Shower Diverters: What They Are and What They Do
A hot shower at the end of the day is a great way to wash away the troubles of the day. But sometimes you want to unwind by soaking in a warm bath. Having a shower-tub combination helps ensure that you can enjoy either option whenever you want to. This is made possible by a shower water diverter. In today’s blog, we answer the questions about ‘what is a diverter’ and ‘how a shower diverter works’. This information is beneficial especially when it comes to maintaining your plumbing.
How Does a Tub Diverter Work?
A diverter is simply a valve that is designed to divert water back and forth between the showerhead and the tub faucet. This means that you can switch between taking a bath and taking a shower whenever you need to.
These devices are located where the water pipe connects to the tub faucet. Another pipe extends to the showerhead above. Whenever the valve is opened the water flows directly into the tub. When the valve is closed, the water flows to the showerhead. Closing the valve allows pressure to build up within the pipe. This pressure forces the water within the pipe to flow upward to the shower head.
Types of Shower Diverters
There are three main types of diverters used in bathroom plumbing:
- The tee diverter
This is the basic diverter. It consists of a single valve and is located within the tub faucet. If you have a handle that you can pull straight up from your tub faucet, you most likely have this type of valve. It is activated by pulling on the lever that is on the faucet. It is one of the most common types of faucet valves.
These are relatively easy to use and install. They are also quite compact as only one handle is required to operate them. They are therefore a great option for small spaces.
- Two-way diverters
These diverters can either be located between two taps or at a single faucet. They are used to redirect water from two different outlets. It can be used to control the temperature of water as well as the direction that the water flows. Typical designs feature two outlet ports and one inlet port. Water enters the valve through the inlet port. It is then diverted to either the shower or tub depending on the selection.
- Three-valve diverters
These are similar to the two valve diverters. However, they have an additional port. There are a total of four ports in this diverter; one inlet port and three outlet ports. This type of diverter allows for an additional outlet (usually a shower sprayer). You can therefore divert water to the tub, the showerhead, or the handheld sprayer. They are often operated by a lever or tap allocated between the taps of a two-tap faucet.
Common Diverter Problems
It is not uncommon to experience problems with a diverter in the shower over time. This is especially true as parts wear away. You may notice some of the following signs with your diverter.
- Leaking from under the tub
- Decreased water pressure in the shower head
- Difficulty in switching between the showerhead and tub
- Water poured from both the tub and the showerhead even when you fully closed or opened the valve
The signs outlined above indicate that there may be a problem with the diverter. It is important to have this replaced or repaired as quickly as possible as this can lead to water damage. Don’t hesitate to contact us, Snofalls Plumbing for services from an expert plumber in North Bend. We’d be glad to help you resolve any plumbing issues you may be facing.
