Remove Stuck Washers Causing Shower Diverter Failure
Having issues with your shower diverter not fully diverting water to the showerhead? Noticed a split flow coming out of both the showerhead and tub spout? There could be a few reasons for this problematic symptom, but one potential culprit is stuck washers inside the diverter preventing proper sealing and water flow control.
What is a Shower Diverter and What Does it Do?
A shower diverter is the mechanism that controls the direction of water flow from the wall plumbing to either the tub faucet or up to the showerhead. When you pull up the knob or flip the lever to start your shower, the diverter internally rotates to send all available water pressure up to your showerhead. This produces that strong flow needed for showering.
Signs of a Failing Shower Diverter
If you suddenly experience a weak shower flow, have water leaking from the tub faucet even when the diverter is closed, or see a split simultaneous stream of water coming from both the showerhead and tub spout, your diverter is likely failing.
Causes of Shower Diverter Failure
There are a few common causes of shower diverter failures:
Worn Out Diverter Stem
The internal stem, which rotates to control flow, can erode over time from water exposure and mineral buildup. This erosion prevents a tight seal, allowing water to leak across to the tub spout.
Incorrect Installation
If the diverter stem is put in wrong originally, it may never seal properly no matter the replacement parts.
Stuck Washers Preventing Proper Sealing
Crucial rubber washers meant to seal water flow around the diverter can sometimes get left stuck inside the diverter housing after repair work. This prevents new replacement stems from seating correctly.
Where Do Washers Get Stuck?
When removing an old worn diverter valve, small rubber washers may come loose and get left behind somewhere in the diverter housing. If these stuck washers are not fully cleaned out before installing a new diverter valve, they can obstruct the new valve from correctly sealing.
Identifying a Stuck Washer
Suspect a stuck washer if replacing the diverter stem does not fix diversion issues. Stuck washers prevent solid contact between the new stem and the housing, allowing leaks even with a brand new stem.
Removing Stuck Washers
To fix a stuck washer causing shower diverter failure, follow these steps:
Turn Off the Water Supply
Start by locating the shutoff valves for your shower plumbing lines. Turn these clockwise fully to prevent water flow during your repairs.
Taking Apart the Diverter
Take apart the diverter assembly to expose the interior chamber. Look for screws to remove a front plate or access panel if your model has one. Otherwise, the diverter may need to be taken completely off the wall.
Locating and Removing Stuck Washers
Check the inner housing for stuck washers. You may need a flashlight to spot them. Use small pliers to grasp and pull out any debris, loose washers, or gasket fragments you find.
Cleaning Diverter Housing
With all washers and debris removed, wipe down the diverter chamber with a rag before reassembling. A clean sealing surface ensures your new replacement stem seats solidly.
Replacing Diverter Stem
After getting the diverter interior cleaned out, put in a fresh diverter stem:
Choosing Replacement Diverter Stem
Take the old stem to the hardware store to match the length, thickness, shape, and connections.
Properly Installing New Diverter Stem
Carefully follow manufacturer instructions for re-installing the diverter valve. Proper orientation is key!
Testing for Leaks
Check your shower with the new stem, verifying full water diversion to the showerhead and no tub spout leaks.
Preventing Future Shower Diverter Failures
To help avoid needing to replace leaky shower diverters year after year, remember these maintenance tips:
Periodically Inspect Washers and Seals
Over time, rubber gaskets deteriorate even if the diverter appears to work fine. Check washers once a year for cracking.
Follow Manufacturer Maintenance Recommendations
Consult your model's care guidelines for directions on lubricating O-rings or cleaning mineral deposits.
Recognize Early Signs of Failure
Catching problems early, like first signs of tub spout drips, can minimize later repairs.
Troubleshooting Persistent Shower Diverter Problems
If removing stuck washers and replacing the diverter stem still does not resolve flow issues, try these additional troubleshooting steps before calling a plumber:
Ruling Out Improper Installation
Confirm the new stem was oriented correctly. Improper alignment could still prevent sealing despite being brand new.
Checking for Additional Stuck Washers
Carefully inspect the diverter housing again for any remaining loose gasket pieces obstructing watertight closure.
Confirming Compatible Replacement Parts
Cross-check model numbers of old and new stems to ensure correct replacement compatibility.
Considering Professional Repair/Replacement
For persistent mixed water flows indicating failed diversion, consult a plumber to fully replace the diverter or diagnose other shower assembly issues.
Stuck washers are a common but often overlooked reason shower diverters fail to route all water flow to the showerhead properly. By removing obstructions and replacing worn diverter stems, you can get your shower working powerfully again.
Pay attention for early signs of leaks indicating wear and tear. Catching problems soon and performing preventative maintenance helps avoid stuck washers causing bigger part failures down the road.
If you've cleaned and replaced internal pieces but still struggle with inadequate diversion or showerhead flow, there may be additional issues needing a professional plumber's diagnosis. But trying a DIY clearing of stuck debris can resolve many basic shower diverter problems.