Shower Diverter Repair

BRAD: Well, the problem is that when you turn on the bathtub water to start the shower, the water’s coming out of the spout and then it says “Pull for shower” and when you pull it, only about 90 percent of the water reverts to the shower portion.TOM: Yeah, that’s because you have a problem with your diverter. It’s not divertin’ (chuckling) like it should be and that’s a valve issue and it probably can be fixed by replacing the shower valve; replacing the diverter valve. Unfortunately, it’s a fairly difficult thing to do.

LESLIE: Because it’s behind all of that tile and wall, correct?

TOM: That’s right. The other option is, depending on the age of the valve, some valves have like what’s called a cassette, which is like all the guts in the valve in one piece, and it’s replaceable. Is this an old house?

BRAD: Yes.

TOM: Yeah, it may not be easy to do but it’s worth talking to a plumber about. Sometimes you can replace the guts of the valve without opening up the wall and replacing the whole valve itself.

LESLIE: Is there an access panel, Brad?

BRAD: There is an access panel in the bedroom behind the bathroom.

TOM: Well, that’s good news.

LESLIE: (overlapping voices) That’s great.

TOM: That makes it a little bit easier.

BRAD: OK, so it something that still a plumber should be doing though?

TOM: Yeah, it’s a little complicated and if you start taking it apart yourself I’m afraid you might not be able to get it back together again, Brad.

BRAD: Alright, well thank you.

TOM: You’re welcome, Brad. Thanks so much for calling us at 888-MONEY-PIT.