I have a bathtub shower diverter, made of brass. The shower has not been used for a couple of years, and now the diverter is stuck, or "frozen" - brass on brass - from corrosion. Does anyone know of a way to free the diverter, without breaking into the wall and cutting the pipes, to replace the diverter, etc.?
Thanks
comvet

Please tell us the brand and the model number, also if you can post a picture will help, I attached a link below if that will help, Thanks.

John

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/fixing-a-stuck-shower-faucet-diverter#.VA98Wu90ypo

Not sure of the brand - all the fixtures are Kohler, and the diverter is moved by a handle separate from the cold and hot water faucets. The diverter is behind the tile - only the handle, stem are visible. Tried to lubricate with WD-40, but no luck. Hoping someone knows how to 'un-freeze' it, without tearing out the tile, and cutting the pipe, to replace the diverter. Thanks, comvet

Try removing the handle and tapping lightly on the end of the stem with a hammer. As a last resort, you could grab onto the stem with Vice-Grips and turn it. Get the Vice-Grips as tight as you can as close to the wall as you can and try not to strip the brass.

Not to insult your intelligence, but be sure to turn counterclockwise with firm, steady pressure.

Hello Comvet,

See the images below is for 3 handles or knobs faucet, if yours look like this you need to remove the handle or knob and buy a socket to fit the packing nut remove the stem and replace it with a new one open the link below will give you an idea , good luck.

John


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjmAZjfpEq8

Thanks for the ideas, I've tried the hammer (tapping), vice grip, and a small pipe wrench, but the diverter stem won't budge. Guess my only option is to break the tile and replace the pipes + diverter.comvet

Can you take a picture of the diverter and post it? also is your faucet similar to the images that have in post #5, if so have you removed the packing nut if that is removed I have another solution, Thanks.

John

I have removed the packing nut; I believe the problem is the sleeve around the diverter - the sleeve is round and also located behind the tile, so I am unable to get any tool like a vice grip, etc. on it with enough leverage to turn it.
I will take a picture and post it, but it may not be clear.
Thanks
comvet

Here is the best pic I could get - (jpg file)46565
46565

From the picture I posted, can you tell if the "sleeve" I mentioned earlier is really a sleeve, or part of the pipe/housing the diverter, and not removable?
Thanks again
comvet

If you have the packing nut off the stem try sprayting CLR into the seam between the stem and the valve body. Sprayt several times and allow to soak.

Your pictures not uploaded, as Bob says try CLR or spray some vinegar into the cavity, Thanks.


John

The picture was posted in #9 reply in the thread. Posting it again, here
46566

It does not show in your post, do you know how to post a picture, if not we will walk you through, Thanks.

John

Hello Comvet,

Here is how you can attach a picture to your post, Thanks.

In the quick answer box.
1. Click on the go advance, will take you to manage attachment page.
2. Click on add a file.
3. Click on browse it will take you to your picture if it is on desktop or in a file.
4. Select you picture.
5. Click on open then click on upload.
6. Close the manage attachment page.
7. Submit your answer.

Good luck,

John

Here is the pic

You need a 3/$" deep socket to fit the stem and a bolt that will go in top stem and some washers, now tighten the bolt until the stem is lose, good luck.


John

Thanks, John, but I'm not following your thought. What size deep socket, and where is the "bolt" inserted in the stem?

I am not 100% sure if this work but it worth a try before breaking in to the wall, see the image below you need a long socket to fit on top of red circle and be about 1/2" above the end of the stem and install a bolt the size of the screw for the handle , good luck.

John

John, a 3/8" deep socket fits, and I think I understand what you are suggesting, to use the washers and create a "puller" using the screw to tap into the end of the stem. The stem is solid brass and less than 3/8" in diameter. What size screw do you think I need to use? And what type - a self-tapping screw or? What do you suggest?
Thanks
comvet

o.k. need to use a larger, deep socket to fit the diverter housing; but still need to know what type of screw will tap into the end of the stem, and be strong enough to put pressure on the socket, and without splitting the stem. Any ideas? Continued thanks for your interest in this, and help
comvet

Comvet,

You need bigger than 3/8" socket should be the size of the circle 3/4" or 1" may be the best shot, good luck

John

Take the screw removed for the handle to a hard ware store ans ask for a stronger screw and longer with washers' good luck.

John

Thanks, John. Will give this a shot before breaking the tile/wall.
comvet

Good Luck,

John

The one issue is that there was no screw at the end of the stem - the handle for the diverter was a handle fitted to the slotted stem and held in place with a counter-sunk set screw in the handle. I will have to 'tap' the end of the stem.

Now you may need to open the hole a little more to see if there is packing nut for the stem to be removed, also wait for some other experts to pop in and give theirs suggestions, good luck Thanks.

John