How to Fix Leaks in a Shower Diverter

Fix a leaky shower diverter by replacing the valve assembly and cartridge

Hot and cold water enters a faucet through individual water lines. The water passes through the valve cartridge, which regulates the temperature and flow of the water. The diverter redirects water from the tub spout to the shower head or hand held shower. The valve assembly and cartridge is located behind the diverter handle. A worn valve assembly and cartridge can cause the faucet to leak, inhibit the water flow to the shower head and make the temperature erratic. To fix a leaky shower diverter, you must take the faucet apart.

Things You'll Need

• Towels
• Flat head screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Allen wrench
• Adjustable wrench
• Replacement valve assembly and water cartridge

Instructions

1. Locate the main water shut-off valve to the residence and turn the water off. Open the shower or tub faucet to drain the water from the lines. Protect the tub or shower floor from damage and lost parts in the drain by covering it with towels.

2. Locate the screw under the diverter handle and use an Allen wrench to remove the screw. Take the handle off of the faucet. Remove Acrylic handles and older handles by prying off the button with a screwdriver, or use pliers to unscrew a threaded button and remove it. Unscrew the handle screw with a screwdriver and lift off the handle. Pull off the handle adapter, washer or sleeve (on select models).

3. Remove the screws from the face of the escutcheon (wall plate), then lift it from the shower wall. Note: If there are no visible screws, the escutcheon is screwed to the wall by a threaded sleeve. Unscrew the threaded sleeve by hand, turning counterclockwise, then remove the sleeve, washers and escutcheon.

4. Remove the retaining ring, clip or screws from the gasket that holds the valve assembly in place in the faucet. Unscrew the retaining ring counterclockwise by hand or with an adjustable wrench if necessary. Locate the retaining clip on the top front of the valve (on a Moen faucet), grab the metal lip with needle nose pliers and pull the clip straight up and out. Unscrew the screws on the retaining gasket (on a Kohler faucet) to release the valve assembly. Pull the valve assembly out of the faucet. Note: Water will follow the valve assembly out of the faucet. Be ready with a towel. Pull the cartridge out of the faucet located directly behind the valve assembly.

5. Insert the replacement cartridge into the faucet and push it all the way in. Insert the valve assembly into the faucet over the cartridge. Replace the retaining ring or clip, or tighten the screws in the gasket. Reassemble the faucet by reversing the steps. Remove the towels from the tub or shower. Turn the main water valve on.

Tips & Warnings

• Expect water to splatter and spit from the faucet for a minute after the water is turned back on. It may be possible to repair the valve and cartridge by replacing the rubber parts if the manufacturer sells a repair kit for your faucet.

• Older faucet handles can be difficult to remove. Use a handle puller to remove a stubborn handle.

References

• You Tube: How to Install a Shower Valve : Repairing Shower Valve Cartridges
• Plumbing Specialties: Kohler Faucet Repair
• You Tube: Bathtub Faucet
• You Tube: Delta Monitor Bath Faucet Repair

Resources

• Kohler: Kohler Help