Have you ever paused to consider how the water travels up to your showerhead? The answer is a small but essential part of your bathroom’s plumbing known as a shower diverter. Understanding how this piece of equipment functions is not just a fun fact but also enables you to spot any potential issues before they affect your cherished hot showers.
What is a Shower Diverter?
If you have a shower and bathtub combination, the handle on your faucet has the capability to switch the water flow from the tub spout up to the showerhead and vice versa. This handle activates the shower diverter, which is a valve located behind the wall responsible for directing the water.
A crucial thing to note is that there is a water pipe that supplies water to your tub faucet, which extends vertically up to the showerhead. When you open the diverter valve, the water is redirected to the showerhead, and when it is closed, the flow of water to the showerhead stops, and it is redirected back to the tub spout.
Here is How Shower Diverters Work
Shower diverters come in three different types: the three-valve diverter found in bathrooms with separate hot and cold water knobs, the two-valve diverter typically found with a single-handle faucet, and the single-valve or T diverter, which is the most common type of diverter. The latter is identified by a handle that pulls straight up from the tub faucet, and when pushed down, it opens the flow of water to the tub spout.
Over time, the shower diverter can wear out, especially the rubber parts like washers. Common signs that indicate it is time to replace the shower diverter include leaks from below the bathtub, reduced water pressure in the showerhead, and difficulty switching the water flow from the tub to the showerhead. These issues can lead to water damage, so it is vital to have the shower diverter replaced promptly. While the part is not expensive, significant labor may be required to access it behind the shower faucet or wall.
In addition to the shower diverter, the showerhead itself may also need to be changed over time. Signs that you need to replace your showerhead include a low flow of water, heavy staining or discoloration, difficulties getting the right water temperature, and constant leaks or drips. Knowing when to change your showerhead ensures that you enjoy the best possible showering experience.
Shower Diverter Installation & Repair from the Professionals at Cass Plumbing
When you’re craving a shower instead of a bath, you need a functional shower diverter. Let Cass Plumbing, the Tampa plumbing experts, fix your faulty valve or install one for the first time to convert your tub into a bath/shower combination. We offer fair prices and quality work to get your bathroom up to speed. Contact us today for the plumbing installation or repair you need.
