I've been searching back through the posts for potential answers to shower/tub diverter problems and I keep seeing people recommend the replacement of shower heads or tub faucets as additional fix-it solutions for diverter problems.

If a diverter is doing its job, why would you ALSO need to replace shower heads or tub faucets?

Doesn't a diverter divert the water to shower or bath ENTIRELY on its own??

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:confused:

Yes it does divert the water.

The reason you see replace the shower head is because it has heavy lime build up in it or the water flow restrictor is clogging or needs replaced.

The tub spout may not be working right and that needs replace on occasion.

If replacing just a diverter doesn't mean the tub spout or shower head needs replaced Think of it as three separate things that work together. One needs the others

Do you have a specific problem that needs addressed?

Signed 21 Boat

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I do think of them as 3 separate things but I guess I must not understand their relationship insofar as the DIVERTING of water.

It's my understanding the faucets/heads are merely the exit routes. It's the diverter's job to direct the stream of water TO those exit routes.

However, other members here suggested replacement of faucet fixtures as a solution to diverting problems and my reaction to that was... huh?

-> The problem we're having is getting the diverter to divert ALL the water between the shower and tub - not just some of it.

-> All parts in the diverter and its handle were replaced (in 2 very differently-aged houses) but we STILL have a stream coming from the showers when the handle is turned to the tub and vice versa.

Since all parts were replaced for the diverters, we absolutely cannot figure out why the problem is not corrected.

It's truly maddening!

Doesn't a diverter divert ALL the water to one or the other 'exit'?

I see you have 2 different threads going on here regarding your issue. Lets try to combine this. What cartridge did you use to redo the diverter? The diverter is integral on this fixture.

They're actually 2 different questions. Maybe if I can be clear on one, it WILL answer the second...

Doesn't a diverter divert ALL the water between the shower and tub faucets?

Why, after replacing ALL parts of the diverter do we still have streams leaking from either the shower head or tub faucet?

I KNOW my husband replaced the seat (18), screw (16), seat washer (25), and, stem (24).

I'm not sure but, given that we've already gone through this unsuccessfully at one house, I think he probably also replaced the rest of the connection parts: The stem washer (23), gasket (22), sleeve (21), "O" ring (20), and retainer, (19).

"Doesn't a diverter divert ALL the water between the shower and tub faucets" Yes it should divert all water. There may be a scratch or something that is allowing water to seep past the seat. It actually sounds like what he did should have fixed it. Did he flush the valve with water before installing the new parts? If not, remove the stem, flush with the water pressure while holding a towel over the opening, wipe the washer and reinstall. There may have been some debris. I'm really stetching here.

I don't think he flushed it first. I'll tell him and I'm sure he'll give that a whirl.

Thank you for the suggestion!

PS It's nice to know I wasn't wrong about what diverters are SUPPOSED to do. With so many people suggesting to others that their problems may lie in their heads (shower, that is ;) ) or faucets, I thought some of my brains must be going down the drain along with the water. :eek:... :)

ballengerb1,
My husband DID flush the line (etc.) so that's not the culprit. :(

I did also find a tip on another site (I haven't joined) that mentioned an EXTRA "O" ring! Do you have any info about an extra "O" ring that might help our problem, too? :)

That other person had the same problem: He had purchased an entirely new "kit"; Still had same problem (like us); THEN he learned about and used and extra "O" ring... he is now singing in his shower.

I'm singing in my shower, too, but, as they say, "Excuse my French!"

If you DO have info about adding an (extra) "O" ring, where does it go?

Thanks for your advice and patience!

-> All parts in the diverter and its handle were replaced (in 2 very differently-aged houses) but we STILL have a stream coming from the showers when the handle is turned to the tub and vice versa.
Since all parts were replaced for the diverters, we absolutely cannot figure out why the problem is not corrected.Did all the parts get replaced?
Are you quite sure all parts were replaced? Did you also replace the seat? (see image) and if you did did you get the threads crossed in starting them? Back to you, Tom

Seat was replaced (along with all the other parts in the diverter assembly.)

It went in smoothly. It just acts like the diverter isn't closing fully. It still lets some of the water pass up (or down) the wrong way.

What do you mean by threads crossed?

When he installed the stem did he have it opened all the way before he tightened the cap nut (valve stem nut).

Gosh, I don't know. Since he didn't list that as one of the "I did this correctly, I did this correctly etc.", I don't know whether he paid ANY attention to the original position before tightening.

When we take it apart AGAIN, which way should he put it in to be sure it is "open all the way"?

(I'm telling you, if this is the only thing wrong, you'll be getting a lot of long distance hugs... from us both! )

Just have him open the faucet valve and then retighten the capping nut, then close the valve. If you have the stem closed during installation it is difficult to get a perfect seal when the cap nut is tightened.

I'll pass your advice along for my husband's work-after-work (he's just lovin' it ;) )

Thank you for your continued help!

Yep, I'll bet he just can't wait to get home and hear what you found. LOL :)