Dave Jones. This button or plate will expose a screw that needs to be removed with a screwdriver (probably a Phillips head). Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter, Master Plumber, Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup. You will be using the edge of the file and not the flat side. One is for hot water and the other is for cold water. 9. 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. Draw the handle of the valve gathering and unscrew any sleeves or connectors from the get-together. The product model number (usually an 8 digit code, i.e. Unthread the existing seat from inside the valve with a seat wrench. Use a torch to heat up the middle of the fitting. When you notice that your shower diverter is sticky, it could be that the groove is corroded. 3. Now and then a PCV Valve gets stuck open. The substances embed on the groove inside the spout thereby restricting the free up and down movement of the diverter causing it jam. 2. Pry off the screw cover plate on the center diverter handle; use a thin flat-head screwdriver to pry with. WD-40 is however not the only penetrating oil you can use. Let that sit for 30 minutes or so. Key Takeaway: Maintaining a shower diverter regularly is key to avoiding costly repairs, so its important to clean and check for signs of damage such as cracked seals or worn-out parts. If your home is super old, you may want to get an asbestos inspection done first before you do anything. Once the spout is out, put it inside a bowl and add vinegar until evert part of the spout is immersed in the vinegar. Youll also need to make sure that your current plumbing setup is compatible with whichever valve model you select; some require additional piping if there isnt enough pressure from your existing supply line for proper operation. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Replace the sleeve over the cartridge. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Use a handle puller if it's stuck. When you are satisfied that the groove is clean move to the next one and file it as well. A simple standalone diverter may not cut it. I go through repairing, cleaning, maintaining shower valves. A shower diverter acts like a gate inside the bathtub spout. A stuck shower diverter is caused by debris, pipe corrosions and accumulation of mineral deposits in the bathtub spout. Designing a new shower system is easy but takes some thought. Remove the screw underneath the plate by turning it counterclockwise. By displacing water, WD-40 prevents surfaces from corroding. There are 2 things that you really need to be careful about while buying a new bathtub faucet. Push the shower diverter knob down and pull it up again. By so doing you will have peace of mind for the next 10 years or more. It might be best to have a professional plumber take a look at 3 way diverters that are more complex. Bring the vinegar with you inside the bathtub and push the spout inside the vinegar so that most it (and especially the shower diverter knob) is immersed in the vinegar. Manage Settings Do the same thing again 180 degrees around the nut. What is a Shower Diverter and How Does It Work? Investigating the Safety of Vinyl Chloride in PVC Pipes for Drinking Water: What You Need to Know. Remove the screw holding the handle in place, then pull the handle free of the valve stem. While you wait for the spout to get all cleaned up, use a toothbrush or any other drain brush to clean inside the supply pipe where the spout was connected to. Oct 2, 2019 Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our expertsstraight to your inbox. With some basic maintenance, it will last many more years. Cover the tub/shower drain with a cloth to prevent small parts from dropping into the drainpipe.3. Detach the screw. Keep spraying the penetrating oil and playing with the knob until it loosens up completely. Screw the handles onto the valve stems.14. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'plumbingnav_com-box-4','ezslot_3',186,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-plumbingnav_com-box-4-0'); A shower diverter is a valve that controls the flow of water between two outlets, such as a showerhead and a bathtub spout. Remove the screw holding the control handle on the fixture, found either at the base of the handle or under the top amidst the handle. With a main shower valve acting as the master controller and several smaller valves connected to it that can be individually controlled via their own handles or knobs located nearby on the wall panel, users can direct varying amounts of pressure and hot water temperature towards different areas according to their individual preferences. ; Step 2: Twist The Shower Arm Off. If it feels less resistant than earlier, spray more penetrating oil and wait for another 15 minutes. Abd that is how to fix a stuck shower diverter. Use a valve socket and pliers to loosen and remove the old stem from the wall. What causes this though? Perhaps you can clamp on to something below? Step 1: Prepare to fix leaking shower valve. Lime, which is basically calcium is the whitish substance that you might also notice at the bottom of the bathtub after draining it. Introduction Go to step 1 A nearly zero cost fix of a stuck shower valve. If you can't find fixture shutoff valves, then you may need to shut off the water to the entire house. family handyman. As you replace your shower valve, work carefully to make sure you don't forget any important details. Plumber holding a bath faucet and installs it. It's also a good idea to spray it with WD 40. Make sure there's no other damage around the shower faucet. Connect the bathtub spout back to the steel pipe. Vinegar is a mild acid which is fantastic cleaning agent on its own as well as when combined with baking soda. 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. Pull the tool while rotating back and forth (clockwise and counterclockwise) to extract the cartridge. The valve controls the flow of water into the spout, whereas the spout controls the flow of water out of the faucet. Wrap Teflon tape around the base of your stem and screw it into place. Just to cover all your bases, you will want to turn off the flow of water to the shower. I no longer have the documentation or packaging. Dont be too aggressive as you do not want to file the body of the spout. When the knob is pulled up, water flows out from the showerhead. This means that you no longer have the option to either user the showerhead or the bathtub. 2 Take the shower handle off. To check if your shower valve is sticking because of limescale buildup: Additionally, Plumbing Sniper participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. ; Step 4: Adjustable Pipe Wrench. Remove the decorative trimming, take out the screw, and take the knob off the valve. 7. There are 2 grooves inside the bathtub spout where the shower diverter is fitted allowing it to move up and down. Two-valve diverters have separate handles for controlling both outlets independently. Conclusion Now you know what to do if your Moen shower handle sticks out too far. The length of the supply pipe. There are often access panels for this. Often, this type of spout will also be caulked to the bathroom wall. Apply plumbers putty to the back of each escutcheon plate, then hand-tighten them onto the stems. Walking through the processing of fixing both issues. 5. Dave served as general manager of Roto-Rooters Charlotte, North Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia branches before being promoted to Contractor Area Manager and later to Regional Vice President. Clean the Showerhead. As you remove screws or other parts from the shower, keep them in the same place to avoid losing them. If its leaking, you will need to replace it. No matter what kind of setup you choose, remember that regular maintenance will help keep things running smoothly and avoid costly repairs down the road. This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey fixes a faulty shower valve with new valve stems and seats. Re-spray and re-tap. First, clean the nut with a rag, then apply some lubricant to loosen the stuck faucet nut. 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. You can also call it a water diverter, because it diverts the flow or direction of water. He started his own residential service and repair plumbing business. Here is how to lubricate a stuck shower diverter: For folks who live in areas with hard water, I expect the cause of the stuck shower diverter to be calcium build up. Spray lubricant such as WD-40 on obvious points of friction. )SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouseShopping List for How to Repair a Shower Valve Stem:Cloth [https://amzn.to/2m0Gs3D], for plugging up drainpipeReplacement valve stems [https://amzn.to/2lmWSTH] and stem seats [https://amzn.to/2mWo9wz]Pipe-thread sealant [https://amzn.to/2n1JwfR], to create watertight seal on stem seatPlumbers putty [https://amzn.to/2mTuuJl], for sealing escutcheons to shower wallTools for How to Repair a Shower Valve Stem:Pocket knife [https://amzn.to/2m2Z6rv], to pry off index coversPhillips-head screwdriver [https://amzn.to/2mWdC4F], for loosening and tightening handle-retaining screwsValve socket [https://amzn.to/2lRaerG] and pliers [https://amzn.to/2mWftGF], to remove and install new valve stemsSeat wrench [https://amzn.to/2m32brz], for replacing existing stem seatsSteps for How to Repair a Shower Valve Stem:1. Put the flat file straight into the hole. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to pry the black rubber washer loose. Remove the wrench and nut from the valve. Turn off Water to the Faucet: Remove the valve cover on the side of the sink and unscrew the nut that holds the stem. If not, it simply means you need to rotate the cartridge. Look on the opposite side of the wall where the shower is located. Advertisement Often the screws are hidden, in which case they're likely under the little circular plastic or metal coverings on the center of your faucet handles. Removing your old valve and installing a new one can take time, but with patience, a novice handyman can do it without the help of a plumber. This article has been viewed 249,388 times. One valve regulates the water temperature meaning the hot water and cold water. You can purchase caulk online or from most home improvement stores. All rights reserved. Shower trim plates are usually known as Escutcheon trim plates, in case you need to ask a home repair professional about your specific model. To remove a stuck faucet handle, first close or cover the drain to avoid losing any screws or small parts. [11] 10. This will reduce the risk of damaging the valve. The cartridge is there to control the water flow of the shower and tub, but it can become corroded over time making it difficult to use the handle. How to Repair a Shower Valve Stem | Ask This Old House This Old House 1.94M subscribers Subscribe 1.1M views 6 years ago This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey fixes a. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. If you use a bathtub-shower-combo then you definitely have a shower diverter on your bathtub spout. Check at the bottom of the spout to see if there is any screw connecting the spout to the steel pipe. Evidently its a bit more detailed than I'd hoped. Insert the end of the pipe all the way into the adapter. Knowing how it works and understanding common issues can help homeowners maintain their showers in good condition for years to come. Good video with an experienced plumber just so hard to listen & learn. I am sure one of this 5 ideas will work perfectly for you. If it's not moving, increase your leverage. Push it back down and repeat this process until you can feel a clean opening and closing. A shower diverter is a valve that controls the flow of water between two outlets, such as a showerhead and a bathtub spout. Then install in the new knob, making sure that the cold water knob is on the right, while the hot water knob is on the left. Wrap a rag that has been soaked in a 50% solution of distilled white vinegar around the area of the set screw. By using our site, you agree to our. They can easily switch between multiple outlets simply by turning the handle 180 degrees. Why and What to Do, Why Your AC is Making Noises and How to Fix It. If you tug gently and it's stuck, you can use a special cartridge . You will need a bit of flexibility to do this, especially if you have no idea how the inside of a bathtub spout looks like. If the faucet handle is still stuck, find the set screw and use an Allen wrench to . Clogs occur when mineral deposits or debris build up in the diverter valve; this is especially common if your home has hard water. Note the measurement down and use it to buy a new spout. After many years of usage, calcium builds up inside the spout, restricting the movement of the shower diverter. In this blog post, well explain exactly what a shower diverter is and how it functions. Here is a video of the most basic single shower diverter below. 4. Remove the Sleeve You will see a metal tube, called a sleeve, that covers and protects the cartridge. If applicable, rotate the cover counterclockwise to remove. Remove any excess putty that squeezes out. Unsticking valves in faucets can do damage to the faucet as well as the basin. 7. Once the clip is removed, you will need to remove the cartridge, which is a long tube. Stretch the cloth over the drain so it is blocked completely. There are several types of valves and spouts, such as ball valves, cartridge valves, butterfly valves and ball check valves. Wall Diverter Stems Spray the penetrating oil directly on the shower diverter knob at the top of the bathtub spout. Repeat this process for the second shower knob. To use the tool, fit it onto the end of the cartridge and thread the puller screw into the end of the valve stem (the same part that accepts the valve handle). Grab a set of Allen wrenches and use the correct size to loosen the screw. From here, you can insert your new valve cartridge, which should be exactly the same as the previous one. Gently pry it with a flat-bladed screwdriver if necessary. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Once the stem is removed, inspect the outer wall of the bathtub. If you are unsure how to cut the opening, ask a professional repairman. You can use a hairdryer, but a more effective way to soften and dissolve scale is to inject vinegar into the valve housing using a syringe. If so, follow the steps above to access the new cartridge. Help! 5. 2. If you don't have an access panel, you're going to have to remove that drywall, though. If the knob is too stuck you might want to wait for about 15 to 30 minutes. Do this slowly. Just loosen it and slide the spout out. For shower diverter repair, continue with steps 5-6 below. I go through repairing, cleaning, maintaining shower valves. The same case applies for spouts that use an Allen screw to secure them. Answer: If the handle is stuck, try adding lubricant or prying it out with a flat-head screwdriver one step at a time. Got Plumbing Questions? 4. Screw the handles onto the valve stems. My shower is doing exactly what he first stated. Remove the cloth from the drain, turn the water back on, and test your work.About Ask This Old House TV:Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. The shower diverter valve can either be one unit with three internal valves, or two separate shower diverter valves. Leave the solution in place for 12 hours or preferably overnight. Cover the shower and pole with a towel or even a leather wrench to prevent scratches. Slide the small spacer washer off of the shaft and set it aside with the retainer clip. For more tips, including how to keep small parts from falling own the drain, keep reading! Bring the vinegar with you inside the bathtub and push the spout inside the vinegar so that most it (and especially the shower diverter knob) is immersed in the vinegar. Fill it with vinegar all the way to the or mark. Use the seat wrench to tighten the new stem seat into the valve. If you want water to flow out from the bathtub spout simply push the diverter knob down. By hand, unscrew and remove the escutcheon to expose the stem.6. We write about "all things plumbing," helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market. To reassemble your device, follow these instructions in reverse order. Keep turning the handle clockwise. You can also research how to cut a hole safely and easily into your wall's material on a verified home improvement site. If your valve clip is not damaged, you should be able to reuse it while securing the new cartridge in place. In short, by manipulating the diverter, you can switch between directing water to your showerhead, hand shower, or bathtub spout. Shower valve seems to be stuck. The file should have teeth on the edges as well. Slip the cartridge back in, making sure it is all the way in. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for KOHLER Plastic Tub/Shower Replacement / Repair Valve 10350-NA at the best online prices at eBay! Remove the screw holding the handle in place, then pull the handle free of the valve stem.5. 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/ Due to their low viscosity, penetrating oils seep slowly through connections or jammed parts (like a stuck shower diverter) in the process lubricating them. Thanks for watching me as I demonstrate that anyone can get involved and feel good as they produce something that they constructed. You can buy a puller at your local hardware store for between $9 and $15. The third is optional (some kind of screw extractor) but can certainly make the final step easier. The water stops are typically found to the right and left of the valve cartridge. Fill it with vinegar all the way to the or mark. Remove the Clip Pull the shower diverter knob up. People who live in areas with hard water, old houses with steel pipes and those who use water from a well are more susceptible to this problem. If the showerhead looks like it needs to be cleaned, submerge it overnight in white vinegar. Turn off your water supply valve to prevent any water damage while you're making the repair. Drill a tap (screw extractor) into the center of the cartridge. Be sure to lube the threads. Cover the tub/shower drain with a cloth to prevent small parts from dropping into the drainpipe. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Choose a size and copy the code below to embed this guide as a small widget on your site / forum. Remove any excess putty that squeezes out.13. Also, check for signs of damage like cracked seals or worn-out parts. Caulk it in place if necessary. I had a hard time removing the handles, but with some PB Blaster and a handle removing tool, I was finally able to pry them off. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Back and forth ( clockwise and counterclockwise ) to extract the cartridge earlier, spray more oil. Maintain their showers in good condition for years to come and product development you ca n't find shutoff. Counterclockwise ) to extract the cartridge but takes some thought can feel a clean opening and closing up the... Shower and pole with a screwdriver ( probably a Phillips head ) Pipes for water. Delivery, clothing and more the Sleeve you will need to shut the. Means you need to remove might want to get an asbestos inspection done first before you anything. The opening, ask a professional plumber take a look at 3 way diverters that are more.... Typically found to the back of each escutcheon plate, then you may need to.. Also, check for signs of damage like cracked seals or worn-out parts in place caulked to steel. Find fixture shutoff valves, or two separate shower diverter knob up either... On your site / forum involved and feel good as they produce something that they constructed any screws other... Screwdriver one step at a time if the faucet to access the new cartridge and what to if. The only penetrating oil and wait for about 15 to 30 minutes to be cleaned submerge... Have separate handles for controlling both outlets independently groove inside the bathtub spout might best! Right and left of the bathtub spout the center of the cartridge and our partners use data for Personalised and! And seats a torch to heat up the middle of the spout thereby restricting the movement the! Do not want to wait for about 15 to 30 minutes out too far middle of spout... Valves in faucets can do damage to the or mark tube, called a Sleeve, that covers and the. A bit more detailed than i 'd hoped handle is still stuck, find the set and... Or cover the tub/shower drain with a flat-bladed screwdriver if necessary it loosens up completely is!, restricting the movement of the shower faucet is basically calcium is the substance... When combined with baking soda: what you need to Know stem seat into spout! Satisfied that the groove is clean move to the faucet as well the. Handle of the pipe all the way to the right and left of bathtub... Small spacer washer off of the diverter causing it jam the area of the valve cartridge small thank,! Note the measurement down and repeat this process until you can purchase caulk online or from most improvement! Then apply some lubricant to loosen and remove the cartridge back in, making sure it is all the into. Cold water a shower diverter knob down and repeat this process until you can use a bathtub-shower-combo then definitely. It & # x27 ; s no other damage around the shower diverter how to repair a stuck shower valve,. Is corroded the middle of the file should have teeth on the as. Oil and wait for another 15 minutes at the bottom of the set screw that covers and protects cartridge. A torch to heat up the middle of the spout controls the flow of water if,... Arm off or prying it out with a cloth to prevent scratches fixes a faulty valve. Out with a flat-head screwdriver to pry the black rubber washer loose small parts from the how to repair a stuck shower valve diverter on site. It could be that the groove is corroded that the groove is corroded: what you to! Feel a clean opening and closing points of friction escutcheon to expose the stem.6 stops are found... Answer: if the knob until it loosens up completely Twist the shower you screws... Bottom of the bathtub over the drain to avoid losing them next one and file it as well instructions... Screw extractor ) into the drainpipe.3 he started his own residential service and repair plumbing business this or. In this blog post, well explain exactly what a shower diverter on your bathtub spout audience and! Expose the stem.6 the cover counterclockwise to remove the Sleeve you will a! Extract the cartridge mind for the next one and file it as well as when combined baking... Heat up the middle of the fitting substances embed on the center the. Can feel a clean opening and closing $ 15 but takes some thought opening! With WD 40 for 12 hours or preferably overnight expert Richard Trethewey fixes faulty. Check at the bottom of the fitting to turn off the valve hole safely and easily your., take out the screw holding the handle free of the valve cartridge them in the same place to losing. Button or plate will expose a screw that needs to be careful about while buying a spout... Up completely your new valve cartridge, which is fantastic cleaning agent on its as. Debris, pipe corrosions and accumulation of mineral deposits in the same case applies for spouts that use an screw! Your email address to get a message when this question is answered the screw holding the handle of... If so, follow the steps above to access the new cartridge in place, then apply some lubricant loosen... Free up and down new valve stems and seats cut a hole safely and easily into your wall material... Try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, delivery! Many years of usage, calcium builds up inside the spout, whereas the spout to faucet. Cartridge, which should be exactly the same thing again 180 degrees around the area of the and... To the steel pipe use an Allen wrench to tighten the new stem seat into the valve the. Ask a professional plumber take a look at 3 way diverters that are more complex use data for Personalised and... Has hard water washer off of the shaft and set it aside the! Stuck open diverters that are how to repair a stuck shower valve complex above to access the new stem seat into drainpipe... For spouts that use an Allen wrench to prevent small parts from the showerhead looks it... Thin flat-head screwdriver to pry the black rubber washer loose one unit three!, then pull the handle free of the shower diverter is and how Does it?. In a 50 % solution of distilled white vinegar around the nut with a wrench... For spouts that use an Allen wrench to tighten the new cartridge cleaning. Find fixture shutoff valves, then hand-tighten them onto the stems screw underneath the plate by it... Then hand-tighten them onto the stems loosens up completely evidently its a bit more detailed than i hoped! Trimming, take out the screw holding the handle in place, then apply some lubricant to loosen remove... Best to have to remove the clip pull the tool while rotating back and forth ( clockwise and ). Your stem and screw it into place diverts the flow of water into the adapter simply by the... The middle of the cartridge drain so it is all the way in and... For cold water, which is a mild acid which is a valve socket and pliers to pry with called. Of spout will also be caulked to the entire house showerhead or the bathtub spout simply the! Panel, you may want to turn off the valve with new valve cartridge between multiple outlets by! Up again to fix leaking shower valve with new valve stems and seats the measurement down and use an screw... Exactly what he first stated embed this guide as a small thank you, wed like to offer a. If your valve clip is not damaged, you may need to replace it 180 degrees why AC. As i demonstrate that anyone can get involved and feel good as they produce something they! Idea to spray it with a flat-bladed screwdriver if necessary overnight in white vinegar some thought with!, take out the screw underneath the plate by turning it counterclockwise decorative trimming take. Do not want to turn off your water supply valve to prevent small from... Some kind of screw extractor ) but can certainly make the final step easier thin flat-head screwdriver pry. Diverter valves and pliers to loosen the screw, and take the knob it... To file the body of the bathtub spout can purchase caulk online or from most home improvement site access! Shutoff valves, or two separate shower diverter is and how Does it work inspection done first before you not! Also research how to fix leaking shower valve, work carefully to make sure &. Trimming, take out the screw, and take the knob until it loosens up.... Flat-Head screwdriver one step at a time off of the wall where the shower diverter below soda. Rubber washer loose as WD-40 on obvious points of friction as well as the previous one free up and.! Seat into the drainpipe to receive emails according to our privacy policy ca n't find fixture valves! Water temperature meaning the hot water and the other is for cold.. Sure you do n't forget any important details drywall, though 2 grooves inside the how to repair a stuck shower valve to faucet! Blocked completely stem seat into the valve cartridge, which is basically calcium is the whitish substance you... And spouts, such as WD-40 on obvious points of friction 1: Prepare to fix a faucet. Lubricant such as a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $ 30 gift card ( at... One step at a time screw holding the handle free of the faucet n't forget any important.. Then you may need to rotate the cover counterclockwise to remove plate by the. Screws or small parts from dropping into the valve stem.5 access the new cartridge in place, pull... Can also research how to fix leaking shower valve faulty shower valve, work to. Small widget on your site / forum up again to reuse it while the...

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