How to Fix a Kitchen Faucet With a Missing Diverter Valve

A single-handle kitchen faucet consist of a diverter valve that controls the flow of water.

A single-handle kitchen faucet consists of a diverter valve that controls the flow of water from the hot and cold sides of the plumbing. If you have a kitchen faucet that is missing the diverter valve, a replacement valve is available for the brand of the faucet from most hardware or home improvement stores. The valve costs less than $20, according to 2011 prices. You can install a new diverter valve in less than 20 minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Diverter valve
• Plumber's grease
• Allen wrench set
• Adjustable wrench
• Valve stem wrench

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Instructions

1. Discontinue the water supply to the faucet by turning the individual hot and cold shutoff valves under the sink completely clockwise. If no individual valves exist under the sink, turn off the water main for the home.

2. Locate the setscrew at the base of the faucet handle. Loosen the screw using the proper size Allen wrench from a set. Do not remove the screw but loosen it enough until you can pull off the handle.

3. Remove the metal or plastic collar, if there is one. Smear plumber's grease on the diverter valve and thread it clockwise by hand into the seat at the bottom of the faucet cavity.

4. Tighten the diverter valve clockwise using a valve stem wrench. Ensure that the diverter valve fits snugly into the seat.

5. Replace the collar, if one existed, and replace the faucet handle. Tighten the setscrew. Restore the water supply to the faucet.