How To Fix A Shower Diverter Gate Step By Step Guide

How to replace a bathtub spout shower diverter

A shower diverter is a technical term in plumbing that is used to describe the valve you turn on to change the flow of water from the showerhead to the faucet of the bathtub. These devices are usually installed together with tub or shower fixtures, allowing you to shower or bather at your preference. You will typically find these in secondary or guest bathrooms and are great for accommodating both children and adults.

Here are Simple Steps on How to Fix a Shower Diverter Gate

Step 1: Put a piece of cloth or towel over the drain hole to keep the parts in one place and prevent them from falling down the drain.

Step 2: Turn off the supply of water to the bathroom.

Step 3: Remove the diverter’s knob by unfastening the screw at the center of the handle to expose the diverter and stem.

Step 4: Use a wrench to clamp around the diverter and turn it until it comes off the water supply line.

Step 5: You can install a new converter, which will be looking at later on, or repair on. For now, we will be discussing how to repair it

Step 6: Repair involves removing the rubber washer from the diverter by first removing the screw that holds it n place.

Step 7: Use a new washer and screw it in place and apply the right lubricant to the threats.

Step 8: Look inside the hole with a flashlight and check to see if the circular seat that the rubber washer closes against is pitted or smooth. If it is pitted, you will have to remove it with a wrench. Use a replacement seat to replace it.

Step 9: Install back the diverter stem, the hollow tube, escutcheon, and handle. Fasten the screw and run the shower to test it. If you see water dripping from around the handle of the diverter, you will have to tighten the nut with a socket wrench.

How to Replace a Bathtub Spout Shower Diverter

The diverter is the little knob you see at the end of the bathtub spout. The diverter can wear out over time. When this happens, the water pressure reduces for the shower because not enough water is diverting from the spout. You can replace the tub spout that will match your bathroom decor. Continue reading to learn more on How to replace a bathtub spout shower diverter:

1. Put a towel at the bottom of the bathtub under the spout. The role of the towel is used to catch any screws that drop and protect the enamel of the table from any dropping parts and tools.

2. Find a small set screw below the spout next to the wall. Remove the setscrew with a hex key and pull off the spout from the supply pipe. If your bathtub spout doesn’t have a setscrew, use a heavy-duty screwdriver into the opening of the spout and twist it to get it off the supply pipe.

3. Before the install, the new diverter and spout, wipe the threads on the supply pipe with the help of a rag. Use about three layers of thread-seal tape to wrap the threads. Apply silicone caulk to seal the supply pipe where it attached to the wall.

4. Fix the new spout on the supply pipe and secure the setscrew. When the spout screws on, you will slide it over the pipe and then turn it in the clockwise direction using your hand.

5. Use masking tape to wrap around the teeth on tongue-and-groove pliers in a move to protect the new spout. Tighten the spout on the pipe using the pliers. Avoid over-tightening the spot because you could easily damage the pipe and wall.

Make sure that you test the fixture to make sure that it is well-connected. Always make sure that you have the right tools to make the necessary adjustments required when repairing or fixing the diverter. This is because the using wrong equipment can either damage the fixture or may not tighten the fixtures correctly. You have to make sure that screws are tightened perfectly so that you can prevent the leaking of water. Most importantly, take your time to read manuals on how the process is done and how to do it correctly.

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2 Comments

  1. Thank you for these tips on fixing shower diverters! I like how you mentioned turning off the water supply to the bathroom. I would say that this is an important step that is often forgotten. I don’t know how to shut my water off, so I think it would be best if I contacted a professional.

    1. James Baker says:

      Thank you very much. Your decision really requires a professional guy to solve a lot of great problems.

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