How to Repair a Tub Faucet Diverter

The tub faucet diverter will wear out over time.

The shower diverter in your bathtub diverts the flow of water from the tub spout up to the shower head when it's engaged. As a moving part, the diverter is subject to rubbing and wear that may cause it to wear out. Signs that the diverter valve is wearing out can include leaks around it, or only partial switching of the water from the tub spout to the shower head. Repairing a faucet diverter requires replacing the bathtub spout.

Things You'll Need

• Rag
• Allen wrench

Instructions

1. Turn off the water supply to the bathroom by turning the supply valve to the "off" position. Place a rag into the drain hole in the tub.

2. Look for a hole on the underside of the tub faucet. Insert an Allen wrench into the hole and turn it to remove the screw. Pull the spout off.

   If there's no hole, turn the spout counterclockwise to loosen it from the threads holding it in place.

3. Replace the spout with a similar model that attaches in the same manner. If it's a threaded spout, make sure the threads are in the same location as on the old spout.

4. Attach the new spout by tightening down the screw with the Allen wrench or twisting it clockwise onto the threads. Turn on the bathroom's water supply and test the diverter.

References

• Family Handyman: How to Replace a Bathtub Spout
• This Old House: Replace a Leaky Shower Diverter