. Take away the outdated diverter stem.
Use a screwdriver to take away the deal with from the stem.
| Sort of Screw | Location |
|---|---|
| Phillips head screw | Backside of deal with |
| Allen screw | Inside deal with |
As soon as the deal with is eliminated, you need to use a wrench to take away the stem from the diverter physique.
3. Clear the diverter physique.
Use a material or brush to scrub any particles from the diverter physique.
4. Apply sealant (non-compulsory).
Apply a skinny bead of sealant across the base of the brand new diverter stem earlier than inserting it into the diverter physique.
5. Set up the brand new diverter stem.
Insert the brand new diverter stem into the diverter physique and tighten it utilizing a wrench.
6. Set up the deal with.
Insert the deal with onto the stem and tighten it utilizing a screwdriver. Make sure that the deal with is correctly aligned so that it’s going to function the diverter appropriately.
7. Activate the water provide.
Activate the water provide valves and test for leaks.
Reassembling the Diverter
7. Reinstall the Diverter Stem
As soon as the outdated stem is eliminated, it is time to set up the brand new one. To do that, observe these steps:
- Apply a skinny layer of silicone grease to the O-rings on the brand new stem.
- Insert the brand new stem into the diverter physique, lining up the tabs on the stem with the slots within the physique.
- Push the stem into place till it clicks or snaps into place.
- Wrap Teflon tape clockwise across the stem threads (about 5-7 wraps).
- Hand-tighten the bonnet onto the stem, then use a wrench to additional tighten it by 1 / 4 to a half flip.
- Reconnect the water provide traces.
- Take a look at the diverter by turning on the water and switching between the showerhead and tub spout.
8. Set up the Deal with
As soon as the diverter stem is put in, it is time to put the deal with again on. To do that, observe these steps:
- Align the deal with with the stem, ensuring the cold and warm indicators are going through the right route.
- Push the deal with onto the stem till it clicks or snaps into place.
- Safe the deal with with a setscrew, if mandatory.
Testing the Diverter
To check the diverter, start by turning on the water in each the bathtub and bathe. Observe the water stream, listening to any inconsistencies or leaks. If water doesn’t come out of one of many shops, the diverter could also be defective.
Subsequent, change the diverter to the alternative setting, directing the water from the bathtub to the bathe or vice versa. Once more, test for any uncommon water stream patterns or leaks.
If the water stream stays erratic or leaks persist, it’s seemingly that the diverter has malfunctioned. On this case, additional troubleshooting or substitute of the diverter could also be mandatory.
Attainable Causes of Diverter Failure
There are a number of the reason why a diverter might fail, together with:
- Mineral deposits or corrosion
- Bodily harm to the diverter mechanism
- Improper set up or upkeep
- Put on and tear as a consequence of extended use
Troubleshooting and Restore
If the diverter check signifies an issue, you could try and troubleshoot and restore it your self. Nonetheless, in case you are not snug working with plumbing fixtures, it’s advisable to contact a professional plumber.
Step 1: Verify for Leaks
Study the diverter valve and surrounding pipes for any seen leaks. If a leak is detected, tighten the packing nut or, if mandatory, substitute the gasket.
Step 2: Take away the Diverter
Utilizing a wrench or different acceptable device, rigorously take away the diverter from the tap physique. Examine the diverter for any harm or extreme put on. If the diverter seems to be faulty, substitute it with a brand new one.
Step 3: Set up the New Diverter
Align the brand new diverter with the tap physique and insert it into place. Tighten the diverter utilizing the wrench, guaranteeing it’s securely put in.
Step 4: Reassemble the Faucet
Tighten the deal with or lever and reassemble the tap. Activate the water and test for any remaining leaks.
Sustaining the Diverter
Common upkeep is crucial to maintain your tub bathe diverter in good working order. Listed here are some ideas for sustaining the diverter:
- Clear the diverter repeatedly. Over time, mineral deposits and cleaning soap scum can construct up on the diverter, which may stop it from working correctly. To scrub the diverter, take away the faceplate and clear it with a light detergent and water. You can even use a toothbrush to softly scrub away any cussed deposits.
- Lubricate the diverter repeatedly. The diverter stem must be lubricated repeatedly to maintain it shifting easily. Apply a small quantity of plumber’s grease to the stem each few months.
- Verify the diverter for leaks. For those who discover any leaks across the diverter, it is essential to repair them promptly. Leaks could cause water harm to your lavatory.
- Change the diverter if mandatory. If the diverter is broken or worn out, it’s going to have to be changed. Changing a bathtub bathe diverter is a comparatively easy activity that may be carried out by most DIYers.
|
Month-to-month |
Quarterly |
Yearly |
|---|---|---|
|
Clear the diverter |
Lubricate the diverter |
Verify the diverter for leaks |
|
Change the diverter if mandatory |
By following the following pointers, you’ll be able to maintain your tub bathe diverter in good working order for years to return.
Troubleshooting Frequent Points
If you’re experiencing points together with your tub bathe diverter, there could also be a couple of doable causes. Listed here are a number of the most typical points and the best way to repair them:
1. Water will not be popping out of the showerhead
– Make sure that the diverter is within the appropriate place. It needs to be pointing in the direction of the showerhead whenever you need water to return out of the showerhead.
– Verify if the showerhead is clogged. Whether it is, clear the showerhead in accordance with the producer’s directions.
– Confirm if there’s any particles or hair within the diverter valve. In that case, take away the particles and hair and check out once more.
2. Water is popping out of each the showerhead and the bathtub spout
– Make sure that the diverter is within the appropriate place. It needs to be pointing in the direction of the bathtub spout whenever you need water to return out of the bathtub spout.
– Verify if the diverter valve is worn out. Whether it is, substitute the diverter valve.
– Examine if the O-rings within the diverter valve are broken. If they’re, substitute the O-rings.
3. Water is leaking from the diverter valve
– Confirm if the diverter valve is tightened correctly. If it isn’t, tighten the diverter valve.
– Verify if the O-rings within the diverter valve are broken. If they’re, substitute the O-rings.
– Examine if the diverter valve is cracked or broken. Whether it is, substitute the diverter valve.
4. The diverter deal with is free
– Examine if the set screw on the diverter deal with is free. Whether it is, tighten the set screw.
– Verify if the diverter deal with is broken. Whether it is, substitute the diverter deal with.
5. The diverter is caught
– Attempt to transfer the diverter deal with forwards and backwards a number of instances. If it doesn’t transfer, apply some penetrating oil to the diverter valve and let it soak for a couple of minutes. Then, attempt to transfer the diverter deal with once more.
– If the diverter deal with nonetheless doesn’t transfer, you could want to switch the diverter valve.
6. The diverter is making a noise
– Verify if there’s any particles or hair within the diverter valve. In that case, take away the particles and hair and check out once more.
– Examine if the diverter valve is worn out. Whether it is, substitute the diverter valve.
– Make sure that the diverter valve is tightened correctly. If it isn’t, tighten the diverter valve.
7. The diverter will not be working correctly
– Make sure that the diverter is within the appropriate place. It needs to be pointing in the direction of the showerhead whenever you need water to return out of the showerhead, and it needs to be pointing in the direction of the bathtub spout whenever you need water to return out of the bathtub spout.
– Verify if the diverter valve is worn out. Whether it is, substitute the diverter valve.
– Examine if the O-rings within the diverter valve are broken. If they’re, substitute the O-rings.
8. The diverter is leaking water
– Confirm if the diverter valve is tightened correctly. If it isn’t, tighten the diverter valve.
– Verify if the O-rings within the diverter valve are broken. If they’re, substitute the O-rings.
– Examine if the diverter valve is cracked or broken. Whether it is, substitute the diverter valve.
9. The diverter is caught in a single place
– Attempt to transfer the diverter deal with forwards and backwards a number of instances. If it doesn’t transfer, apply some penetrating oil to the diverter valve and let it soak for a couple of minutes. Then, attempt to transfer the diverter deal with once more.
– If the diverter deal with nonetheless doesn’t transfer, you could want to switch the diverter valve.
10. The diverter is making a noise
– Verify if there’s any particles or hair within the diverter valve. In that case, take away the particles and hair and check out once more.
– Examine if the diverter valve is worn out. Whether it is, substitute the diverter valve.
– Make sure that the diverter valve is tightened correctly. If it isn’t, tighten the diverter valve.
The best way to Repair a Tub Bathe Diverter
For those who’re having bother getting the water to stream from the showerhead or tub spout, the issue could also be with the bathtub bathe diverter. It is a small machine that controls the stream of water between the showerhead and the bathtub spout. Over time, the diverter can turn into clogged with mineral deposits or different particles, which may stop it from working correctly.
To repair a bathtub bathe diverter, you will want to take away the outdated diverter and substitute it with a brand new one. It is a comparatively easy course of that may be accomplished in a couple of minutes.
Steps to Repair a Tub Bathe Diverter
- Flip off the water provide to the bathtub.
- Take away the deal with from the diverter.
- Unscrew the outdated diverter from the valve physique.
- Wrap the threads of the brand new diverter with Teflon tape.
- Screw the brand new diverter into the valve physique.
- Reinstall the deal with on the diverter.
- Activate the water provide and test for leaks.
Folks Additionally Ask About The best way to Repair a Tub Bathe Diverter
How do I do know if my tub bathe diverter is damaged?
There are a couple of indicators that point out your tub bathe diverter could also be damaged. These embrace:
- Water will not be flowing from the showerhead or tub spout.
- Water is leaking from the diverter.
- The diverter deal with is free or troublesome to show.
Can I repair a bathtub bathe diverter myself?
Sure, it’s doable to repair a bathtub bathe diverter your self. The method is comparatively easy and will be accomplished in a couple of minutes. Nonetheless, in case you are not snug working with plumbing, you could wish to name a plumber.
How a lot does it value to repair a bathtub bathe diverter?
The associated fee to repair a bathtub bathe diverter will range relying on the kind of diverter and the plumber’s charges. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to anticipate to pay between $50 and $150 for the restore.
