Changing a tub spout diverter is a simple process that may be accomplished in a couple of minutes with the correct instruments and a little bit know-how. Here is what you may must do.
First, you may want to assemble your instruments. You will want a screwdriver, a pair of pliers, and a brand new diverter. Upon getting your instruments, you’ll be able to start the method of changing the diverter. To do that, you may first want to show off the water provide to the bathtub. As soon as the water is turned off, you’ll be able to take away the outdated diverter by unscrewing it with the screwdriver. As soon as the outdated diverter is eliminated, you’ll be able to screw on the brand new diverter. Lastly, you’ll be able to flip the water provide again on and take a look at the brand new diverter.
Most spouts have a diverter that directs water to the showerhead or tub spout. Over time, these diverters turn out to be worn and might begin to leak. In case your bathtub diverter is leaking, it is essential to interchange it as quickly as doable to keep away from water harm. Changing a tub diverter is a comparatively straightforward DIY challenge that may be accomplished in just a few steps. First, you may want to assemble your instruments. You will want a screwdriver, a pair of pliers, and a brand new diverter. Upon getting your instruments, you’ll be able to start the method of changing the diverter.
Figuring out the Bathtub Spout Diverter
The tub spout diverter is a small however important element that permits you to change between the tub spout and the hand held showerhead. It’s usually situated on the base of the spout, and it could be manufactured from plastic, metallic, or rubber. The diverter could also be a easy lever or knob, or it could be a extra advanced mechanism that requires you to press a button or flip a dial. In case your bathtub spout diverter just isn’t working correctly, you might want to interchange it.
There are just a few several types of bathtub spout diverters, so it is very important determine the sort you’ve got earlier than you buy a substitute. The most typical sort of diverter is the push-button diverter. Such a diverter has a small button that you simply press to change between the spout and the showerhead. One other frequent sort of diverter is the lever diverter. Such a diverter has a lever that you simply transfer to change between the spout and the showerhead.
If you’re unsure what sort of tub spout diverter you’ve got, you’ll be able to seek the advice of your bathtub’s proprietor’s handbook or contact the producer. Upon getting recognized the kind of diverter you’ve got, you should purchase a substitute at your native ironmongery store or dwelling enchancment middle.
Draining the Bathtub and Water Strains
Earlier than you start engaged on changing the spout diverter, it is essential to empty the tub and switch off the water provide. Here is methods to do it:
Drain the Bathtub
1. Find the drain plug on the backside of the tub and take away it.
2. Enable the water to empty out fully.
3. Clear the drain opening to take away any hair or particles which will have amassed.
4. Change the drain plug.
Flip off the Water Provide
1. Find the 2 water provide valves beneath the sink. These valves usually have handles labeled “scorching” and “chilly.”
2. Flip the handles clockwise to shut each valves, shutting off the water provide to the tub.
3. Open the tub faucet to launch any remaining water within the traces.
Establish and Flip off the Diverter Cease Valve
Some bathtubs have a diverter cease valve that must be turned off individually. This valve is normally situated behind the tub faucet, accessible via a small entry panel or behind a detachable cowl.
1. Find the diverter cease valve. It is usually a small, quarter-turn valve with a deal with or knob.
2. Flip the deal with or knob clockwise to shut the valve, stopping the stream of water to the diverter.
| Step | Motion |
|---|---|
| 1 | Find the drain plug on the backside of the tub and take away it. |
| 2 | Enable the water to empty out fully. |
| 3 | Clear the drain opening to take away any hair or particles which will have amassed. |
| 4 | Change the drain plug. |
| 5 | Find the 2 water provide valves beneath the sink. |
| 6 | Flip the handles clockwise to shut each valves, shutting off the water provide to the tub. |
| 7 | Open the tub faucet to launch any remaining water within the traces. |
| 8 | Find the diverter cease valve behind the tub faucet. |
| 9 | Flip the deal with or knob clockwise to shut the valve, stopping the stream of water to the diverter. |
Eradicating the Current Diverter
To start the substitute course of, you may must take away the prevailing diverter. Here is an in depth information that can assist you do it safely and effectively:
1. Shut Off the Water Provide
Find the shut-off valves underneath the sink or in a close-by utility closet. Flip them clockwise to fully shut off the water provide to the tub.
2. Take away the Escutcheon Plate
The escutcheon plate is the ornamental plate that surrounds the diverter deal with. Use a screwdriver to take away the screws securing it in place. As soon as the screws are out, gently pull the escutcheon plate off.
3. Unscrew the Deal with
To unscrew the diverter deal with, merely rotate it counterclockwise. If the deal with is caught, you should utilize a pair of pliers to grip it firmly and apply mild power.
4. Take away the Diverter Meeting
This step requires a bit extra warning, because the diverter meeting is commonly secured in place by a spring-loaded clip. Here is methods to proceed:
- Rigorously insert a flat-head screwdriver or decide into the small gap situated on the facet of the diverter meeting.
- Push the clip inward and maintain it in opposition to the spring’s pressure.
- Use your different hand to softly pull the diverter meeting straight out. Watch out to not power it.
- As soon as the meeting is disengaged from the clip, grip it firmly and pull it out fully.
With the prevailing diverter eliminated, now you can proceed to the following step of putting in the brand new one.
Putting in the New Diverter
1. **Take away the outdated diverter**. Take away the set screw or cap from the face of the diverter, then pull the deal with away from the spout. The diverter ought to now slide out of the spout.
2. **Clear the spout**. As soon as the outdated diverter is eliminated, use a fabric to wash the within of the spout, eradicating any grime or particles which will have amassed.
3. **Apply plumber’s putty**. Roll out a skinny rope of plumber’s putty and apply it across the base of the brand new diverter.
4. **Insert the brand new diverter**. Slide the brand new diverter into the spout, making certain that the plumber’s putty makes a seal between the diverter and the spout.
5. **Set up the deal with**. Slide the deal with over the diverter and safe it with the set screw or cap. Watch out to not overtighten the screw, as this might harm the diverter.
6. **Take a look at the diverter**. Activate the water and examine that the diverter is working correctly, directing the water stream as desired. If any leaks happen, tighten the set screw or cap till the leak stops.
Troubleshooting Ideas
| Drawback | Resolution |
|---|---|
| Leaking diverter | Tighten the set screw or cap. If the leak persists, substitute the diverter. |
| Water not flowing via diverter | Verify that the diverter is correctly put in and that the plumber’s putty is making a seal. If the difficulty persists, substitute the diverter. |
| Diverter caught | Apply penetrating oil to the set screw or cap and permit it to take a seat for a couple of minutes. Then, attempt to loosen the screw or cap. If the diverter continues to be caught, substitute it. |
Reattaching the Deal with and Escutcheon
6. Reattaching the Deal with and Escutcheon:
- Place the escutcheon or trim plate over the valve physique.
- Align the deal with with the valve stem and slide it onto the stem till it’s comfortable.
- Tighten the deal with set screw.
- Activate the water to examine for any leaks.
- If there are not any leaks, your bathtub spout diverter substitute is full.
| Instruments You will Want |
|---|
| Adjustable wrench |
| Phillips head screwdriver |
| Flat head screwdriver |
| Pliers |
| Putty knife |
| Flashlight |
| Alternative diverter |
Opening the Water Strains
Earlier than changing the diverter, flip off the water provide to the bathtub utilizing the shut-off valves situated beneath the sink or behind the bathtub. Open the tub faucet to launch any remaining water stress. Use a wrench to disconnect the water provide traces from the outdated diverter. Watch out to not harm the pipes.
Testing the Diverter
As soon as the brand new diverter is put in, activate the water provide and examine for leaks. Regulate the diverter lever to make sure it easily switches between the showerhead and tub spout. When you discover any leaks or improper operation, repeat the set up course of or contact an expert plumber for help.
Detailed Step-by-Step Directions for Testing the Diverter
1. Activate the water provide to the bathtub utilizing the shut-off valves.
2. Open the tub faucet and permit water to stream for a couple of minutes to clear the traces of any air.
3. Regulate the diverter lever to the showerhead place and examine for leaks on the diverter and the showerhead connection.
4. Change the diverter lever to the bathtub spout place and examine for leaks on the diverter and the bathtub spout connection.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 a number of instances to make sure the diverter is working easily and with none leaks.
6. When you discover any leaks or improper operation, confer with the troubleshooting information within the consumer handbook or contact an expert plumber.
7. As soon as you’re happy with the efficiency of the diverter, depart the water working for a couple of minutes to examine for any persistent leaks. If no leaks are detected, you’ve got efficiently changed the tub spout diverter.
Troubleshooting Widespread Diverter Points
1. Diverter doesn’t change
The most typical explanation for a diverter not switching is a buildup of mineral deposits or particles. To repair this, take away the diverter and soak it in a vinegar answer for a number of hours. Then, use a toothbrush or small brush to take away any remaining deposits. If the diverter nonetheless doesn’t change, it could have to be changed.
2. Diverter leaks
A leaking diverter will be attributable to a worn-out washer or O-ring. To repair this, take away the diverter and substitute the washer or O-ring. If the leak persists, the diverter might have to be changed.
3. Water stress is low
Low water stress will be attributable to a clogged diverter. To repair this, take away the diverter and clear it with a vinegar answer. If the water stress continues to be low, the diverter might have to be changed.
4. Diverter is troublesome to show
A difficult-to-turn diverter will be attributable to a buildup of mineral deposits or corrosion. To repair this, take away the diverter and soak it in a vinegar answer for a number of hours. Then, use a toothbrush or small brush to take away any remaining deposits. If the diverter continues to be troublesome to show, it could have to be changed.
5. Diverter deal with is unfastened
A unfastened diverter deal with will be attributable to a worn-out set screw. To repair this, tighten the set screw with a screwdriver. If the deal with continues to be unfastened, the diverter might have to be changed.
6. Diverter just isn’t seated correctly
An improperly seated diverter may cause leaks or stop the diverter from switching. To repair this, take away the diverter and reinsert it, ensuring that it’s seated correctly.
7. Diverter is damaged
A damaged diverter will have to be changed. To exchange a diverter, you will want to take away the outdated diverter and set up the brand new diverter. Directions for changing a diverter will fluctuate relying on the kind of diverter you’ve got.
8. Deal with doesn’t transfer easily
The deal with could also be troublesome to maneuver if the diverter just isn’t correctly lubricated. To lubricate the diverter, apply a small quantity of petroleum jelly to the transferring elements. If the deal with nonetheless doesn’t transfer easily, the diverter might have to be changed.
Sustaining and Cleansing the Bathtub Spout Diverter
Common upkeep and cleansing of the tub spout diverter can prolong its lifespan and stop leaks. Observe these steps to maintain your diverter in good situation:
Verify the diverter for any harm or leaks each few months. Search for cracks, rust, or unfastened connections.
Use a light cleaner and a delicate fabric to wash the diverter’s deal with and spout. Keep away from utilizing abrasive cleaners or metal wool as they will harm the end.
Periodically, apply just a few drops of silicone lubricant to the diverter’s transferring elements. It will stop them from sticking and guarantee easy operation.
The diverter’s washer is a small rubber or plastic disc that creates a seal between the diverter and the spout. Examine the washer for harm or put on and substitute it if mandatory.
Mineral buildup can clog the diverter’så éšéé. To take away it, soak the diverter in an answer of white vinegar and water for a number of hours. Then, use a delicate brush to softly scrub away any remaining buildup.
For a extra thorough cleansing, you’ll be able to disassemble the diverter. Observe the producer’s directions fastidiously to keep away from damaging the diverter. As soon as disassembled, clear the person elements totally and reassemble the diverter.
If the diverter is severely broken or leaking excessively, it could have to be changed. It’s endorsed to contact an expert plumber for this process.
By following these upkeep and cleansing suggestions, you’ll be able to hold your bathtub spout diverter in optimum situation and prolong its lifespan.
How To Change A Bathtub Spout Diverter
A bath spout diverter is a small, however essential a part of your bathtub. It’s accountable for directing the stream of water from the tap to the showerhead. In case your diverter just isn’t working correctly, you might not have the ability to use your bathe. Changing a tub spout diverter is a comparatively easy process that may be accomplished in a couple of minutes.
To exchange a tub spout diverter, you will want the next instruments:
- Adjustable wrench
- Pliers
- Screwdriver
- Alternative diverter
Upon getting gathered your instruments, observe these steps:
- Flip off the water provide to the tub.
- Take away the outdated diverter. To do that, use the adjustable wrench to loosen the nut that holds the diverter in place. As soon as the nut is unfastened, you should utilize the pliers to tug the diverter out of the spout.
- Apply a small quantity of plumber’s putty to the threads of the brand new diverter. It will assist to create a watertight seal.
- Screw the brand new diverter into the spout. Tighten the nut till it’s comfortable, however don’t overtighten it.
- Activate the water provide to the tub and examine for leaks. If there are any leaks, tighten the nut additional.
Individuals Additionally Ask
How do I do know if my bathtub spout diverter is damaged?
There are just a few indicators that your bathtub spout diverter could also be damaged. These embody:
- Water leaking from the spout when the bathe is on
- Issue switching between the spout and showerhead
- A unfastened or wobbly diverter
Can I substitute a tub spout diverter myself?
Sure, you’ll be able to substitute a tub spout diverter your self. The method is comparatively easy and will be accomplished in a couple of minutes. Nevertheless, in case you are not comfy working with plumbing, you might wish to rent a plumber to do the job for you.
How a lot does it value to interchange a tub spout diverter?
The price of changing a tub spout diverter will fluctuate relying on the kind of diverter you select and the price of labor in your space. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to count on to pay between $20 and $50 for the diverter and $50 to $100 for labor.
