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    mikeeant's Avatar
    mikeeant Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Mar 28, 2009, 10:27 AM
    How to replace shower diverter
    Hello all, I have this shower diverter that needs to be replaced. I have a photo of it. My question is do I have to replace this whole unit? I can't figure out how to get the piece with the knob seatings off.
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    BRycraft's Avatar
    BRycraft Posts: 111, Reputation: 2
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    #2

    Mar 28, 2009, 10:41 AM

    That knob comes off with a small screw that is buried deep inside that hole in the center of it usually covered by a cap. Once that screw comes off that whole knob will slide off with the escution (cover plate against the wall). Depending on the make and model it might be able to be rebuilt with parts from a plumbing supply house. If not the entire unit needs to be replaced usually with a one piece unit replacing the individual hot and cold valves best done by a plumber as pipe soldering will need to be done. That becomes a much bigger job The diverter is a simple unit that only diverts the water from the tub spout to the shower head and on newer units its only a pull up unit on the tub spout that is nothing but a plate that once pulled up is held in place with water pressure forcing the water up to the shower head. These can wear out over time. Its possible inside yours that the unit isn't turning diverting the water upward towards the shower head, so look for corrosion or broken parts. But getting that little phillips screw out can be challenging if its corroded and or never taken out if original... But its inside that little hole...
    Good Luck Bill
    mikeeant's Avatar
    mikeeant Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Mar 28, 2009, 10:57 AM

    Thanks! I'll get right on that.
    mikeeant's Avatar
    mikeeant Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    Mar 28, 2009, 01:51 PM

    Well I had to go get screwdrivers to fit and there's nothing in it that I can tell to unscrew. Tried a couple of different hex sizes also. Anything else before I take a wrench to it?
    BRycraft's Avatar
    BRycraft Posts: 111, Reputation: 2
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    #5

    Mar 28, 2009, 02:01 PM

    Have you tried shining a flashlight inside that hole to see what type of fastener is in it? I doubt anything but a phillips is in it, based on the age of it I wouldn't think there would be a internal wrenching bolt (allen screw) but its always a possibility but say someone had taken it off prior to you and replaced it with a different fastener if you are say a new home owner or have lived in the home say 10 years and the home is 20 years old and original, then maybe the original owner did something.. See what you can see in that hole best you can. I can't imagine you would turn that counter clockwise and it would twist off, that hole has to hold some fastener. I would bet it's a size 1 screw which is a very small phillips, if you are trying to get at it with a size 2 which is a normal size phillips it won't fit properly and will slip so you won't get a proper fit on it. I hope I have provided you with some help. Try and see as best you can what's in that hole, you have to at least have that answer, what kind of fastener, then once you know it's a matter of getting the right tool...
    Good luck..
    Bill
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
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    #6

    Mar 28, 2009, 02:07 PM

    NO, there is no screw inside this trim piece. It is loose and just sitting there, frozen in with calcium or rust. Just take screwdriver and tap it with its handle on both sides of trim. Keep tapping until it starts wiggling. Wiggle it out. It is always a problem to remove this tube...

    Unscrew the cone shape trim and your are ready to unscrew the entire diverter stem.
    BRycraft's Avatar
    BRycraft Posts: 111, Reputation: 2
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    #7

    Mar 28, 2009, 02:12 PM

    There you go, if he says there is no screw inside that handle then go with that, obviously if nothing is inside then nothing is holding it on and it should pop off.. thanks Milo...
    mikeeant's Avatar
    mikeeant Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
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    #8

    Mar 28, 2009, 02:27 PM
    Tap, tap, wiggle, wiggle. It feels kind of loose and I've been pulling on it also. It doesn't feel like it's going anywhere.
    Milo Dolezal's Avatar
    Milo Dolezal Posts: 7,192, Reputation: 523
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    #9

    Mar 28, 2009, 02:29 PM

    That's a good sign. Grab it with your hand and wiggle with the back end (the one towards the wall) . It will go little by little. Then it will come off. Be patient, it will go...
    BRycraft's Avatar
    BRycraft Posts: 111, Reputation: 2
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    #10

    Mar 28, 2009, 02:30 PM

    Hit it with a bigger hammer... lol
    Sorry, I will seek out someone who might help...
    mikeeant's Avatar
    mikeeant Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
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    #11

    Mar 28, 2009, 02:41 PM
    Patience is a virtue! Thanks guys, got it off. Will be back if any more problems.
    BRycraft's Avatar
    BRycraft Posts: 111, Reputation: 2
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    #12

    Mar 28, 2009, 02:51 PM

    I see my last advise worked getting a bigger hammer.. lol
    Usually my theory is if it jams force it, if it breaks it needed replacing anyway... lol
    Bill
    mikeeant's Avatar
    mikeeant Posts: 6, Reputation: 1
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    #13

    Mar 28, 2009, 02:55 PM

    Works for me. And I figure if I have to go through the wall, all the better. We could use the extra shelf space and it will be an interesting conversation piece. I do know that when I build a house all the plumbing and wiring will be exposed as much as possible.
    BRycraft's Avatar
    BRycraft Posts: 111, Reputation: 2
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    #14

    Mar 28, 2009, 03:03 PM

    Who needs drywall anyway, saves on paint and wallpaper? if they ever invent square pipes they can be doubled as shelves... sounds like a plan, makes rodding pipes a challenge, but who cares, let someone else solve that dilemma, what do we have to solve all the worlds problems.. lol...
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