Shower Diverter

A shower diverter valve is basically a knob on a standard bath-tub faucet that facilitates the switch of water from the shower head back to the faucet. A regular operation of such spigots often spoils the movement of the shower valves and results in drippy and leaky faucets. Hence repairing the shower valve is necessary. So furthermore to avoid the annoyance of drippy valves and waste of water in your bathroom decor, learn from below the basic instructions for repairing a shower diverter.

Removal of Shower Diverter Knob

The removal technique might look very simple, but trust me it is the most harried part of this process. The first action to remove the knob isn't pulling it straight out off the diverter, instead use a gear puller to do so. Many people try funny kind of things to pull out the knob, like using hammers and hooks. But ultimately turn out destroying shower tiles and a lot around in the bathroom but remove the knob. Well, don't try to complicate this simple job till such an extent. Simply use a gear to pull it out and you are good to go. Once the knob is off, use a wrench to bend the metal tube behind the knob. Later cut the caulk surrounding the metal plate and you will have a good view to the diverter. Once that is done, it's time to repair the diverter.

Learn How to Fix Shower Diverter

1. Step: Herein you need to find out the type of diverter valve that is fixed to your shower head. Is it the gate type usually found in the spout of the shower tub. Or is it the spout which has a pull down or pull up type of a diverter. Or perhaps it is the rotating type of valve. This kind works on rotation and is situated in between the spout of the tub and the shower head.

2. Step: Once all of this stuff is determined, obviously remove the old valve so that you can install anew one. In case of a rotating valve, you will need to unscrew the nut at the stem and remove the entire valve assembly. And if it's a gate type valve, you will have to unscrew the threaded tub spout.

3. Step: This removal procedure is a job of a day's time. Because after the removal of the old valve you will have to take it to the hardware store to purchase a similar fit.

4. Step: Buy the perfect size and shape in lieu for the old one and bring it home. Before fixing it, wrap a double layer of Teflon tape on the stem threads of the new diverter assembly. This will stop the water to leak about the threads.

5. Step: This is the last stage in repairing shower faucets. Install the new valve to its original position. Just ensure that the parts do not cross-thread each other.

Well, tell me how difficult was that?! I don't think it was at all. That's because I too have experienced such travesty in the past and have yet managed to solve the problem instantly. Now agreed that these steps were highly 'trouble-free' but the action still continues. You still need to replace the shower knob back to its original position.

Replacement of Shower Diverter Knob

After all those possible efforts you applied in removing the knob, the job of replacing it back isn't that wearisome. Put the valve back to its actual position and screw it back in. Using a wrench tighten the diverter valve but make sure you don't overdo it. Once everything is fixed, fidget a bit with the knob to assure that it properly points down for the bath faucet and (left or up) for the shower faucet. This action of shower faucet replacement will hint you that the knob is affixed in its correct position and it is all good for use. Quickly run a test to check its working condition. Release the water pressure by turning on the shower side. If you see no leaks, not even a single drop, then definitely your leaky shower fauce has been repaired.

Learning how to repair a shower faucet would only depend upon the kind of problem you're facing in the bathroom. Replacing it with a new one is an ideal solution. You can also opt for a temperature control valve or a pressure based shower valve to save the troublesome bathroom setbacks. Agreed it would cost you a few extra dollars, but it would worthwhile!