Flipping the shower diverter on your tub spout should redirect the flow of water to your showerhead. Unfortunately, if the diverter valve is damaged or dysfunctional, you could find yourself taking baths every morning before work. While this solution might work for some individuals, most people prefer the convenience and speed of a daily shower. Ignoring your diverter issue could lead to increased water waste, higher utility bills and a less enjoyable experience overall. At Mr. Rooter of Atlanta, we enjoy helping our local commercial and residential clients find more ways to improve the effectiveness and safety of their plumbing systems, and we want to do the same for you. Are you tired of struggling with your shower diverter? Here are some tips on how you can fix this common problem once and for all.
What Does a Shower Diverter Do?
A shower diverter allows homeowners to switch the water flow from the bathtub faucet to the shower head. They can come in many forms, depending on the style of faucet installed. In some cases the diverter is a round pull knob on the front of the faucet, sometimes the owner has to pull the shower handle away from the wall and in other instances, a third handle is used.
Signs You May Need a New Shower Diverter
It's usually pretty obvious when a shower diverter is becoming worn out. Usually, the water will continue flowing from the bathtub faucet after pulling or turning the valve. Sometimes the showerhead will have water flowing at the same time as the faucet, which is a huge waste of water. Or, the shower head refuses to work at all, meaning you'll be forced to take a bath every day.
How to Repair or Replace a Diverter Valve
On some occasions, there's no need to replace the diverter entirely. You may need to adjust the screws. To find out, there's a few preliminary steps to take. First, prepare the area by turning the water supply off. Neglecting this vital step could result in a messy workspace. Then, tighten the screws near the faceplate of the diverter valve. Test to see if this trick worked. If not, you're probably in need of a new diverter. Be sure to find a quality diverter in the same style as your current hardware, otherwise you may need to make more extensive changes. It's a good idea to take your old diverter to the hardware store so you can find the right match. Install the new valve, using a wrench to properly tighten it. Turn the gate or adjust the stopper to make sure it's in the best position and test the valve. At this point, the water should be flowing accurately.
Need Help from a Certified Plumber? Call Mr. Rooter of Atlanta Today
If you perform these tasks, and your water is still pouring from the faucet, there may be an issue with the installation or another problem altogether. An experienced plumber in Atlanta can help ensure your new valve works so you can finally take a shower in peace. Do you live in Atlanta, Marietta, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Georgia or another metro area neighborhood? Then call the experts at Mr. Rooter of Atlanta. Our certified, licensed and insured plumbers are ready to help.