Luckily, a stuck shower diverter can be easily fixed and doesnt always need to be replaced. Using a Phillips screwdriver, unthread the screw and remove the handle and adaptor from the valve stem. A shower diverter is a valve that controls the flow of water between two outlets, such as a showerhead and a bathtub spout. Unthread the existing seat from inside the valve with a seat wrench. I can almost guarantee you that it will be way easier this time round. family handyman. Best Way to Clean AC Condenser/Outside Coil, How to Clean AC Evaporator Coil for Powerful Cooling. 10. Dont forget to include multiple shower heads and a hand shower. Walking through the processing of fixing both issues. We reviewed the best options here. 1. You can unstick the faucet nut with the correct faucet stem removal tool to prevent damage to the shell. To avoid these problems, its important to maintain your shower diverter regularly by cleaning it with vinegar or another mild cleaner every few months. Using needlenose pliers, remove the valve clip and pull the valve out of the wall. Remove the screw holding the handle in place, then pull the handle free of the valve stem. Measure the length of the supply line from the wall to the end. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter, Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup. There are 2 grooves inside the bathtub spout where the shower diverter is fitted allowing it to move up and down. Plumber's grease is also recommended by Leak Geeks. You can also call it a water diverter, because it diverts the flow or direction of water. What is a Shower Diverter and How Does It Work? Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics including environmental science and houseplants. Although the process may differ a little per handle, virtually all single-handle, pull-out shower or tub faucets can be fixed with these steps. There are 2 common types of bathtub spouts. Before replacing the old cartridge with the new one, use your finger to lubricate it with a light coating of silicone plumber's grease to make it easier to remove when it needs to be replaced. Snap the index covers back onto the handles. Remove the wrench and nut from the valve. Good video with an experienced plumber just so hard to listen & learn. The product model number (usually an 8 digit code, i.e. By hand, unscrew and remove the escutcheon to expose the stem. Youre in the right place! Remove the decorative trimming, take out the screw, and take the knob off the valve. In 1992, Jones joined Roto-Rooter as a drain service technician at the age of 18. Sometimes you are better off cutting out some tile and replacing the valve though. Put on your protective eyewear (better safe than sorry). How to Repair a Shower Valve Stem | Ask This Old House This Old House 1.94M subscribers Subscribe 1.1M views 6 years ago This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey fixes a. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You just need to remove the rust and mineral deposits. 6. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'plumbingnav_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',195,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-plumbingnav_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Make sure that whatever style of diverter you choose matches up with your existing plumbing fixtures and shower faucet. ; Step 2: Twist The Shower Arm Off. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. [11] 10. The hole should be small enough that you can still cover it with the handle and trim plate later on. Step #2: Have a broken shower diverter, and need to replace it? Apply a new layer of Teflon tape on the threads and thread the spout on the pipe. Replace the handle hardware. Dave Jones is a Professional Plumber and the Midwest Regional Vice President at Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup. Be careful to not break the stem. You will see a metal tube, called a sleeve, that covers and protects the cartridge. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox. Step 1: Remove the Valve. Remove the cloth from the drain, turn the water back on, and test your work. Free shipping for many products! Open the puller, insert the central shaft into the screw hole in the middle of the handle, then hook the arms of the puller under the base. Other common problems with shower diverters are often caused by worn or damaged parts, which may require a shower diverter replacement in order to restore proper function. 13. Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup. If you have trouble taking it out with the pliers, it may be corroded, so squirt some WD-40 onto it and try tugging on it to see if it's loosened up. Screw the handles onto the valve stems. It's going to be a tall order for a lot of folks who don't work with their hands very often. Finish by screwing the trim plate and shower handle back in place. Keep turning the handle clockwise. If you can't remove the cartridge, it could mean it's too corroded to remove. Repeat as often as necessary to get it cleaned up. Hook the jaws behind the faucet handle, insert the threaded rod through the hole for the set screw and tighten the handle by turning it clockwise. Wrap a rag that has been soaked in a 50% solution of distilled white vinegar around the area of the set screw. To check if your shower valve is sticking because of limescale buildup: 2. Introduction Go to step 1 A nearly zero cost fix of a stuck shower valve. 7. Replace the washer and screw. Often the screws are hidden, in which case they're likely under the little circular plastic or metal coverings on the center of your faucet handles. For more information about your 2 or 3 way shower diverter, its wise to get in touch with an experienced plumbing expert who can offer personalized guidance if youre not comfortable attempting replacement. Dash to the garage and grab a can of your favorite lubricating oil. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. There's a very useful product on the market called the Easy Tap Splitter which enables you to use the sink faucet as leverage against the stuck washer. This article has been viewed 249,388 times. Loosen and remove the handle screw. I researched the internet and read taht it could be the rubber washer behind the valve stem, and to replace that. As you already know, oil and water are not the best of friends. Richard Epstein is a licensed master plumber with over 40 years experience in residential and commercial plumbing. After you've slid the new valve into its slot in the wall, put the metal clip back in place with your pliers and turn on the water supply. By so doing you will have peace of mind for the next 10 years or more. Use a screwdriver to pry off the valve handle cap if one exists, then remove the screws holding together the handle and the faucet stem. Then you will need to use the pliers to remove the clip (or nut) that holds the cartridge in place. 3. If the knob is too stuck you might want to wait for about 15 to 30 minutes. WD-40 is however not the only penetrating oil you can use. There are often access panels for this. Just loosen it and slide the spout out. I have a bathtub drip that's getting worse. Oct 2, 2019 To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Unscrew the handle to open the jaws. If your valve cartridge will not slide into the wall or seems too small for the slot, you may have bought the wrong size. Let set for 5-10 minutes. Attach a pressure gauge to a spigot to determine house the pressure. Youll gain the knowledge to make informed decisions about maintaining your homes tub and shower function. 9. This is easier than having separate handles for each outlet and great for those looking for convenience without too much complexity. Take a pair of vice-grips and grab the bottom threads (not too tightly so that you damage them, just enough to hold them) and with another wrench, try to remove the valve. If there are no shutoff valves behind the wall, you will need to locate and turn off water to the entire home and then open a fixture to relieve the pressure and drain the water. There are various ways to fix this problem, and we've already mentioned them. Cover the shower and pole with a towel or even a leather wrench to prevent scratches. After this, you should see the faucet handle screw, and then you just need to tighten it. 2 Pull the stop tube straight out, sliding it off of the cartridge. Step 5: Replace The Shower Arm. This will reduce the risk of damaging the valve. It's a good idea to do an internet search on the information printed on your trim plate. This will prevent screws or other small parts from falling in while you work on the valve. As you remove screws or other parts from the shower, keep them in the same place to avoid losing them. You want the trim to match so everything fits together properly once installed. Remove the handle as shown in Photos 1 and 2. c) Examine The Posi-Temp Valve Knowing how it works and understanding common issues can help homeowners maintain their showers in good condition for years to come. Sometimes instead of having a sticky shower diverter, you will notice that it wont stay up. To fix this problem look for a small file that can fit inside the bathtub spout. Now and then a PCV Valve gets stuck open. 8. Answer: If the handle is stuck, try adding lubricant or prying it out with a flat-head screwdriver one step at a time. It's important to turn off the water to the shower before attempting these steps. If you've got some handyman experience, sure. Slip the cartridge back in, making sure it is all the way in. If your shower valve is damaged beyond repair, you may need to replace it to prevent leaks. If this is the problem, it will also affect your shower head and you will notice that there is low water pressure coming out of your showerhead. My shower is doing exactly what he first stated. This is a far better solution that tying a plastic bag around it as the vinegar will reach and act on every part of the spout. 29 March 2021. If you choose to repair the old one, what you need to do is to replace the washer and screw. Are you a homeowner who has heard of a shower diverter but arent sure what it is or how it works? 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