A nice, hot shower is one of life’s few truly calming experiences. Have you ever considered how the water gets to the showerhead, though? It’s because of a shower diverter, a plumbing component. Understanding how it functions can help you spot a problem in your bathroom before it affects the hot showers you adore.
What is a Shower Diverter?
If you have a bathtub and shower combination, you may change the flow of water by turning the handle of your faucet in one direction or the other. By turning this handle, you’re turning on the shower diverter, a valve hidden behind the wall that controls the flow of water.
Shower diverters operate as seen below. You need to be aware that a water pipe supplies water to your bathtub faucet. You might be surprised to see that this pipe also extends vertically to your showerhead. Water is diverted to the showerhead when the diverter valve is opened. The water flow to your showerhead is stopped when the diverter valve is closed, and it is directed back down to your tub spout instead.
3 Types of Shower
Diverters are as follows:
- Three-Valve Diverter: When there are separate knobs for hot and cold water, a three-valve diverter is typically present. To send the water to the showerhead, crank the third handle clockwise once you’ve found the ideal ratio of hot and cold water. When you’re through showering, turn the handle in the opposite direction to send the water to the tub.
- Two-Valve Diverters: This kind of diverter is typically found with a single-handle faucet. The larger handle on the assembly will regulate the temperature, and the smaller handle, or level, will regulate the water’s flow.
- Single-Valve Diverters: Diverters often come in single-valve or T configurations. You most likely have a T diverter if the handle on your bathtub faucet pulls straight up. The handle’s downward movement activates the tub spout’s water flow.
Discovering Issues with a Shower Diverter
The shower diverter frequently becomes worn down over time, especially rubber components like washers. You might observe modifications or leaks in your shower when this occurs. The most typical indications that your shower diverter needs to be replaced are listed below.
- Leaks under the bathtub
- A showerhead with less forceful water
- Having difficulty changing the water source from the bathtub to the showerhead
You should have the shower diverter fixed right away since these problems aren’t simply inconvenient—they can also result in water damage. Although the part isn’t particularly pricey, it can take a lot of work to get behind the shower faucet or a wall.
Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Showerhead
Sometimes it’s a good idea to think about switching your showerhead. You may make sure you have the best showering experience possible by being aware of the indications that it’s time. The following are some indicators that it may be time to replace your showerhead:
- Low Flow – Have you noticed a drop in the pressure of the water coming out of your showerhead? If the flow weakens, it could be time to replace it with a new one.
- Severe Staining – Has your current showerhead developed an ugly stain or discoloration? This can be a sign that minerals or other substances need to be cleaned out, or it might be a sign that the showerhead needs to be changed.
- Insufficient Water Temperature – Do you struggle to reach the ideal shower temperature? If so, this can be a sign that there’s a problem with your current set-up and that you need a new showerhead.
- Leaks and Drips – One of the most obvious indicators that it’s time for a new showerhead is if you have to deal with leaks or drips all the time. It’s time for an overhaul if water is left in pools on the floor after each shower.
Experts in Local Plumbing
Don’t ignore problems with your shower and wait for them to go gone on their own. Instead, give Elizabeth Drain Service plumbing experts a call. Call us at (908) 988-0365 to get in touch.
