How to Repair a Shower Diverter on Stanadyne Faucets

Stanadyne's three-handle shower valve assembly uses a diverter valve to direct the flow of water to either the bathtub spout or the shower head. If water leaks from the tub's spout when the shower is in use, chances are good that the rubber stem washer located at the back of the diverter valve must be replaced. Thankfully, doing so is a relatively easy task that can be completed with a few common household tools.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flathead screwdriver
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Adjustable wrench
• Deep-set socket wrench
• Stem washer

1. Turn off the building's supply of water at the main water valve. The main water valve is located at the exterior of the structure next to the water meter and must be turned in a clockwise direction.

2. Remove the diverter valve handle. Some Stanadyne models feature a plastic cap in the center of the handle, sometimes referred to as an "index cap." This index cap conceals the single screw that attaches the handle to the valve. Pry the index cap off of the handle with a flathead screwdriver, then remove the screw with a Phillips head screwdriver and pull the handle off of the diverter valve. If the Stanadyne model does not feature an index cap, simply remove the screw with a Phillips head screwdriver and pull the handle away from the diverter valve.

3. Remove the escutcheon plate from the wall of the shower by removing the screws that hold the plate in place with a Phillips head screwdriver, then by pulling the plate away from the shower's wall.

4. Remove the bonnet nut revealed behind the escutcheon plate by turning the nut in a counterclockwise direction with an adjustable wrench, then use a deep-set socket wrench to remove the diverter valve's stem assembly within the shower's wall. Remove the brass stem screw located on the bottom of the diverter valve with a Phillips head screwdriver to access the single rubber stem washer. Replace the stem washer with an exact duplicate, then screw the brass stem screw back onto the diverter valve.

5. Insert the diverter valve within the shower's wall, then use the deep-set socket wrench to tighten the valve in place. Slide the bonnet nut onto the valve, then tighten the nut with the adjustable wrench.

6. Place the escutcheon plate over the valve and against the shower wall, then insert and tighten the plate's retaining screws with a Phillips head screwdriver. Position the handle onto the diverter valve, then insert the handle's screw into the center of the handle and tighten the screw with a Phillips head screwdriver. If the Stanadyne model uses an index cap, place the cap over the screw and press the cap into place.

7. Turn the building's supply of water back on at the main water valve by turning the valve in a counterclockwise direction to complete the repair.

References

• Home Improvement 1-2-3; Benjamin Allen; 2003
• Home Repair and Improvement; Creative Homeowner; 2006