When you find yourself anxiously adjusting the shower head in an attempt to get a stronger water flow, and you gaze down and notice water coming from the tub spout, you likely have a diverter problem. Within that middle handle you turn to transfer the water flow from the tub to the spout is the diverter. Fixing the problem is a simple repair. As always, a major challenge when making repairs on old plumbing is dealing with corroded parts. That challenge can be addressed with tools designed to remedy it.
Instructions
1. Unscrew and remove the center mounting screw from the middle of the shower diverter knob using a screwdriver. The shower diverter knob is the center knob, between the hot and cold water knobs. Pull the shower diverter knob off the stem underneath. With an old diverter, there's a good chance the knob has become corroded and stuck, meaning you can jerk and pull but the knob likely won't budge.
2. Insert the handle puller shaft into the hole in the shower diverter knob. Place the handle puller forks around the base of the knob. Twist the T-handle of the puller clockwise, tightening the clamp down, and pull the knob free. Hook the claws of a hammer around the stuck knob's base if you do not have a handle puller. Bang the knob toward you using the hammer. Twist the knob, then bang the knob further. Continue this action until you are able to wriggle the knob free. Remove the cover plate behind the knob.
3. Notice the exposed diverter stem. Turn the diverter stem and determine whether water begins coming out around the stem. Tighten the packing nut--the small inner nut--using an adjustable wrench, and observe whether the leak stops.
4. Twist the stem to the halfway point between shower and tube mode. Unscrew the housing nut (the larger one), turning counter-clockwise, and remove the diverter assembly. Use an adjustable wrench. Examine the two washers on the diverter for damage or deterioration. Take the diverter assembly with you to the hardware or home improvement store to obtain the appropriate washers or a compatible replacement diverter.
5. Replace the washers themselves or replace the diverter valve. Hand screw the new diverter into place where you removed the old assembly, and tighten with the wrench. Be careful not to overtighten. Scrape any old caulk from the wall with a putty knife. Install the cover plate and the shower diverter knob. Install the screw in the middle of the diverter knob. Run a thin bead of caulk on the wall, around the cover plate. Wipe away excess caulk with a wet finger.
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