I have moved into a new flat and my shower is not working. There is a cylinder-shaped part between the two taps that I can move up and down (presumably moving it in one direction is supposed to activate the shower) but the water continues to pour out of the bath taps. What do I need to do to get the water to flow upwards through the shower head? Is there a problem with my water pressure?

I am a complete novice to household plumbing, so full explanations of all technical aspects will be much appreciated!

Many thanks.

Hi, Adelou,
The cylinder shaped knob is supposed to divert the water from the taps, to up to the shower head.
If you think you have enough water pressure at the taps, then it's supposed to close it from the taps, then force it up through the shower.
It could be that the knob is "corroded" or possibly clogged up with sediments, not allowing it to close off the water.
It depends on if you can get something like a toothbrush inside to it. If you can, try a sediment dissolver, maybe like CLR to dissolve the sediments.

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Originally Posted by Adelou

I have moved into a new flat and my shower is not working. There is a cylinder-shaped part between the two taps that I can move up and down (presumably moving it in one direction is supposed to activate the shower) but the water continues to pour out of the bath taps. What do I need to do to get the water to flow upwards through the shower head? Is there a problem with my water pressure?

I am a complete novice to household plumbing, so full explanations of all technical aspects will be much appreciated!

Many thanks.

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Before we can help we have to know what we're helping with. We need the brand name and model of your shower valve. But before that, remove the shower head. If there is a neoprene washer with little holes around the edge pry it out and toss it. Now with the head still removed try the shower again. That may not solve the problem but it will get you more water once it is. We need the brand name to pull up a drawing so we can analyze the problem. Regards, tom