How To Fix a Shower Diverter: Try These Easy Steps

Wondering how to fix a shower diverter?

While it’s not something you’re likely to do every day, you should have an idea of the steps to take when you need to fix it.

We’ll show you just that (and more) below.

Wondering How to Fix a Shower Diverter?

Have you ever gone to take a shower and your diverter didn’t lift? Or have you gone to take a bath and it was stuck on the shower setting?

It can be frustrating when you’re in a rush to start your day or when you just want a relaxing bath.

Fortunately, you don’t need to call a plumber immediately. You can do this repair job at home if you want to learn how to do it on your own.

By shutting down your water source, taking apart the shower diverter, and installing a new one, you can get yours fixed!

Wondering how to fix a shower diverter? Whether your diverter no longer works or there are some loose screws on the faceplate, we’ll guide you through the process.

Fixing a Diverter in 6 Easy Steps

There’s nothing more frustrating than when you want a bath, but your shower diverter is stuck on the shower setting or vice versa. The good news is that it’s a relatively easy fix.

You’ll need to shut off your water, cover the drain, and then assess whether you need to tighten some screws or replace the diverter completely. Regardless of what you need to do, we can walk you through it.

Step 1: Shut Off Your Water Source

To begin, you’ll need to shut off the water source to your bathtub faucet and shower. This might seem obvious to some, but it’s an easy step to forget.

Turning off the water means the difference between a clean repair and a messy one. The shock of water spurting everywhere is a mainstay of home plumbing projects.

Step 2: Place Drain Guard or Tape Over the Drain

To avoid making this simple project needlessly more complicated, you should fit a drain guard, a piece of masking, or duct tape over the drain.

This will prevent any screws or small parts from falling into the drain. Even if you think you’re very careful about where you place screws or try to keep them in your hand while you unscrew them, this can save you a considerable headache.

If the screws do fall near the drain, if you have a cover of some sort, you can easily pick them up without having to buy new ones or go searching through your drain. 

Step 3: Tighten Screws Connecting Shower Diverter Faceplate

Once you’ve prepared the work area, you’re ready to fully diagnose the problem. The problem may be either a worn shower diverter or loose screws on the faceplate. In the case of the latter, try tightening the faceplate screws without overtorquing them.

You’ll know to replace the worn shower diverter if water still leaks through the bathtub faucet with the valve engaged. In that case, either the valve itself or its rubber seals wore down through repeated use.

Plumbers generally recommend that you replace the shower diverter every four to five years or so to avoid water leakage. It is important to know that you should replace the showerhead every eight months or so.

Step 4: Take Apart the Shower Diverter

Next, you’ll take apart the shower diverter. This simple part has either a rotating valve or a gate-type valve.

If it’s a rotating valve, simply unscrew the nut at the stem or the diverter to remove the part. For a gate-type valve, unscrew the threaded spout for the tub and remove the entire valve.

Step 5: Replace the Shower Diverter

Now, you’re ready to replace your shower diverter. Make sure the replacement part is exactly the same type as the old one. If you’re not sure, it’s always a good idea to bring the old part to the hardware store and ask for advice.

Most hardware store clerks will be familiar with these simple parts.

If you know the exact model of your shower diverter or size, you may be able to order one online if you prefer that method. The one downside to this is that you can’t get it the same day, and if it doesn’t work, you’ll need to return it by mail.

Step 6: Install New Shower Diverter

During this phase, you are ready to install the new shower diverter. Place the part in its compartment and ensure that the parts don’t cross-thread with each other.

Tighten the shower diverter with a wrench, remembering not to over-tighten. Remember to “hand-tighten” bolts on home projects. There is never a need to use all of your strength to tighten any bolt or screw.

Doing so only makes it that much harder the next time you need to replace a part. Now, make sure the valve is positioned correctly. Twist the gate or adjust the stopper, depending on whether it’s engaged.

Step 7: Turn on the Water Supply

Finally, you’re ready to test the shower diverter to make sure it’s properly installed. Turn the water supply back on to test your new shower diverter.

You’ll know the shower diverter works if water flows through the showerhead without also trickling through the bathtub faucet.

Don’t panic if you notice that the water isn’t flowing well or that there is some trickling through the bathtub faucet.

You’ll need to shut off the water again and repeat the process listed above to make sure you tightened everything well. Once you’ve done that, you can try turning the water on again.

Things to Consider

Before you begin repairing or replacing your shower diverter, there are a few things you’ll want to consider:

• If your shower diverter isn’t coming off easily, it could be due to dirt and grease, so cleaning it first will help.
• Make sure you’re following the instructions for the correct valve on your shower diverter.
• You can avoid wear and tear by releasing the diverter after a shower for a few seconds.
• Remember to seal the drain before repairing it to ensure you don’t lose any small screws or other parts down the drain.
• You can buy a shower diverter repair kit online if you don’t have the necessary tools on hand.
• If you need to replace your shower diverter, it’s easiest to bring the old one to the store to ensure you’re getting the correct one for your shower.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Here are the most common questions about shower diverters and their answers:

So, How Do You Replace Shower Diverters?

So there you have it—how to replace a shower diverter. When you can’t get your shower diverter to work, it can put a damper on your day.

Luckily, you can fix your shower diverter by turning off the water source and unscrewing the plate.

Then, decide whether or not you can fix it by tightening some screws or replacing it entirely.

Once you’ve assessed the problem and put in the work, you’ll have a working diverter in no time.