Shower Diverter Fails to Fully Divert Water

Is your morning shower lacking that invigorating blast of water you expect? Do you feel the temperature fluctuating as you rinse, or notice water creeping out the tub faucet? A shower diverter valve that fails to fully redirect water flow is likely the culprit.

When mineral buildup, age, or improper installation prevents your diverter from closing completely, annoying drips or weak pressure can result. Diagnoosing and repairing shower diverters unable to fully divert water prevents damage from leaks over time. With some basic troubleshooting, cleaning, and part replacement, you can restore proper function.

Read on to understand common causes, quick fixes, preventative steps, and advanced troubleshooting for ensuring your morning shower rejuvenates. We'll cover ways to identify the specific faulty component, address tricky diagnoses, and learn professional strategies to keep water flowing through the showerhead.

Defining the Shower Diverter and Its Purpose

Before detailing shower diverter repairs, let's review what this handy component does. A diverter valve is the mechanism that reroutes water emerging from the tub faucet up to the showerhead above. When you pull the diverter handle, an internal gate blocks the spout while opening the path to the overhead shower. This allows you to conveniently switch between filling your tub or standing under the shower spray.

How a Shower Diverter Valve Works

A shower diverter contains several key parts that redirect water flow:

• Handle - engages the diverter when pulled or turned
• Gate valve - internal component that seals tub spout
• Seals and gaskets - prevent water leakage past the gate
• Diverter cartridge - houses the gate and seals
• Diverter stem - connects cartridge to handle

As the handle pulls the internal stem, the cartridge aligns to close the tub spout path and open flow to the showerhead simultaneously. Rubber seals and gaskets prevent backflow leakage into the tub faucet. When all components align fully, strong water pressure results.

Purpose of Fully Engaging Diverter

For a refreshing shower that rinses efficiently, full diversion is key. When a diverter fails to completely block the tub spout, problems arise:

• Loss of water pressure as flow splits inadequately
• Fluctuating temperatures from blended tub and shower streams
• Dripping issues that can lead to water damage over time

Ensuring your diverter completely seals the tub path preserves your intended shower experience while preventing subtle leaks. Periodically checking for complete closure is an important maintenance step.

Common Causes of Faulty Water Diversion

If experiencing decreased pressure, temperature swings, or dripping from the tub spout during showers, inspect the diverter. Here are the top reasons shower diverters fail at full water redirection:

Partially Clogged Diverter

Mineral deposits from hard water can gradually buildup on moving components. As the passage narrows, the gate cant close fully, allowing water past seals.

• Mineral scale prevents complete valve closure
• Enables water to siphon to the tub spout

Sediment, rust flakes, or other debris can also impede range of motion. Scrubbing removes buildup, often restoring function.

Worn Out Seals and Gaskets

Rubber seals and gaskets maintain water barriers within the diverter cartridge. After years of use, these components eventually crack and fail.

• Hardened, deformed, or torn rubber components
• Allows water leakage past the diversion gate

Spotting mineral stains near the tub spout indicates worn seals. Replacing cracked gaskets revitalizes protection.

Damaged or Outdated Diverter Cartridge

The internal cartridge contains all moving diversion parts. Old plastic can crack or alignment components wear down.

• Broken internal cartridge pieces
• Impaired range of motion

If the gate valve, seals, and stems seem intact, an outdated cartridge likely needs replacing.

Loose, Bent, or Disconnected Diverter Stem

The diverter stem connects the handle to the internal cartridge. This piece can suffer damage over years of use.

• Loose mounting nut at handle
• Bent from applying too much force
• Internal disconnect from cartridge

Any of these stem issues impede transferring handle movement required to fully divert water.

Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques

Pinpointing the specific faulty component speeds repairs. Here are some advanced tricks plumbers use to diagnose diverter issues:

Wiggle Testing

• Attempt to wiggle each component by hand
• Assess for looseness signalling damage

Attempting to physically shift the handle, shower pipes, and even wall surface surrounding the diverter checks for loose connections.

Visual Inspection

• Peer into the diverter using a flashlight
• Check for debris, mineral buildup, wear

Illuminating the inner workings with a bright flashlight can reveal small issues not otherwise noticeable. Have an extra set of eyes confirm your diagnosis.

Component Isolation

• Temporarily bypass components one at a time
• Determine which piece causes issues

If troubleshooting proves tricky, systematically replacing pieces with new parts isolates whether the handle, seals, stem, or cartridge causes problems.

Preventing Ongoing Shower Diverter Problems

Like other fixtures, shower components need periodic inspection and maintenance. Here are some simple habits to keep your diverter properly functioning for years:

Replace Seals and Gaskets Preventatively

• Extends diverter lifespan with regular maintenance
• Improves upon sporadic replacement when issues arise

Don't wait for overt cracking and leakage. Include seal and gasket replacement during annual cleaning to prevent deterioration.

Upgrade to Newer Diverter Components

• Modern cartridges improve performance and longevity
• Compatible with existing plumbing for easy upgrades

As with appliances, upgrading shower diverters utilizes improved designs and materials for optimal endurance and drip-free use.

Carefully Engage and Adjust Diverter

• Harsh force can bend internal stems
• Damage may accumulate gradually over time

When initially diverting water flow or redirecting to tub faucet, gently engage the handle. Precise alignment also optimizes sealing.

Incorporate with Water Filtration System

• Whole-house or showerhead filtration
• Reduces mineral scale and sediment

Filtering out water contaminants prevents buildup on shower components. Softened water extends time between necessary descaling.