When you turn on your shower but water still comes out of the faucet, it could mean you have a defective diverter valve. The diverter valve is the component that lets the shower knob reroute water to the shower head rather than the faucet spout.
When defective, it may not be able to stop the flow of water to the faucet, resulting in water coming out of both the shower head and the faucet at the same time. You will need to replace the diverter valve or have a professional check the entire shower assembly to determine the exact cause.
To replace the valve, you will need to turn off the water supply to the shower, remove the handle and stem from the wall and separate the components. After that, you will need to remove the old diverter valve and replace it with a new one that matches the exact make and model as the original valve.
Once the new valve is in position, you can start to reinstall the parts one by one in reverse order.
How to fix a bathtub faucet that sprays out when the shower is on?
If your shower is spraying out when the tub faucet is on, the issue is likely related to a broken or faulty diverter. To fix the issue, you will need to replace the diverter. Before starting, shut off the water so that you don’t flood the bathroom or injure yourself.
First, remove the faucet handle to expose the valve stem. Use a set of pliers to unscrew the faucet’s bonnet nut, which will release the valve stem. Using a screwdriver, you may need to dislodge some mineral deposits around the stem.
Once the stem is removed, you’ll be able to slide the diverter out of its seat.
Clean the underside of the new diverter and lubricate it with a few drops of plumber’s grease to ensure a better seal. Insert the new diverter and tighten it into the seat with pliers. Put the valve stem back in, securing the faucet handle, and turn the water back on.
See if the diverter is spraying out. If it is, you may need to tighten up the bonnet nut a bit more.
Once the diverter is in place and the water is not spraying, you may need to replace the faucet handle or replace other components like the washer or packing. If the issue persists, you may need to give a professional plumber a call to look into the issue further.
How do I fix water coming out of my shower spout?
If you are seeing water coming from the shower spout, the first thing you should do is check the shutoff valve. If the valve is turned on, the water may still be running from the pipe, and turning the knob clockwise should stop the water flow.
If the shutoff valve does not stop the flow of water, there may be a kink in the pipe or a blockage further along the pipe, so you should inspect the shower piping. If the inspection reveals a blockage or kink, you should be able to adjust the pipe accordingly and stop the water flow.
You should also inspect your shower faucet handle and make sure it is set to the “off” position. If it appears to be stuck in the “on” position, you may need to use a small piece of wire to unstick it, or you may need to have a professional come in and assess the situation.
If you have examined the pipe and the faucet handle and the issue is still not resolved, there may be an issue with the internal plumbing of the shower. You may need to replace the washers or the gaskets in the shower-head, or you may need to ask a plumber to take a look and decide what the underlying issue is.
How do you fix a diverter valve on a shower?
Fixing a diverter valve on a shower can be a little challenging, but it’s not impossible.
First, shut off the water supply to the shower and the house before starting. You can usually find the shut offs near the shower or in the basement.
Next, remove the old diverter valve by disconnecting the hot and cold water feeds from the valve, as well as any additional water lines connected to the valve.
Remove any corrosion from the pipe’s threads using a brush or wire wheel. This will ensure that the new valve is able to get a good seal.
Install the new diverter valve according to the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure the valve is properly sealed into the wall.
Reattach the hot and cold water feeds and additional water lines to the valve.
Turn on the water supply to the shower and the house. Make sure to check for any leaks from the pipe fittings, valves, and joints to ensure they are watertight.
Finally, turn on the water and test the diverter valve. Make sure that all of the settings are functioning properly.
Although fixing a diverter valve on a shower can be challenging, with the right tools and instructions, you can easily fix the problem on your own.
What causes shower faucet to not turn off?
The most common cause of a shower faucet not turning off is a worn out diverter, cartridge, or stem assembly. In many shower faucets, a lever is used to divert the water away from the tub spout and up to the showerhead.
When this lever is no longer working correctly, it can cause the water to stay on even after being turned off. The diverter, cartridge, or stem assembly is what controls the movement of the lever, so if it is worn out, the lever won’t work properly, causing the shower to stay on.
If a worn out diverter, cartridge, or stem assembly is the cause, it will likely need to be replaced in order to fix the issue.
Can I fix a diverter valve myself?
Yes, it is possible to fix a diverter valve yourself depending on the severity of the issue. It is important to consult with an experienced plumber or handyman if you are not familiar with home plumbing.
The first step is to identify the location of the diverter valve. This can generally be done by tracing the water line leading from the main water line to the main shower pipe. Once you have located the valve, you will need to determine what repairs are necessary.
If the valve is simply stuck or not functioning properly, then you may be able to manually fix it by removing the valve and cleaning it or replacing worn parts. If the valve is physically damaged, then you will need to replace the entire valve.
If you are unable to complete the repairs yourself, then it is important to contact a professional plumber for assistance.
How much does it cost to replace a shower diverter valve?
The cost for replacing a shower diverter valve can vary depending on the type and quality of the valve being replaced. Generally, the cost ranges from $30-$50 for a basic plastic valve, $90-$200 for a brass valve, and up to $500 or more for a high-end valve.
The cost may also vary depending on whether it needs to be professionally installed or not. When opting for a professional installation, you can expect to pay anywhere between $100 to $500, depending on factors such as complexity of the job and the installers experience.
It may be wise to get a couple of estimates prior to making a decision in order to ensure you get the best deal.
Why is water coming out of tub faucet when shower is on?
This is likely caused by diverter valve issues in the tub faucet. Diverter valves are responsible for redirecting your water flow from the faucet to the shower. If the diverter valve is either broken or going bad, it can start to allow water to flow from both the faucet and shower head, causing water to come out of the tub faucet when the shower is on.
To fix this issue, you will need to replace the diverter valve. This can usually be done by shutting off the water main, disconnecting the supply line, removing the old valve, purchasing a new diverter valve, and installing the new one in the same spot as the old one.
However, if you are not comfortable doing this, you can always call a professional plumber for assistance.
What causes water to spurt out of faucet?
The cause of water spouting out of a faucet is the pressure difference in the interior of the faucet and water supply lines. At the base of the faucet there is a valve, typically a plunger, that opens and closes to regulate the flow of water through the faucet.
When you turn the handle of the faucet, the valve opens and it creates a pressure difference between inside and outside of the faucet. This pressure difference is what causes the water to spout out. When the pressure difference is strong enough, it creates a pressure drop at the end of the tube and water is then forced out of the faucet.
If the pressure difference is too low, the water stops and no water comes out. The same principles apply for showerheads and sinks and other plumbing fixtures. In some cases, a leaking faucet is caused by the buildup of calcium or lime deposits, which obstructs the flow of the water.
What does a shower diverter valve look like?
A shower diverter valve typically looks like a small metal tube with several ports and a larger handle at the top. The smaller ports typically correspond to the hot and cold water supplies for the shower.
The handle is used to move the diverter valve and direct water flow either to the shower head or to another outlet, such as a hand-held shower head, bathtub spout, or shower body jets. Depending on the type of diverter, the handle may move linearly, back and forth, or up and down.
The diverter valve may be chrome, bronze, or some other metal finish. Some may feature a plastic handle. You will typically see the diverter valve in the wall of the shower, although some models may be mounted to the tub or shower deck.
What are the symptoms of a faulty diverter valve?
The symptoms of a faulty diverter valve typically include excessive noise from the boiler, a drop in water pressure, or the boiler not reaching its normal temperature. This is because the faulty diverter valve is unable to regulate the flow of hot water from the boiler, thus resulting in inconsistent water temperatures and inadequate pressure.
Additional symptoms that may arise as a result of a faulty diverter valve include a blown fuse or a tripped circuit breaker on the boiler, as well as leaks or drips in the system. If a homeowner is unsure whether they have a faulty diverter valve, they should contact a certified heating specialist to inspect the systems and identify the cause.
Can I replace a shower diverter myself?
Yes, replacing a shower diverter yourself is usually a simple job. The process is generally the same, although it can vary slightly depending on the model of diverter you’re installing. Firstly, shut off the water supply to the shower.
Next, remove the old diverter by unscrewing it and then remove any old gaskets or seals. Damage or corrosion may be visible around the old diverter so inspect the area and make any necessary repairs.
Make sure you have the right replacement diverter for your particular model and size. Now install the new diverter onto the water pipes, making sure to put new gaskets around the connection to ensure it is tight and water-tight.
Once the new diverter is in place, turn the water supply back on and check for any leaks or signs of damage that may have occurred during the installation. If all is okay, you can now finish your installation by finishing the decorative trim around the shower.
Is it easy to fix a shower diverter?
It depends on the issue that you are trying to fix, but in general, it is not too difficult to fix a shower diverter. In most cases, the diverter will be hidden inside the shower wall, so accessing and repairing it will require a bit of demolition and plumbing work.
However, the steps needed to fix it generally involve turning off the water supply, removing the old diverter, replacing the stem or cartridge, and re-installing the diverter in the wall. It may also be necessary to replace the trim kit and the handle.
Each shower will be different and the steps needed will depend on the type of diverter and the setup. If you don’t feel comfortable attempting to fix the shower diverter yourself, it is best to call a plumbing professional.
What happens when diverter valve fails?
When a diverter valve fails, it can lead to a variety of problems. The primary problem is the inability of the diverter valve to adequately divert the water, either through a system of pipes or spray jets, depending on the application.
This could mean the system will not adequately divert the water and instead, only a small portion of the water will be diverted. This can cause a number of issues.
The main issue may be a loss of pressure in the system as a result of the fail-safe diverter valve not being able to adequately distribute the water pressure or flow out across the system. This can mean water flowing weaker or in an insufficient manner.
This lack of pressure can lead to other issues such as the system not being able to heat the water effectively or may prevent new water from entering the system.
Failing diverter valves can also cause leakage or allow water pressure to bypass the valve and escape from the tank that it was supposed to be released from. As a result, the entire system can become unbalanced and inefficient, leading to water wastage as well as potential damage to the system both in terms of hardware and the property it serves.
It is therefore important to regularly inspect and service diverter valves to ensure they are working correctly and that the system is functioning correctly. Failing to do so can lead to inefficient systems, water wastage and worse, potential damage and repair costs.
How much does a plumber charge to fix a shower diverter?
The cost to fix a shower diverter depends on the particular job, the tools and parts required, and the plumber’s rate. The typical range for shower diverter repair is between $130 and $200. This is a basic repair job, which typically takes about an hour to fix.
In most cases, the plumber will need to open up the wall to gain access to the diverter, assess the damage, and replace any necessary parts. Specialty tools may also be needed, which can add to the cost.
The exact cost to replace a shower diverter will vary depending on the plumber’s hourly rate, the parts they require, and the extent of labor needed.