How to Fix a Diverter Valve on a Kitchen Faucet

A diverter valve routes water from one pathway to another. Although diverter valves are most commonly used in bathtub/shower combinations, they can also be found in some kitchen faucet assemblies. When used in a kitchen sink, the diverter valve shifts the flow of water from the faucet’s spout to the sink sprayer. Over time, the diverter valve can become clogged with mineral deposits and other debris left behind by the water. What results is a sink sprayer that produces little, if any, water. Fortunately, repairing the fouled diverter takes only a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver or hex wrench
• Adjustable pliers
• Masking tape
• Small brush
• Vinegar

Instructions

1. Twist the valve within each of the two water supply lines underneath the sink clockwise to turn the sink’s water supply off.

2. Turn the sink on to drain the lines of any water remaining in the water supply lines.

3. Lift the faucet handle up to expose the single set screw within the base of the handle. Remove the set screw with either a screwdriver or a hex wrench, depending on the design of the screw, then lift the handle off the faucet.

4. Wrap both jaws of a pair of adjustable pliers with masking tape, then grasp the knurled base of the spout cap. The spout cap is the cone-shaped piece located on top of the faucet’s spout, where the spout meets the body of the faucet assembly. Twist the spout cap counterclockwise with the pliers to unscrew it from the faucet body. The tape will prevent the pliers from gouging the finish of the spout cap.

5. Lift the spout off the faucet assembly, then pull the diverter valve out of the faucet’s body by grasping the valve with needle-nose pliers and pulling the diverter straight out.

6. Clean the mineral deposits and any other debris off the diverter valve with a small brush, such as a toothbrush, dipped in vinegar.

7. Press the diverter valve into the faucet’s body until the valve rests flush within the body. Lower the faucet spout onto the faucet assembly.

8. Twist the spout cap onto the top of the spout clockwise with the adjustable pliers until the cap is snug.

9. Lower the handle onto the assembly, then install and tighten the handle’s set screw with either the screwdriver or the hex wrench, depending on the design of the set screw.

10. Turn the two water valves on.

References

• "Home Repair Guide"; Ten Pound Books; 2007