Shower Diverters: What They Are and What They Do
May 22, 2018
If you have a shower-tub combination in your bathroom, the shower diverter valve is what allows you to divert the water back and forth between the tub faucet and the showerhead. Though they are typically very simple devices, shower diverters may malfunction and need replacing once in a while. Fortunately, our team at Best Plumbing is available to explain everything a Seattle homeowner needs to know about diverters, whether it involves picking the right new valve or fixing the one you already have.
How Do Shower Diverters Work?
The water pipe that connects to your tub faucet also extends vertically to your showerhead. When the diverter valve is open, water flows directly through the faucet and into the tub. However, when you want to take a shower, you lift the knob or lever to close the diverter valve. This creates pressure, forcing the water flow upward and out of the showerhead.
Types of Shower Diverter Valves
- Three-Valve Diverter: This type of diverter usually consists of a tap or lever located between the hot and cold taps of a two-tap faucet. To activate the diverter, you turn it 180 degrees, and then simply turn it back when you’re done.
- Two-Valve Diverter: A two-valve diverter can either be located in the center of a single faucet that controls temperature, or it can be set between the taps of a two-tap faucet.
- Tee Diverter: This single valve diverter is located in the tub faucet. To activate the diverter, you pull up on the lever in the faucet.
Common Problems with Diverter Valves
If water comes out of both your tub faucet and showerhead when you activate the diverter, then there is something impeding its function. Over time, diverter valves can become worn out or clogged by sediment. If this happens, the valve will not close completely, and so some water will continue to flow out of the tub faucet even when the diverter is activated.