Help! We used a sewer snake on our tub/ shower (went in through overflow drain) now there appears to be something wrong with the diverter. Water comes through tub spout but when we pull up on lever to route water to shower head water stops, does not come out of either shower head or tub spout.

Sounds like someone hit the diverter while snaking the drain... *UGH*

In this case, you are lucky as the tub spout can't be fixed, but it can be easily replaced with a universal diverter tub spout (see image).

Here, most diverter tub spouts have a U shaped cut-out on the underside of the spout up close to the wall. Up inside this U shaped cut-out is an allen screw that will need to be loosened/removed to allow you to spin the spout back and forth while pulling it forward to remove it!

Once you have removed the spout go to the local home improvement store and get a universal diverter spout like yours and also get a little silicone gel to lubricate the oring (if present on the old/new tub spout).

Lubricate the oring and twist the new spout onto the copper pipe, push up tight to the wall and tighten the new allen screw. That should do it for you!

If your spout doesn't have a U shaped cut-out then most likely the tub spout just spins off counterclockwise. Here, using a large pair of pliers or a wrench, grasp the old spout and just spin it off... do not be afraid to use some force as these can be on tight. If anything gets damaged, a plumber would have damaged it as well, so don't be afraid to give it a shot! A replacement spout would also be found at a local home improvement store.

Questions? Let me know, OK?

Mark

Sorry Mark but I can't follow your logic. I'd say the plumbing gods are just messing with rmurphy and something is blocking the shower riser.

I'd say remove the shower head and see what happens.

They are using a snake and snaking the tub overflow drain just 6" from the diverter tub spout and you still think that, all of a sudden, the shower head clogs? Sorry, to disagree with you here, but it seems more logical to me that they hit the diverter knob and broke it somehow (see image).

With that being said, your point is valid (as always) and it certainly is easy enough to remove the shower head and check...huh?

Start with that Rmurphy... just spin the shower head off counterclockwise and let us know what you find. If a clogged head, then Hkstroud saved the day, for sure! If not, then as I suggested, I'm afraid the diverter tub spout got damaged and needs replacement!

Mark

PS: I posted a pic. of the wrong tub spout above...should have been a tub spout with a diverter knob (see image)!

I would go with both of you, Diverter and the shower head, but my first bid is most likely be the diverter, Thanks.

Regards,
John

Thank you both for your input. I tried using the diverter again, hoping by some fluke it would fix its self (I know I was desperate). Well sure enough something shot (rather forcefully) through the shower arm and now we have a perfectly working bath and shower. Clogged it was.
Thanks again for the quick responses and informative answers

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Well sure enough something shot (rather forcefully) through the shower arm

I say, Mark owes me one Boston snowball.

I sure do... here's a bunch of 'em!

I sure do...here's a bunch of 'em!

HK & Mark -you guys are too cool! Brian

Hey Brian! Just having fun, for sure! We all make a nice team around here. If one of us misses it we can be sure one of us will catch it and correct/balance the answer, for sure!

It is always my pleasure to work with you and all the other guys (and a couple gals I can think of here)!

Thanks!

Mark

I kind of want to know what shot out of the shower arm.