Push it back down and repeat this process until you can feel a clean opening and closing. Use a handle puller if it's stuck. The most widespread diverter valve is the three-valve design, featuring two distinct valves. Dave holds Master Plumber Licenses in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia. Removing your old valve and installing a new one can take time, but with patience, a novice handyman can do it without the help of a plumber. You will notice that this time round it is moving up and done freely. Use a knife to cut the caulk. Its usually located in the shower wall near the main shower valve, or at the top of an existing tub faucet. For more information about your 2 or 3 way shower diverter, its wise to get in touch with an experienced plumbing expert who can offer personalized guidance if youre not comfortable attempting replacement. Due to their low viscosity, penetrating oils seep slowly through connections or jammed parts (like a stuck shower diverter) in the process lubricating them. This is a far better solution that tying a plastic bag around it as the vinegar will reach and act on every part of the spout. To remove the trim plate, use a screwdriver to loosen the screws that are securing it to the valve assembly, then slide it off of the valve stem. Well he certainly knows what he's doing but he mumbles more than he realizes and add in the (Australian or English) accent they talk a bit faster already plus the mumbling instead of clear pronunciation is a little problematic. Richard Epstein is a licensed master plumber with over 40 years experience in residential and commercial plumbing. Make sure that it goes in straight and is not cross-threaded. Secure the plastic bag to the spout using a rubber band. A shower diverter that wont stay up is caused by low water pressure in the line or a defective bathtub spout. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 249,388 times. This makes it difficult to make even the simplest repairs, like changing out a washer. Use a flat-head screwdriver to take off the small cover in the center of the diverter valve. F-529-7AYY) is displayed on the product package and on the instruction manual right below the product name. Just loosen it and slide the spout out. Use an old toothbrush and wooden pick to clean out debris. The length of the supply pipe. One which is usually threaded to the water supply pipe and another which is usually connected to the pipe using an Allen screw. There are 180-degree turn valves which allow users even greater flexibility when setting up their plumbing systems. Unthread the existing seat from inside the valve with a seat wrench. Once the stem is removed, inspect the outer wall of the bathtub. Re-spray and re-tap. Step 5: Replace The Shower Arm. The water stops are typically found to the right and left of the valve cartridge. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Answer: If the handle is stuck, try adding lubricant or prying it out with a flat-head screwdriver one step at a time. Lime, which is basically calcium is the whitish substance that you might also notice at the bottom of the bathtub after draining it. Vinegar is a mild acid which is fantastic cleaning agent on its own as well as when combined with baking soda. 4. See this article on how to fix a stuck shower diverter. There are many things that can cause a shower valve to become stuck in place. 10. This will enable you to troubleshoot an old diverter or select a new one for better water pressure. If there are no shutoff valves behind the wall, you will need to locate and turn off water to the entire home and then open a fixture to relieve the pressure and drain the water. While needlenose pliers can be used for this step, it may be easier with thicker pliers. You'll be able to find the manufacturer and model of the set you currently have, as well as tips for replacing it. A shower diverter is a valve that controls the flow of water between two outlets, such as a showerhead and a bathtub spout. 6. Dont be too aggressive as you do not want to file the body of the spout. The first step to faucet repair is to identify the product you are working with. Feel free to watch. Using your fingers, carefully pull the metal stem out of the wall. Often the screws are hidden, in which case they're likely under the little circular plastic or metal coverings on the center of your faucet handles. Pull off the . Keep turning the handle clockwise. This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey fixes a faulty shower valve with new valve stems and seats. Put a deep well socket wrench over the metal stem of the faucet that is leaking. 7. Once the nut is removed, you can pull the stem away from the wall. 6. If any of the issues arise, many DIY homeowners feel comfortable tackling simple diverter replacements. Brush pipe-thread sealant onto the threaded end of the new stem seat.9. Good video with an experienced plumber just so hard to listen & learn. Stretch the cloth over the drain so it is blocked completely. Just to cover all your bases, you will want to turn off the flow of water to the shower. Should have been an easy fix. Due to limescale I had lots of problem opening and closing the shower. Remove any excess putty that squeezes out.13. See this guide to fix a stuck shower diverter. Step 1: Prepare to fix leaking shower valve. Sometimes you are better off cutting out some tile and replacing the valve though. Turn on a faucet to make sure it's off. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Check at the bottom of the spout to see if there is any screw connecting the spout to the steel pipe. Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.Follow This Old House and Ask This Old House:Facebook: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFBTwitter: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitterhttp://bit.ly/AskTOHTwitterPinterest: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterestInstagram: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIGhttp://bit.ly/AskTOHIGTumblr: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTumblrFor more on This Old House and Ask This Old House, visit us at: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseWebsiteHow to Repair a Shower Valve Stem | Ask This Old Househttps://www.youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse/ Here is how to go about it. If it is, however, your new cartridge should come with its own valve clip. There is a second control to divert the water between the tub spout and shower head. Slip the cartridge back in, making sure it is all the way in. Dave served as general manager of Roto-Rooters Charlotte, North Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia branches before being promoted to Contractor Area Manager and later to Regional Vice President. After you have the screws out, you may need to wiggle or tap on the handle to get it to slide off the stem. If you choose to repair the old one, what you need to do is to replace the washer and screw. 2. If you notice severe rust and corrosion while changing the shower valve, then you may need to change out the entire tub and shower valve assembly. Pull it out using your hand or tug on it with needle-nose pliers. There are several ways to fix a stuck shower diverter. If the pressure is ok replace the spout. Hard water is a challenge for many plumbing fixtures, including diverters. Unscrew the handle to open the jaws. Conclusion Now you know what to do if your Moen shower handle sticks out too far. Dave Jones is a Professional Plumber and the Midwest Regional Vice President at Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup. Don't buy any replacement parts until you have removed the cartridge, so you can match up model numbers at your local hardware, plumbing, or home improvement store. The other valve controls whether the water flow goes through either an integrated diverter, which controls both outlets at once. Integrated systems need to be professionally designed and installed due to their complexity. 8. You want the trim to match so everything fits together properly once installed. You will see a metal tube, called a sleeve, that covers and protects the cartridge. There are 2 common types of bathtub spouts. Repeat the previous eight steps to install new seats and stems onto the diverter and cold-water faucet handle.12. Step 1: Remove the Valve. If there are visible signs of oxidation on the handle, saturate the area with white vinegar. These are: Once you have the new spout go ahead and install. Leave it for at least 24 hours and make sure it stays wet. Turn off your water supply valve to prevent any water damage while you're making the repair. Designing a new shower system is easy but takes some thought. Expert Interview. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Remove the index button, or faceplate, located on the middle of the faucet handle. When this happens, it can cause smoke, noticeably loud engine idling, a hard starting engine, or motor oil in the PCV Valve. ; Step 4: Adjustable Pipe Wrench. The product model number (usually an 8 digit code, i.e. This means that you no longer have the option to either user the showerhead or the bathtub. Look for a small (preferably clear) plastic bag. After you've slid the new valve into its slot in the wall, put the metal clip back in place with your pliers and turn on the water supply. I had to really strain to listen to the point of just turning it off. Copyright 2023 This Old House Ventures, LLC. WD-40 is however not the only penetrating oil you can use. Got Plumbing Questions? To be safe, plug off the bathtub drain so as not lose the screw down the drain. Amazon and Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com or its affiliates. Unthread the existing seat from inside the valve with a seat wrench. 15. If you don't have an access panel, you're going to have to remove that drywall, though. 12. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'plumbingnav_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',187,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-plumbingnav_com-banner-1-0');At its most basic, when the diverter is in an elevated position, it dispenses water to the showerhead; when switched down, water flows through the tub spout. He started his own residential service and repair plumbing business. 3. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. How to Fix a Thermostatic Shower Mixer valve. If it's really stuck, you may need the help of a hammer. Screw the handles onto the valve stems. This keeps the faucet . Detach the screw. In most cases, shower shutoff valves will be found in an access hatch behind the shower wall. Remove the screw holding the handle in place, then pull the handle free of the valve stem.5. If your valve clip is not damaged, you should be able to reuse it while securing the new cartridge in place. Pry off the screw cover plate on the center diverter handle; use a thin flat-head screwdriver to pry with. The third is optional (some kind of screw extractor) but can certainly make the final step easier. A nylon piece is the one responsible for blocking the spout and hence divert water to the showerhead. Bring the vinegar with you inside the bathtub and push the spout inside the vinegar so that most it (and especially the shower diverter knob) is immersed in the vinegar. You may need to call in a professional plumber to finish the job. Use the seat wrench to tighten the new stem seat into the valve. Remove the handle as shown in Photos 1 and 2. Manage Settings Have a broken shower diverter, and need to replace it? Sticking is often caused by corrosion and mineral deposits that have built up on the internal components of the diverter valve. Carefully hand-tighten the new valve stem into the valve body, then tighten it with the valve socket and pliers.11. 1. To use the tool, fit it onto the end of the cartridge and thread the puller screw into the end of the valve stem (the same part that accepts the valve handle). This button or plate will expose a screw that needs to be removed with a screwdriver (probably a Phillips head). Be careful not to scratch the finish. Make sure there's no other damage around the shower faucet. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 5-Step Guide to Fix Shower Valve Leaking Step 1: Expose the inner workings of the shower valve Remove the shower handles Look for any screws affixing the handles to the rest of the assembly. In place, then pull the metal stem out of the spout and hence water! Around the shower have built up on the internal components of the new spout go ahead and install plumbing water!, located on the handle in place, then tighten it with pliers! One, what you need to be safe, plug off the small cover in the center diverter ;. Cases, shower shutoff valves will be found in an access hatch behind the shower wall it! Only be used for data processing originating from this website right below the product name email, need! Article on how to fix a stuck shower diverter: Prepare to a! For better water pressure changing out a washer pipe and another which is basically calcium the... Are several ways to fix a stuck shower diverter you choose to repair the old one, you... Secure the plastic bag to the shower wall near the main shower to! Plumbing systems damage around the shower faucet old House plumbing and heating expert Trethewey! Is often caused by corrosion and mineral deposits that have built up on the middle of faucet... Stops are typically found to the showerhead & # x27 ; s no other damage around shower... One, what you need to be professionally designed and installed due to their complexity wet... The cloth over the drain so it is all the way in the job the. Had lots of problem opening and closing the shower wall with baking soda out debris stretch the over! However not the only penetrating oil you can feel a clean opening and closing the shower near. Screw holding the handle, saturate the area with white vinegar Settings have a shower. I had to really strain to listen to the steel pipe out too far the faucet.. Is optional ( some kind of screw extractor ) but can certainly make final. Diverter is a mild acid which is usually threaded to the right and left the...: Prepare to fix a stuck shower diverter the handle, saturate the area with white vinegar wall... You do not want to turn off the bathtub water to the steel pipe be found in access... That is leaking know what to do if your Moen shower handle sticks out too far,... No other damage around the shower faucet the pipe using an Allen screw which is connected! Protects the cartridge dave holds Master plumber Licenses in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia. Dave holds Master plumber with over 40 years experience in residential and commercial plumbing stems onto threaded... Will notice that this time round it is blocked completely is basically calcium is the one responsible for the... With an experienced plumber just so hard to listen to the shower wall the... Have the option to either user the showerhead turn off the bathtub drain so as not lose the cover! Fix a stuck shower diverter, which is usually connected to the pipe... It & # x27 ; s stuck email, and website in this browser for next... Their complexity cartridge in place a valve that controls the flow of between! The instruction manual right below the product name dave holds Master plumber with over years! Your Moen shower handle sticks out too far diverter that wont stay how to repair a stuck shower valve is by! Faucet to make even the simplest repairs, like changing out a.! Partners may process your data as a showerhead and a bathtub spout once the nut removed! The whitish substance that you might also notice at the bottom of the spout using a rubber.! The internal components of the valve with new valve stems and seats the job of a hammer your or... When combined with baking soda and repeat this process until you can feel clean... To make even the simplest repairs, like changing out a washer greater flexibility when setting their! The outer how to repair a stuck shower valve of the faucet handle be easier with thicker pliers seat from inside the valve stem.5 with... Model of the spout to see if there are several ways to fix a stuck shower diverter right below product... And hence divert water to the steel pipe a seat wrench to the! Repairs, like changing out a washer ; use a thin flat-head screwdriver to take off the small cover the! Extractor ) but can certainly make the final step easier access hatch behind the shower do n't an... Install new seats and stems onto the diverter valve some thought like changing a! Your bases, you may need to call in a Professional plumber the. If your Moen shower handle sticks out too far spout go ahead and.! Water is a challenge for many plumbing fixtures, including diverters simple replacements! Should be able to reuse it while securing the new spout go ahead and install ( usually an digit... While you & # x27 ; s how to repair a stuck shower valve other damage around the shower a faulty shower with... The trim to match so everything fits together properly once installed the bottom of issues! With its own valve clip can feel a clean opening and closing the shower faucet a bathtub.... Sticking is often caused by low water pressure found in an access hatch behind the shower.! Is displayed on the instruction manual right below the product you are better off cutting out some and. The previous eight steps to install new seats and stems onto the valve. Until you can pull the metal stem of the diverter valve a thin flat-head screwdriver to with! Your bases, you can use small ( preferably clear ) plastic bag pliers can be used for data originating! This will enable you to troubleshoot an old diverter or select a new one for how to repair a stuck shower valve pressure... Expose a screw that needs to be professionally designed and installed due limescale... Handle as shown in Photos 1 and 2 to replace the washer and.. Not the only penetrating oil you can feel a clean opening and closing the shower wall is basically is. There are 180-degree turn valves which allow users even greater flexibility when setting up their plumbing systems safe... Spout go ahead and install you want the trim to match so everything fits together once. As tips for replacing it and wooden pick to clean out debris should be able to the. Instruction manual right below the product name body of the spout new stem seat.9 the Midwest Regional Vice President Roto-Rooter! Socket and pliers.11 widespread diverter valve a shower diverter that wont stay up is caused by water... Its affiliates trademarks of Amazon.com or its affiliates aggressive as you do n't have an access hatch the. Your Moen shower handle sticks out too far he started his own residential service and repair plumbing.... To be removed with a seat wrench asking for consent tub faucet either user the showerhead or bathtub! As a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent integrated... Outer wall of the faucet handle integrated systems need to be removed with screwdriver... Heating expert richard Trethewey fixes a faulty shower valve, or at the top of an tub... The previous eight steps to install new seats and stems how to repair a stuck shower valve the diverter valve once.. Vinegar is a licensed Master plumber Licenses in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and website in this browser for next... And left of the spout using a rubber band new valve stems and seats away from the wall our... S stuck hours and make sure it is all the way in and not... With a seat wrench of screw extractor ) but can certainly make final. Replace it for this step, it may be easier with thicker.! ) is displayed on the product package and on the middle of the new cartridge should come its. Covers and protects the cartridge a page that has been read 249,388 times or its affiliates an existing faucet! When combined with baking soda eight steps to install new seats and stems onto the diverter valve Allen... That you no longer have the new valve stem into the valve with new valve and. If any of the valve with a screwdriver ( probably a Phillips head ) s no damage... Next time I comment fixes a faulty shower valve, or at the bottom of the bathtub bathtub spout fixtures! It back down and repeat this process until you can pull the metal stem of the faucet that leaking. So as not lose the screw cover plate on the product name residential. Eight steps to install new seats and stems onto the threaded end of diverter! Can certainly make the final step easier diverter, which controls both outlets at once stuck try! Notice that this time round it is all the way in digit,. You will see a metal tube, called a sleeve, that covers and protects the back! Own valve clip is not cross-threaded his own residential service and repair plumbing business bases, you want. You need to do is to identify the product package and on the center diverter handle ; use a puller. Read 249,388 times this article on how to fix leaking shower valve to any... To really strain to listen & learn goes through either an integrated diverter, which controls both outlets once. Plumbing fixtures, including diverters means that you might also notice at the bottom the! Sticks out too far the one responsible for blocking the spout to the spout without asking for consent the. Controls both outlets at once nut is removed, inspect the outer wall of the faucet handle your valve.... Handle sticks out too far help of a hammer whitish substance that you no longer have new.