Hi all, I'm desperate for some help here to get my bathroom back. By the way, I've read the other threads and the suggestions there don't quite apply so I'm going to ask:

I have a three-way shower system and I've successfully replaced my shower fixtures & stems except for the diverter. The original stem appears to be in good working order but when I tested it, water immediately leaked through the valve and this was with the sleeve on. I ordered a new stem in the hopes of fixing the problem but it would not fit properly and I had to go back to using the original one. By that I mean it won't go all the way into the valve and catch where its supposed to. I'm not sure how to fix this. Both stems look virtually identical in size and shape but the new one may be off by a hair of a centimeter. I'll assume this is why it won't fit. Can someone please help me? I'm desperate!

Sue

Did you check the seat,(see image) when you had it apart? Take your finger nail or a screw driver and run it around the diverter seat.
If it has nicked or rough edges you've located your leak. Good luck, Tom

Hi Sue:

In addition to Tom's advice I would also suggest that you take the stem assembly out and physically take it over to a local plumbing supply store... see if they can find an EXACT replacement for you. In cases like these... that centimeter will make all the difference in the world! Quite frankly, even plumbers need to put the old against the new to guarantee a one trip job!

If the guys at the plumbing supply house send you off to home depot or similar don't get discouraged... go talk to the guy in the plumbing isle and see if he can find an exact replacement.

Let us know how you make out... OK?

MARK

Hi guys,

Thanks for the quick reply. So here's what's going on...

Mike, I felt around the seat like you said and its as smooth as a baby's butt. I couldn't feel any nicks or uneven edges. So I decided to tighten the sleeve a bit more and though it makes for turning the diverter a little harder it kept things at a slow drip. Of course all that water then went directly through the tub spout.:rolleyes:

Tom, I actually special ordered the new diverter from a specialty supply store. Since it's a little known brand I doubt I'll be able to get anything closer to what I already have. I'll just have to settle for a refund for the part.

Is it possible that the washers on the diverter (there's 2 on this thing) need to be replaced? I mean they don't look damaged but hey I'm not an expert! I'm just trying to figure out what the problem is because I just know its something simple.

Anyway thanks for your help guys, I'm a step closer to getting my bathroom back!

Sue

Quote:

---

Is it possible that the washers on the diverter (there's 2 on this thing) need to be replaced? I

---

If the seats OK then I would replace both washers. Good luck, Tom