The bathtub faucet diverter is a small but very important component of bathroom fixtures that allows for a seamless transition between the shower and the bathtub. If you notice that the bathtub shower faucet is leaking or that the diverter has somehow suffered mechanical damage, it's worth taking action to repair it.
Here are some tips on how to fix the bathtub faucet diverter. Continue reading to resolve the issue.
What is Needed to Replace the Shower Diverter?
Many people believe that if a problem arises such as a leaking bathtub faucet or a non-working water diverter, it may indicate that it's time to replace the broken faucet. However, if you enjoy servicing devices in your home on your own, you might try to fix the shower diverter.
To do this, it’s worth equipping yourself with a few tools and accessories that will be useful for repairing the bathtub faucet. Here are the most important ones:
- hex key – to unscrew the diverter;
- flat wrench – useful for unscrewing faucet components;
- silicone grease – seals and facilitates the diverter’s operation.
Alternatively, you may also need a new shower diverter - in many situations, replacing the entire faucet is more cost-effective than trying to repair the diverter itself.
Steps to Replace the Shower Diverter
If you want to repair or replace the shower diverter, simply follow our instructions; the whole procedure should not take you too much time. First, however, check if the failure is caused by a worn-out gasket – sometimes, simply replacing it is enough for the diverter to start functioning correctly.
Persistent issues with the diverter may also indicate lime buildup on it – clean the diverter using a descaling agent. It’s worth regularly maintaining the fixtures to prevent such problems.
If the shower diverter is still not functioning, you probably need to replace it. To do this, turn off the main water supply to the bathroom, and then:
- using a hex key, remove the diverter cover;
- disconnect the wires connecting the shower diverter to the faucet – for faucets with a thermostat, also disconnect the electrical wires;
- using a flat wrench, unscrew the screws holding the diverter in the faucet;
- replace the shower diverter with a new one;
- connect the diverter wires and reinstall its cover;
- turn on the water supply to the bathroom faucet and check if everything is working properly.
As you can see, to replace the shower diverter in the bathtub faucet, you don’t need a professional's help. You just need to dedicate a little time to take care of the fixtures in your home bathroom.
How to Fix the Bathtub Faucet Diverter – Summary
A malfunctioning shower diverter doesn’t have to mean a visit from a plumber; you can handle it yourself. Check to see if the problem arises from a damaged gasket, lime deposits, or “slack” in the faucet installation.
If everything is in order, and the operation of the shower diverter still leaves much to be desired, you need to replace it with a new one. By following the above-stated steps for replacing the shower diverter, you will surely manage it successfully.