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PlumbingAtHome · Jul 12, 2008, 12:45 PM

The house is well over 25 years of age and I have replaced both hot and cold water valves and tub faucet without removal of bath and shower stall tiles - still look good. Purchased a diverter stem (Galtmaster tub and shower models - 1963 to 65). With the old diverter I would turn clockwise to have water run out of shower head - counter clockwise to return water to tub faucet.

With the new diverter in - water continues to leak out of tub faucet. I have tried positioning the diverter with the opening at the 12:00 oclock position as well as the 6:00 oclock position. Each time I am turning counterclockwise to have water run out of shower head and clockwise to come out of tub faucet.

The diverter has an opening to allow the water to be diverted. I have not bee able to solve the two problems: Specifically -

Turning direction - have water come out of the shower head by turning the diverter handle clockwise, and second
Water running out of tub faucet when the water is coming out of the shower head.

Your help would be much appreciated - sincerely

PlumberAtHome:

speedball1 · Jul 12, 2008, 12:56 PM

Did the new stem match up exactly with the old one? Did you check the seat for nicks or rough spots? Let me know, Tom

Milo Dolezal · Jul 12, 2008, 01:46 PM

It seems to me that you cannot "fix" the direction which your diverter valve runs water to spout or shower head.

Tom is asking you important question: is the diverter exactly the same as the old one ? Did you take it to the store as a sample when you were buying the new one ? There are dozens of diverter stems that are all too similar to each other.

PlumbingAtHome · Jul 14, 2008, 02:50 AM

Milo

Thanks for your reply... In regards to the correct diverter stem - had to make a special trip to a plumbing supply store. I took the old diverter and presented it to the gentleman behind the counter. He knew, by looking at the old diverter, that my house was an older one. Went to the back and presented me with the identical. The 'big' box stores had no such thing and their experience was lacking

Milo Dolezal · Jul 14, 2008, 06:23 AM

So it steal leaks, hmmm...

There are two other things to check on:

1. There is a seat inside the valve. Remove diverter stem. Put your finger inside as far as it goes. You will hit back wall of though opening. There should be Seat. Slowly go over the seat with your finger in circular motion. Feel if it is not chipped.

2. The diverter stem has large, white, plastic washer that is loosely hanging on the end of the stem. Make sure that washer is not clipped.

Yes, Big Box stores carry only what sells best. I also have 2 stores in my area that always save my life. They charge twice as much - but with 50 year old faucet that is in need of repair - money don't matter.