Hi,
I have read a couple of the threads on diverter valves and thought I might ask this question for some help.

Ok here is the background on the problem and how we went about solving it.

First this is a house that was built in 1971 so nothing new. The bathroom on the main floor has a three way system with a diverter valve in the middle which directs the water either to the tub or shower pretty simple. Ok the taps were leaking so we decide to replace it all. Replaced the following items.
Hot water and cold water taps and valves (working ok)
Diverter valve

All parts were bought from Home Depot they did all look the same when we purchased them.
The problem since replacement is when the diverter valve is placed in the shower position the water comes out of the tub spout.

Now we did not replace the tub head as we did not feel it made a difference.

I have pulled the diverter valve out and checked all the washers and o-rings they all seem to be fine. So I am not understanding what went wrong.
I hope you all can help or adleast provide some advice.

Thanks for you help,
Rich

Hi rich,

When you replaced the diverter stem and washer assembly did you also check and replace the seat? Regards, Tom

Hi Tom,

First let me say thanks very much for you reply. Ok did I check the seat not trying to sound dumb here, but what are you meaning the seat. The assembly came as one unit I replaced the same unit as what came out of the fitting. So if I missed something I would greatly appreciate you advice. Thanks again Tom.

Hey Rich,
"what are you meaning the seat?"
Look at the diagram. Those little brass rings next to the valve body on the dotted lines are the seats, (see image). They are located inside the valve body and are what the washer in the stem and washer assembly seats on. Take your finger and run it over the seat. It you feel nicks or rough spots then the seat needs to be replaced. They thread into the valve body and need a special tool called a "seat wrench", (see image). To remove them which can be purchased at your local hardware store. If you replace the seat don't forget to wrap the threads with teflon tape. Good luck, Tom

Hi Tom,

Thanks again for your advice. Ok maybe I did not make myself clear. We replace the entire valve stem, the entire unit was new. Ok I just read in the Home Depot book about removing a valve seat as you spoke of. My question is as I have to go back and pull the diverter valve out again is there will be a valve seat in the pipe fitting? As it shows in the book which you might have already "Home Improvements 123" on page 110 plumbing it explains to pull the compression fitting out and then using the seat tool remove the seat, and then replace it. My only concern is that the pipe does not have a seat inside. I will have to have a look if that is it Tom you are great then. Oh yea this is not at my house it is at my sisters house. I am just helping out. I will try and do it today and have a look. So far you have been great I really appreciate all your help. Thanks again Tom and I will let you know how I go.
Regards,
Rich

Hey I just printed out the pic and will let you know how I go. I do have a question for you I am looking for a book on plumbing. I am willing to spend the money for a good book I was hoping you could point me in the right direction. I want something that goes from the basic right up to the advanced. I would like to have so technicial info as well. Sorry I am one of those nerds that like to read all about everything. Plus they make a great reference manual. I am not looking at those books you get at Home Depot as they are more trying to sell me something and teaching me. So any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again Tom

" I am looking for a book on plumbing. I am willing to spend the money for a good book I was hoping you could point me in the right direction. I want something that goes from the basic right up to the advanced."

How about a set? Audells "Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Library" by Jules Oravetz,Sr. is what I'd recommend. There are three books. (1) "Installation--Heating--Welding. (2) Drainage--Fittings--Fixtures and (3) Materials--Tools--Calculations are the three you want. Good luck and since I'm closing down for the year HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Hi Tom,

Ok, I hope you had a nice New Years. This problem is still going on I replace the seat as you said to do. There is still no change.

I do have a question for you. I was looking at the different fittings at home depot and the hot and cold water fittings all came with a new seat, but the diverter valve did not come with one is there a reason for this?

The other thing is I have two other people telling me different things, so once again I wanted to ask you. One person said something about a "flapper" so what is a flapper and should I be looking at that. The one said there is two diverter valves now I can not find them anywhere or even know where to look if you can shed some light on that would be great as well.

Oh, and I took your advice and purchased all three of those books you suggested. I am waiting for them. Books are good but your help it still a great resource. Thanks again Tom.

Regards,

Richard

Hey Rich,

"The other thing is I have two other people telling me different things, so once again I wanted to ask you. One person said something about a "flapper" so what is a flapper and should I be looking at that. The one said there is two diverter valves now I can not find them anywhere or even know where to look if you can shed some light on that would be great as well."

Flappers come in toilet tanks not faucets and there is only one diverter to a
Faucet.
If you've replaced the diverter seat and still have a problem with water leaking out the spout then perhaps the diverter stem they sold you was a little short and doesn't seat completely when closed. I'm about out of suggestions. The valve body doesn't wear out. When you replace the stem and washer assembles plus the seats you heve rebuilt the entire faucet. I'm fresh out of ideas. Cheers, Tom

Hi Tom,

Thanks again for all your help I thought the flapper valve had nothing to do with it. Ok I will pull the diverter valve out and get another one. Hey I do appreciate all your advice you have been most helpful. Thanks again and hope you and your family have a great year.

Take care.

Regards,

Rich

I have been reading all the messages posted about your shower valve... Can you explan to me exactly what is happening to the water flow as you turn the middle valve on the faucet. If you try to make all the water got out the tub spout does some still come out the shower valve? If not that is good. If you try to make all the water come out the shower head and some of the water continues to come out the tub spout that is not goo unless it is just a minor amount.
There is one type of faucet (Price Pfister) that uses a rubber bib washer to turn the water off going to the shower head and a plastic ring type washer to keep the water from going int to the tub when you back seat the middle valve. You have to make sure that this plastic washer is centered on the stem of the middle valve to seat it correctly. My sugestion is to take out the middle stem, inspect the plastic washer and if it is still in good condition, (has not been pinched out of shape) if it is in good condition center it on the shaft as you turn the shaft to make it back up against the washer, make sure it is centered. Then insert shaft into faucet and secure with the nut you lossened to take it out. These sugestions only work on the type of faucets that use this system.