How to Install a Shower Diverter Valve | DoItYourself.com
A shower diverter valve is the valve inside the shower that diverts water from the bath to the shower head. It is a button switch typically located on the faucet that you pull in order for the diverter to become engaged and allow for the water to be rerouted. If you are in need of replacing the shower diverter valve, it is best to install a new faucet that has a built in shower diverter valve.
The process for installing a replacement shower diverter valve involves the removal of the old shower faucet and placement of a new faucet with a diverter valve. If your existing bath or bathroom does not have a shower or diverter set up, none of the steps that are about to be described below about the process applies to your situation. You will need to completely renovate the bath in order to include the necessary hookup for a diverter to the shower head. That process is beyond the scope of what is being described in this article that is simply describing the connection of the shower diverter valve in an existing bath and shower setup.
Tools and Materials Needed
- Shower diverter valve
- Adjustable wrench
- Screwdriver
- Plumber’s paste or seal
Step 1: Purchase Materials for the Installation
You can go to a plumbing supply store or home improvement center in order to purchase the materials needed for this task. You should try to purchase a comparable faucet for the bath that matches the existing one being replaced. The replacement faucet should have the required diverter valve necessary to divert the water for the shower.
Step 2: Remove the Existing Faucet
Unscrew the shower diverter valve by hand and remove it from the faucet. With an adjustable wrench, remove the existing faucet from the shower. Use light to moderate pressure when turning the faucet to make sure that you do not strip any of the threading on the pipe needed to attach the new faucet to the bath. Place the old faucet pieces and diverter to the side or carefully dispose of them.
Step 3: Place the Replacement Faucet on the Bath
Remove the diverter valve from the new faucet in the same way that you took the diverter off of the old one. Screw the faucet on by hand at first in order to get it in place and positioned correctly. Once you have it started, take the adjustable wrench and tighten the faucet onto the bath. Make sure that it is tighten and positioned correctly. Attach the diverter valve to the new faucet by hand until it is locked into place. The diverter valve should lock in place when held up and come down when the shower is complete.
Step 4: Test the Installation of the Shower Diverter
Test the shower by turning it on and off and watching to see if the diverter valve stays in place and does not leak when the shower is on.