How to Repair the Diverter in a Tub Faucet Spout
Water flows into the faucet through water lines for hot and cold water and out the tub diverter spout into the tub. When the diverter stopper is pulled upward the water stops flowing through the tub spout and is diverted to the shower head. Once a tub diverter begins spitting and splattering water, instead of diverting the water flow to the shower head, it is time for a repair. A broken tub diverter spout stops diverting water to the shower head altogether. Luckily this is an easy and inexpensive plumbing repair to make. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Allen wrench
- Screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Teflon tape
- Water pump pliers
- Masking tape
- Replacement diverter spout
Instructions
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1
Remove the old diverter spout. There are two styles of diverter tub spouts, threaded screw-on spouts, and slide-on set-screw spouts. The threaded spout screws on to the connection pipe in the wall. The set-screw spout slides onto the connection pipe and is secured with a set screw under the spout. Use an Allen wrench to remove the screw underneath the set-screw spout and slide the spout forward off the connection pipe.
Insert a long-handled screwdriver in the front of the threaded tub diverter spout. Use the screwdriver handle as leverage to rotate the spout counterclockwise until it is loose enough to unscrew by hand. Unscrew the spout and remove it from the connection pipe.
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Measure the distance from the front end of the connection pipe to the wall and write it down. The connection pipe will about 6 inches long or it will barely protrude from the wall. This is because some spout threads are near the base of the spout and some are near the nose of the spout. An accurate measurement will ensure your replacement tub diverter spout will fit correctly.
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3
Install the new set-screw replacement tub spout by sliding it onto the connection pipe. Replace the set screw and use an Allen wrench to tighten the screw underneath the spout.
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4
Wrap Teflon tape around the threads of the connection pipe several times and smooth the end of the tape to make it flush with the threads. Screw the tub spout onto the connection pipe until it is hand tight and the spout base is flush against the wall.
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5
Cover the teeth of the water pump pliers by wrapping them with masking tape to avoid scratching the new tub spout. Grasp the front end of the spout with the pliers and turn clockwise to tighten the spout.
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Tips & Warnings
Carry the measurement and the old tub diverter spout with you to the hardware or home improvement store to purchase replacement diverter tub spout that will fit correctly.
Use care not to over tighten the spout and crack the shower wall. To avoid losing the set screw down the drain, cover the drain with a small towel.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit robinet image by Nath Photos from Fotolia.com
