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View Full Version : Copper pipe leak when diverter is on


nphengsiar
Nov 21, 2011, 08:41 AM
Hi. I have a Danze system where the diverter is separate from the spout and located together with the hot and cold in the rough in valve. When I turn the diverter to 'divert' the water from the spout to the shower head, I noticed that water is leaking through the copper elbow that joins the copper line from the rough in valve to the tup spout. It is dripping some water (not a lot to affect the water pressure) from the tub spout as well when the diverter is on. I also noticed that the diverter handle when I turn it is a little loose where you can wiggle it a little. So, I have a few questions. 1) Is my soldering of the elbow not good enough and is the reason why it is leaking when the diverter is on? It doesn't leak when the diverter is off and water is flowing down to the tub spout so unsure why it does only when the diverter is on. 2) I am guessing that the positioning of the diverter isn't correct to prevent any water from going down to the spout when the diverter is on? 3) Why am I able to wiggle the diverter? Is this right or should it be tight? I appreciate any help anyone can provide to any of these questions especially question one. Thank you.

speedball1
Nov 21, 2011, 01:20 PM
) Is my soldering of the elbow not good enough and is the reason why it is leaking when the diverter is on? It doesn't leak when the diverter is off and water is flowing down to the tub spout so unsure why it does only when the diverter is on. If it doesn't leak when the tub's filling then the joint's tight. I suspect the leak's from the valve body and simply running down the pipe to the elbo.

I am guessing that the positioning of the diverter isn't correct to prevent any water from going down to the spout when the diverter is on? I agree! You're on a roll.

Why am I able to wiggle the diverter? Is this right or should it be tight? There's a nut on the stem called "The Bonnet Packing Nut" and I think your leak might be coming from there. Remove the knob and face plate and snug up the nut until it feels tight. CAREFUL! Don't over tighten or it will be too hard to turn. Good luck, Tom

nphengsiar
Nov 23, 2011, 09:24 AM
Ok, I tightened it. Turned the shower on and the water was hot when it was barely turned on. So, I brought the lever towards the cold side more and it was fine for about a minute. All of a sudden, I heard the valve knock a little, then it turns cold. Moved it up more to get it hotter. Then, noticed a water pressure drop. In the past, the valve would keep the pressure pretty steady and nice, but after the nut was tightened a little bit more maybe 1/8 of a turn more, the pressure and temp flunctuate to the point that it loses pressure and hot water runs out. Is there a remedy for this Danze D113000BT valve or do I have to get a replacement? It may be the pressure balance cartridge that's acting up? Any fix for it? Please let me know. Thank you.

speedball1
Nov 23, 2011, 05:30 PM
Hold the phone! This thread started as a three handle valve that sounded liken a leaky bonnet packing nut that leaked down the connection to the tub spout. On your next post it has morphed into a single lever valve with temperatur control problems.
That's two separate valves in my book, What gives? Back to you, Tom

nphengsiar
Nov 25, 2011, 03:57 PM
Yeah, weird right. I am on a well system. The bonnet nut was tightened. Showered and seem that the pressure wasn't as good as previously. Took out the valve, looked it over and cleaned it out. Everything appear to be good to go. Reinstall, turn the shower back on and still pressure isn't as strong. My pump down in the basement reads between 40 and 60psi and that usually is strong enough. I know that in the past that beginning of a cold outside temp spell, the pressure goes or should I say probably due to less water being pumped from the well due to the cold. This could be the problem, but it just seems odd that as soon as the nut was tightened, the pressure goes down. Maybe it's just a coincidence.

speedball1
Nov 25, 2011, 04:15 PM
What valve are we discussing now? The three handle or the one handle lever valve? What bonnet packing nut did you tighten? There are three on the three knob jobbie. The hot. Cold or diverter packing nut? If your pump control cuts off at 60PSI you should have plenty of house preessure. Have you removed the stems and turned the water on to flush out the valve and supplies and to be sure the pressure is coming through the supplies? Perhaps the problem isn't in the valve but in the feed. Let me know what you find. Good luck, Tom