Your Complete Guide to Shower Diverters
If you've ever struggled to balance water flow between your showerhead and handheld unit, dealing with either weak pressure or scalding spurts, a shower diverter valve can provide some needed relief. Diverter valves give you precise control over your shower's water flow, allowing you to adjust the balance and pressure to meet your bathing needs.
Read on to become a shower diverter expert!
What Is a Shower Diverter?
Definition and purpose of a shower diverter
A shower diverter valve is a specialized valve that routes water flow between the fixed showerhead, handheld showerhead and tub spout in a shower system. By turning or sliding the diverter, you can control where the water flows and at what pressure.
Difference between a standard showerhead and a diverter valve system
Standard showers have a single showerhead and tub spout. To get water from the spout, you would plug the tub and flip a lever on the spout to activate water flow. A diverter valve shower allows you to control water flowing to both showerhead and spout.
Benefits of installing a shower diverter
Adding a diverter valve when remodeling or replacing a showerhead provides more versatility. Benefits include:
- Control water flow between showerhead and handheld sprayer
- Balance water pressure as needed
- Rinse hair or bathe kids/pets without flooding the tub
- Funnel all water to a rainfall showerhead for high pressure soak
How Does a Shower Diverter Valve Work?
Basic internal components and mechanism
Inside the diverter valve housing is an internal element with inlet and outlet ports corresponding to the water outlets. When the handle/lever is turned, it rotates this element to cover/uncover the ports, controlling water flow.
Routing water between fixed and handheld showerheads
Turning the handle switches flow between showerheads by blocking or allowing water to their respective outlet ports inside the valve body. Advanced valves may have a middle position allowing water to both.
Positions that control water flow paths
Common positions include:
- Fixed showerhead only
- Handheld showerhead only
- Both showerheads (split flow)
- Tub spout only
Types of Shower Diverters
Rotational diverters
Rotational handle designs are the most popular. Turning the handle/knob left/right routes water to different ports. These include ball valve, ceramic disc, compression, and gate designs - differing by longevity and water tightness.
Lever diverters
Lever diverters involve flipping the lever up/down or swinging side-to-side to direct flow. They operate similarly to rotational types but use vertical handle movements.
Slide diverters
For slide diverters, pulling a horizontal bar located on the shower pipe up or pushing down redirects water between the showerheads and spout. These tend to have only 2 positions instead of 3-4.
Specialty diverters (rainfall, body jets etc.)
Some luxury shower systems may use specialty diverters designed for controlling rainfall showerheads, body jets, or integrated pet wash stations. These diverters have more outlet ports to handle the additional water flow needs.
Operating a Shower Diverter
Turning/sliding the handle or lever
To operate most shower diverters, pull or turn the main control mechanism (handle, lever, knob, bar) to direct water between your showerheads/tub spout. Most types will make an audible click or snap when switched.
Selecting output: fixed head vs handheld
Switch positions to choose where you want water directed. Having water go to both heads splits the flow pressure so take turns using each one.
Adjusting water pressure
If experiencing high water pressure, diverting flow between heads can balance it. Just ensure any shut off valves are fully open first.
Shower Diverter Repair and Maintenance
Diagnosing issues: leaks, clogs, wear etc.
If you notice drips, uneven flow, difficulty turning positions, temperature changes, or other problems when using your diverter, repairs may be needed. Issues signal internal valve or seal wear.
Cleaning and lubricating
Scale buildup or debris caught in the valve can impede proper diverting. Carefully remove stuck handle components and clean out any visible grime clogging ports or seals. Apply silicone lubricant before reassembling.
Replacing valves, washers and seals
With heavy usage, internal seals and O-rings wear down, causing leaks or pressure loss. Kits are available allowing you to replace just the damaged internal valve parts instead of the whole unit.
Hiring a plumber for complex repairs
Attempting to force a stuck diverter handle can damage the internal system. For complicated repairs inside the wall, leaving it to an experienced plumber prevents costlier issues later.
Choosing a New Shower Diverter
Matching existing shower fixture finishes
When replacing your current diverter, choose one with a finish that matches other metal trims and fixtures in your bathroom for visual continuity.
Compatibility with pipe fittings
Measure your plumbing connections and know whether they take threaded, soldered or pressed fittings. This ensures transitional adapters match.
Durability of materials (brass, plastic etc.)
Solid brass or stainless steel diverters withstand corrosion and mineral buildup better than plastic models. Pay a bit more for resilient metals ensuring years of reliable adjusting.
Special features: buttons, LEDs, flow rate
Higher-end diverters tout extra functions like push button operation, lights indicating active outlets, detachable handles, or specific maximum flow rates to consider.
Shower Diverter Installation
Required tools and materials
Installing a shower diverter requires common household tools: adjustable wrench, Teflon tape, screw driver, towel. Additionally, you'll need the new diverter valve and appropriate transitional fittings.
Step-by-step installation guide
The basic installation steps are:
- Turn off main water lines and open shower valve to depressurize
- Remove old diverter valve
- Clean mounting holes and pipe interiors
- Apply Teflon tape to adapter threads
- Screw adapters into wall mount and attach valve
- Attach inlet and outlet pipes to valve
- Check alignments and tighten all fittings
- Turn water back on and test valve positions
Ensuring water-tight seals
Use excess Teflon tape on the adapters to fill any small gaps between the new valve and wall fixture. Carefully tighten by hand before finishing with a wrench.
Testing and adjustments
After installing, shower diverters may need adjustment. Switch between positions checking flow pressure and temperature. Tighten further or realign if needed.
Shower Remodeling Tips
Upgrading old shower valves
When remodeling an outdated shower, replacing the old diverter and valves modernizes both looks and functionality. Enjoy upgraded performance!
Combining with other upgrades: tile, lighting etc.
Coordinate diverter and showerhead upgrades with other planned improvements as one unified project. Consider complimentary tile, lighting, cabinets etc.
Budget and planning considerations
Factor cost of plumbers, custom trims, adapters and construction materials into your shower remodeling budget. Leave contingency funds to address unforeseen issues.
Shower Diverter Troubleshooting
No water flow issues
If absolutely no water comes out on any setting, ensure the shutoff valves are fully open. Clogged inlet screens, broken internal parts, or serious blockages also cause no flow.
Dripping water diagnosis
Constant leaking or dripping typically indicates failing seals/washers allowing water to continually bypass internal ports and chambers.
If experiencing pressure drops or sudden hot/cold shocks when adjusting diverter, mineral deposits may interfere with internal routing mechanisms. Clean and replace worn parts.
We hope this comprehensive guide better explains what shower diverters are and how they function to improve your overall shower experience! Properly operating and maintaining diverter valves results in balanced temperatures, consistent pressure and reliable performance from both your fixed and handheld showerheads for years to come.