I am trying to replace a shower diverter stem. I took the old one off and screwed in the new one. When it's tightened all the way, there is no water flow. As I loosen it, the water begins to flow and I am also able to turn on the shower. But, that's no good because if it's too loose, it will fall off. Is there a secret to installing this?

When you had the valve open did you check the seat to see if there was a piece of washer that you didn't remove? Remove the diverter stem and turn the water on to flush out the valve body and seat. Regards, Tom

The valve looks clear of any obstruction - still not working correctly - the new diverter that I purchased from a plumbing supply is the same length and looks identical to the old one, but I can't tell if the old one was "opened up" a little or closed off all the way. Does that make a difference? Should I replace the seat?

When you installed the new part, was it completely open, or did it bottom out and lock up the stem so it would not turn?

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Originally Posted by jakesdaddy

the valve looks clear of any obstruction - still not working correctly - the new diverter that I purchased from a plumbing supply is the same length and looks identical to the old one, but I can't tell if the old one was "opened up" a little or closed off all the way. Does that make a difference? Should I replace the seat?

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Ugh!

Is this a Newport Brass faucet?

If it is, they have yet to decide on a proper spring tension for the spring inside the diverter assembly.

Backing the knob in and out until you reach a tension you are comfortable with is the only remedy to date.

[ponders and looks aimlessly at the ceiling] I don't think newport brass is in Georgia or Florida. [thinks I may need a nap]

It's a Price Pfister - house built in early 70's - old plumbing never replaced

q: when you installed the new part, was it completely open, or did it bottom out and lock up the stem so it would not turn?

a: assuming that turning the stem counter clockwise until it stops is considered bottomed out, then it was bottomed out. This is the way it came from the supply company