Unscrew the valve nut and put it aside for later. Purchase a faucet puller if all else fails. Using a pair of pliers, pull the U-shaped cartridge retainer clip off of the valve body. Use waterproof, heatproof silicone plumber's grease for this operation and not apetroleum-based product, such as Vaseline. First, clean the nut with a rag, then apply some lubricant to loosen the stuck faucet nut. Be careful not to scratch the finish. Aaron Stickley is a licensed plumber with 15 years of experience in commercial, new residential plumbing, and residential service and repair. One is for hot water and the other is for cold water. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Lets take a closer look at the mechanics of these two main types of indispensable plumbing components. Soaking the bathtub spout in a vinegar solution or spraying it with a penetrating oil are 2 great ways to free a stuck shower diverter. (See below for a shopping list, tools, and steps. Its usually located in the shower wall near the main shower valve, or at the top of an existing tub faucet. Remove the screw underneath the plate by turning it counterclockwise. Once you have these materials, follow these steps: 1. The product model number (usually an 8 digit code, i.e. Remove the handle screw, then the handle. This means that you no longer have the option to either user the showerhead or the bathtub. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Turn the water back on to the shower. The diverter valve diverts water from one path to another path. Once the stem is removed, inspect the outer wall of the bathtub. Wall Diverter Stems Remove the screw holding the handle in place, then pull the handle free of the valve stem. Draw the handle of the valve gathering and unscrew any sleeves or connectors from the get-together. Each type of valve has its own unique characteristics. If you are unsure how to cut the opening, ask a professional repairman. This will allow you to access the 2 grooves from the bathtub spout opening. A clogged or stuck valve can result in high pressure in the engine, head gasket issues, leaky oil, whistling, moisture in the engine, or sensor problems. My shower is doing exactly what he first stated. 5. Use a pocketknife to pry off the small round index cover from the showers hot-water faucet handle.4. Step 2. 2 Pull the stop tube straight out, sliding it off of the cartridge. Step 1: Turn Off The Water Flow. Fill it with vinegar all the way to the or mark. Apply a new layer of Teflon tape on the threads and thread the spout on the pipe. Step 1: Prepare to fix leaking shower valve. Due to limescale I had lots of problem opening and closing the shower. Why and What to Do, Why Your AC is Making Noises and How to Fix It. To remove the trim plate, use a screwdriver to loosen the screws that are securing it to the valve assembly, then slide it off of the valve stem. The valve controls the flow of water into the spout, whereas the spout controls the flow of water out of the faucet. Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics including environmental science and houseplants. Knowing how it works and understanding common issues can help homeowners maintain their showers in good condition for years to come. Don't be afraid to hit it pretty hard. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox. Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.Follow This Old House and Ask This Old House:Facebook: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFBTwitter: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitterhttp://bit.ly/AskTOHTwitterPinterest: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterestInstagram: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIGhttp://bit.ly/AskTOHIGTumblr: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTumblrFor more on This Old House and Ask This Old House, visit us at: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseWebsiteHow to Repair a Shower Valve Stem | Ask This Old Househttps://www.youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse/ Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 249,388 times. https://youtu.be/k8Aiem2kOgI What you need Tools 1/8" Hex Key Available for sale on Home Depot Adjustable Wrench Available for sale on Amazon Video Overview Step 1 How to Fix a Thermostatic Shower Mixer valve Push it back down and repeat this process until you can feel a clean opening and closing. Use the seat wrench to tighten the new stem seat into the valve. Screwdriver or Driller Hammer Other Required OEM Parts Faucet grease Step #1: There's a small hole beneath the handle puller. Lets Get You Unstuck. They make remodel plates that cover the old holes in the wall. We reviewed the best options here. If you don't have an access panel, you're going to have to remove that drywall, though. Other common problems with shower diverters are often caused by worn or damaged parts, which may require a shower diverter replacement in order to restore proper function. Two-valve diverters have separate handles for controlling both outlets independently. Hard water is a challenge for many plumbing fixtures, including diverters. Replacement Shower Faucet Diverter Check what kind of valve your shower takes before removing the old one or purchasing a new one. In order for rust to take place, water and oxygen have to be present on an iron surface. How to Fix a Thermostatic Shower Mixer valve. 1. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to pry the black rubber washer loose. WD40 will do nothing. The hole should be small enough that you can still cover it with the handle and trim plate later on. This will make them look new again. I'm not a plumber just a girl trying to find out how difficult it is to change this valve. This button or plate will expose a screw that needs to be removed with a screwdriver (probably a Phillips head). Although most of these faucets look as if they are made of brass, the truth of the matter is that they are just iron/steel coated to look like brass hence they will rust/corrode. Gently pry it with a flat-bladed screwdriver if necessary. Carefully remove the clip and set it aside, because you will need to reuse it with the new cartridge. 10. 1. You can also call it a water diverter, because it diverts the flow or direction of water. The vinegar will eat away at the buildup, clearing the showerhead for enhanced water flow. Designing a new shower system is easy but takes some thought. Measure the length of the supply line from the wall to the end. c) Examine The Posi-Temp Valve Make sure that it goes in straight and is not cross-threaded. Note the measurement down and use it to buy a new spout. 9. Use the wire brush to clean the inside of the fitting. In short, by manipulating the diverter, you can switch between directing water to your showerhead, hand shower, or bathtub spout. Use the seat wrench to tighten the new stem seat into the valve. There are often access panels for this. By hand, unscrew and remove the escutcheon to expose the stem. There are several ways to fix a stuck shower diverter. If you can't find fixture shutoff valves, then you may need to shut off the water to the entire house. Dont forget to include multiple shower heads and a hand shower. When you notice that your shower diverter is sticky, it could be that the groove is corroded. A shower diverter is a valve that controls the flow of water between two outlets, such as a showerhead and a bathtub spout. Screw the handles onto the valve stems. Look on the opposite side of the wall where the shower is located. I have a bathtub drip that's getting worse. As you already know, oil and water are not the best of friends. Dry the water first. 6. Wrap a rag or duct tape around the spout (so as not to scratch it) and loosen it with an adjustable wrench by turning it counterclockwise. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Secure the plastic bag to the spout using a rubber band. 5. If there is no screw under the spout, the spout is threaded to the supply pipe. If successful, take it to the store to buy a replacement of the same model. If you want water to flow out from the bathtub spout simply push the diverter knob down. For more information about your 2 or 3 way shower diverter, its wise to get in touch with an experienced plumbing expert who can offer personalized guidance if youre not comfortable attempting replacement. Remove the decorative trimming, take out the screw, and take the knob off the valve. Use a torch to heat up the middle of the fitting. Tighten it with a wrench. By so doing you will have peace of mind for the next 10 years or more. If any of the issues arise, many DIY homeowners feel comfortable tackling simple diverter replacements. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. He started his own residential service and repair plumbing business. For more convenience and flexibility, consider investing in a three-valve system or 180-degree turn valve theyre well worth the investment. Clogs occur when mineral deposits or debris build up in the diverter valve; this is especially common if your home has hard water. 8. 3. It may also use separate diverters, which allow you to direct water to your desired outletthe showerhead or bathtub spout. After you have the screws out, you may need to wiggle or tap on the handle to get it to slide off the stem. 12. 7. Steps. Integrated systems need to be professionally designed and installed due to their complexity. One valve regulates the water temperature meaning the hot water and cold water. If it's not moving, increase your leverage. Step #2: Yes, a shower diverter can leak over time. The substances embed on the groove inside the spout thereby restricting the free up and down movement of the diverter causing it jam. Leave it for at least 24 hours and make sure it stays wet. If you're unsure or have questions about the specific type, contact a plumber or home repairman. What is a Shower Diverter and How Does It Work? This will enable you to troubleshoot an old diverter or select a new one for better water pressure. 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