I have a 3 handled tub/shower faucet set up. When I turn on my shower water flows from the shower head, however, it still flows through the tub faucet at the same time. I think this may also be the reason why we run out of hot water faster! Can anybody answer my question? Please help - showering with 4 people in the house without hot water makes for very grumpy people! :)

Replace the washer in the diverter valve (center handle). Some diverter valves have an number of parts to them , might be better to just replace the entire stem.

Replace the washer in the diverter valve (center handle). Some diverter valves have an number of parts to them , might be better to just replace the entire stem.

How difficult is it to replace either the washer or the entire system? I have no plumbing experience and money is very tight :( Do I need to call a plumber in for this type of repair?

How difficult is it to replace either the washer or the entire system? I have no plumbing experience and money is very tight :( Do I need to call a plumber in for this type of repair?
Turn the water off to the faucet and remove the middle handle and face plate. You will see a large brass nut securing the stem and washer assembly. Unscrew the nut and back the stem and washer assembly out counterclockwise. Replace the washers and check the seats for nicks or rough spots. If you find any click on back. Before you button up turn the water on for a moment to flush out the faucets valve body. Good louck, Tom

Not very difficult, certainly a do-it yourself job.

1. Remove handle
a. Remove screw cover
b. Remove screw that holds handle onto
The stem
c. Remove handle by pulling it toward you. The handle may be a little difficult to remove due to corrosion. If pulling and tapping lightly does no loosen it you will have to purchase a faucet handle puller.

2. Remove any stem cover or sleeve. Some just slide off, some have to be unscrewed

3. Remove escutcheon, (cover plate on the wall around the stem).

4. You should now be able to see the entire stem and how it fits into the valve.
The first nut you see is probably the stem packing nut. This is used to prevent water from coming out around the stem. Just beyond the packing nut you should see what looks like another, larger nut. This is what you want to unscrew to remove the stem. To remove the stem you are almost certainly going to have a set of tub wrenches. These can be purchased at Home Depot , Lowe's and hardware stores. They look like a set of big, ugly, cheep, sockets wrenches and that's what they are. They slide over the stem to fit on the nut back in the wall.

5. Remove the stem, take it to the hardware store, plumbing supply or home center and have someone match it for you. Reassemble in reverse order.