I recently replaced a Michigan Brass shower faucet stems and diverter with new parts. The faucet stems work great but the diverter is still allowing a steady stream to flow out the spicket when I switch it to the shower head.

It worked fine before I replaced the diverter, but was a little difficult removing since it turned a full 360 degrees because the pin had broke years ago.

After removing the old one and replacing with the new one I now have a pretty good stream coming out the spicket when I divert to the shower head. I have been back and forth with a local hardware store that I purchased the replacement parts from. We have replaced the everything and I have tried as best I could to make sure there is no debries still in the area.

Here is a picture of the stem. http://www.azpartsmaster.com/images/catalog/ishop/2582d.jpg

Any suggestions or help would be great since I am at my witts end. My wife now says she cannot wash her hair because there is not enough shower head pressure.

Thanks in advance!
PS Brown

If you have installed the diverter correct have flushed the faucet and still doesn't work I have a feeling that your diverter is bad from stock, you need to remove it and take it back to the store for replacement, the correct part number for Michigan Brass shower faucet diverter is 2582D, good luck.

John

I'm sure you have already looked for build-up or debris where the stem goes, or something in the seat of the new stem.

If you are unable to repair the valve stem successfully, you could always put a tub spout with a pull up diverter on it. Real easy fix, just screw off the old spout and screw a new one on. Many shower valves don't have a diverter built in. They just rely on the little pull-up valve on the spout itself.

It's not perfect, but at least you'll get your witts back:)
Al

If you have installed the diverter correct have flushed the faucet and still doesn't work I have a feeling that your diverter is bad from stock, you need to remove it and take it back to the store for replacement, the correct part number for Michigan Brass shower faucet diverter is 2582D, good luck.

John

Actually, they have given me two of the new diverters now and both are doing the same thing. It was not doing it before I replaced the diverter. Even the old diverter does it as well. I have tried to check for debree as best I can. Is there some sort of tool to stick up in the valve area to help make sure as is clean without damaging anything?

Thanks again!

I'm sure you have already looked for build-up or debris where the stem goes, or something in the seat of the new stem.

If you are unable to repair the valve stem successfully, you could always put a tub spout with a pull up diverter on it. Real easy fix, just screw off the old spout and screw a new one on. Many shower valves don't have a diverter built in. They just rely on the little pull-up valve on the spout itself.

It's not perfect, but at least you'll get your witts back:)
Al

I have tried to check for debree as best I can. Is there some sort of tool to stick up in the valve area to help make sure as is clean without damaging anything?

I have thought about using one of the new spout diverters but was concerned that it might cause other damage if the faucet is turned on while the primary diverter is in the down (faucet) position and the new spout diverter is accidentally left closed.

Thanks again!

I had another thought. Is it possible to take out (totally remove) the diverter stem all together, plug the hole and then use the new type diverter spout?

If you can plug it yes it is more semple and easy,I think this what Al asked you, see the images below, good luck.

John

I don't think you'll find the thread fitting to plug the diverter valve hole in the control valve. I also don't think it will hurt anything if somebody accidentally turned it in the wrong direction. Everything in there is pressure capable. Have you checked for debris in the shower head? If the diverter is right, it really shouldn't matter a whole lot. It may be causing a little back-pressure though.

I really think that the o-ring between the 2 sets of holes is not seating. Is it possibly pushing it up the stem when you install it. Or, maybe you could pick up a slightly thicker o-ring. Use silicone grease to install it. Never use vaseline as it can deteriorate some rubber materials. If your old o-ring is still in tact between the 2 sets of holes, you can try it. Or, at least compare it.

I know you would rather have the existing one work right, instead of using the spout diverter, I would be the same way.
Al

Have you checked for debris in the shower head? If the diverter is right, it really shouldn't matter a whole lot. It may be causing a little back-pressure though.


Yes I have checked for debris in the shower head and as best I could in the piping. I can't see anything there, but I am a computer guy not a plumber. ;)



I really think that the o-ring between the 2 sets of holes is not seating. Is it possibly pushing it up the stem when you install it. Or, maybe you could pick up a slightly thicker o-ring. Use silicone grease to install it. Never use vaseline as it can deteriorate some rubber materials. If your old o-ring is still in tact between the 2 sets of holes, you can try it. Or, at least compare it.


I did pick up a set of assorted o-rings and was going to try that first. I was thinking that it might be that second o-ring as well, but was uncertain. I will have to go back and pick up some silicone grease.

I also (as an alternative) took my old diverter stem and had it cut in half so I could use it to seal the whole and use the other diverter if necessary, but that will be a last resort.



I know you would rather have the existing one work right, instead of using the spout diverter, I would be the same way.
Al

Yes! I would much rather have the new ones working correctly. I will try again tonight when I get home and see how it goes.

Al, too bad you are in Tampa and not in Pensacola. I am in Pensacola, FL waiting for TS Fay to arrive sometime tomorrow. I will actually be in Tampa on business on Monday (weather permitting).

Thanks again to everyone who has taken the time to help. If you ever need computer help hit me up and I will be sure to return the favor.

PS Brown

Well I tried all the suggestions and the only thing right now that is working is just changing the spout out with one that has a diverter on it as well. I tried everything else with no success so for now that is what I am doing unless someone has any other suggestions.

One last thing to try before the divorce. When you installed the diverter valve was it in the open or unscrewed position? It looks like it screws in and out. If you install it in the "screw in" position, the diverter stem will bottom out against the seat before you have completely installed the body. Reinstall with the stem in the open position. If it works, you owe your wife an shampoo.

PS,
Fay has been a non-event for us. I spoke a little bit ago to a couple of my friends in Jacksonville. One had been without power for awhile. The other was concerned that a tree began to lean more towards the house than they were comfortable with, so they had the tree guys out and paid $1200 to have it removed.

Sounds like the folks over in Melbourne got the flooding real bad.

What do you do with computers? My son just graduated college with a degree in web-master. He's a brilliant young man. I'm sure he'll do well. There will always be a need for computer guys for sure!

Good luck to you on the faucet.
Al

Glad to hear you are safe Al.

Whenever I get all up in arms about something like that, my husband asks me if I can solve the problem, because he's stumped.

If your wife attempts, and succeeds, terrific. If she attempts to fix the shower diverter and fails, well, then it isn't "your fault" alone. Marriage saved.

Harold, thanks for the well-wishes.

Simone... though I appreciate your comments, I disagree to an extent. If she attempts to help and fails, it is still his fault for getting her into the mess to begin with! :rolleyes:

Back to Harold's thought... it may be seating too high or too low. We had you check the bottom for debris etc. What about the bottom of the stem? Is there something extra on the bottom causing a difference in length?

Or, what about the top... is the seal at the top around the outer edge too thick or too thin not allowing it to seat in the right spot?

Stay safe during Fay! She just about got the whole state. Weirdest storm I've ever seen.
Al

Gee, I can't imagine being married to someone like that. I used to be... Divorced his butt. Life is full of problems to be solved.

My current husband "knows" that everything is his fault. When I remind him of that fact, he smiles and asks how I would have fixed or done, whatever. I even tell him, "it's raining, and it's all your fault." His response is, "yeah, I know, but it isn't raining in the bedroom!"