[JTenpenny]

I'm trying to find a replacement part for a deck-mounted shower diverter, on a jacuzzi-type tub. I have pictures here: http://s1062.photobucket.com/user/joshuatenpenny/library/ (The first four pictures.)


It leaks a small steadily trickle from the top, with the diverter in any position (off, tub faucet, or shower sprayer). The cylindrical hole fills slowly with water, then runs out. I have tried tightening the cylindrical piece shown in picture #2, with no success. There is no gasket under it, just hard white plastic. The diverter works aside from this, and does not leak underneath.


The tub was secondhand from someone remodeling. (We paid $250 to take all of his bath fixtures. He didn't have any info about them.) The sink and toilet were Kohler, and the hot/cold knobs on the tub are as well, but they don't match the knob on the diverter valve. No idea of the brand of the tub.


The leak runs right into the tub, so it is more of an annoyance than a serious problem. Currently we turn the water off at the valves under the tub when we are not using it, just to avoid hard-water stains where it drips.


I'm seeing various replacement deck-mount diverter valves for $300+, which is substantially more than I am interested in spending. It would be possible, though not easy, for me to replace the whole valve if I could find an inexpensive replacement.


I'm looking for anything which will stop the leak.


The guy at the hardware store suggested that if I could identify the make of the valve, I could get a replacement for just the internal part which is not sealing correctly, but I do not know how to identify the valve.

[hkstroud]

I have tried tightening the cylindrical piece shown in picture #2, with no success

Try again. The part you have in your hand is the packing nut. Tightening it should press down on the plastic part which should compress the packing material underneath. That should press the packing material around the stem and stop the leak.
If that doesn't work try pulling the diverter stem, You will probably have to use a some kind of puller to do that. If you pull the stem, take it to a plumbing supply house. Maybe they can identify it. You also may be able to add some generic packing material if you pull the stem.

[JTenpenny]

Thank you!Tightening it further didn't help, but since you gave me the name of the part, I was able to search for "pull diverter stem". I didn't even wind up needing a puller. With the packing nut removed, and the confidence that this part is definitely removable, I was able to wiggle it free.After I got it out, I pulled the plastic cartridge open, and the o-ring inside was clearly loose and flattened, not forming a seal at all. I'll pick up an o-ring tomorrow and give it a try.