How to Change a Tub Diverter | Home Guides

Read article : How to Change a Tub Diverter | Home Guides

A broken tub diverter can reduce the water pressure of your shower.

The little knob on the end of your tub spout is the diverter. When you raise the diverter with the water running, it "diverts" the water from the spout to the showerhead. Over time, the diverter can wear out. When this happens, it reduces the water pressure for the shower, because not enough water diverts from the spout. A replacement tub spout is an inexpensive fix to your diverter dilemma, and you can change it to match your bathroom decor.

1

Lay a towel in the bottom of your bathtub beneath the spout. The towel can catch any dropped screws and protect the tub enamel from dropped tools and parts.

2

Look for a small setscrew on the underside of the spout next to the wall. Use a hex key to remove the setscrew and pull the spout off the supply pipe. If your tub spout does not have a setscrew, insert a heavy-duty screwdriver into the spout opening and twist it counterclockwise to remove it from the supply pipe.

3

Measure the length of the supply pipe from the wall to the tip. Take the measurement and the original tub spout to a home improvement center or a plumbing supply store. This will ensure you get the correct replacement spout with the proper diverter location that fits your supply pipe.

4

Before installing the new spout and diverter, wipe the threads on the end of the supply pipe with a rag. Wrap the threads with two or three layers of thread-seal tape. Use silicone caulk to seal around the supply pipe where it enters the wall, if necessary.

5

Slide the new spout over the supply pipe and tighten the setscrew to secure it. If your spout screws on, slide it over the pipe and turn it clockwise with your hand.

6

Wrap masking tape around the teeth on a pair of tongue-and-groove pliers to protect the new spout. Use the pliers to tighten the spout to the pipe. Do not over-tighten the spout as you could damage the wall and the pipe.

Things You Will Need

• Towel
• Hex key set
• Heavy-duty screwdriver
• Tape measure
• Rag
• Thread-seal tape
• Silicone caulk
• Masking tape
• Tongue-and-groove pliers