Shower diverter too long????

ebeggel · Mar 10, 2007

I have read through the 'diverter' posts but cannot find the answer to our problem. We had water damage to our new floor -- I ripped the wall apart and replaced the overflow tube, all valves (3), and seats. The inlet pipes had been replaced ~5 years ago.

The bath faucet drips a small stream of water when the shower is on (it always has).

It almost seems like the diverter valve is too long: When it's counter clockwise the shower runs and the tub faucet leaks. When I turn it just a tiny amount the shower valve seems closed and water gushes out of the tub spout.

Is there a length adjustment in the valve itself? All valves are Price-Pfisters. We matched the new diverter to the old. Was the valve always wrong?
Thanks.

hj · Mar 10, 2007

diverter

There are two different PP diverters, but they are not interchangeable, so if yours screwed in it is the correct one for that valve. We cannot tell why yours is not working, assuming it is a completely new diverter and not one that was rebuilt.

Sponsor · 2022-01-29T12:20:58-0800

ebeggel · Mar 11, 2007

diverter too long? - no pressure at shower

After changing the seat (and valve) in the diverter I also had no pressure at the shower head. I thought this might be because the valve washer might be too thick.

Then I looked at the old seats and one had a smaller profile. I put this one back into the diverter but it threaded itself in and fell behind the threads. I cannot get it out.

Is there a way to cut it or remove it?

photo attached. Help is much appreciated.

hj · Mar 12, 2007

seat

Congratulations, you may have turned a simple faucet repair into a remodeling job. Try inserting a square seat tool part way into the seat's broach and then wedge a small, thin screwdriver next to it. That may create enough force to allow you to turn, pull, and remove it. Otherwise, you will have to open the wall, take the valve out, and then possibly install a new valve, if the seat will not drop out of the faucet.

Spaceman Spiff · Mar 12, 2007

There is a tool called a reverse plier where it opens up it's jaws when you grip the handle. It is similar to an outside snap ring plier (that may work too). Mine is a craftsman... That may help you out. Saved me countless swear words...

ebeggel · Mar 15, 2007

Is there an easy way to change diverter valve?

First of all thanks to all who offered advice. I managed to cram another seat into the diverter chamber and got the shower going again (narrowly avoiding what would have been the major complaint here).

Is there a way to change the diverter by installing a bathtub spout with a diverter in it; avoiding the job of pulling apart the diverter we have now?
Or any other kind of diverter (different brand?)?
Thanks.

Verdeboy · Mar 15, 2007

We generally call the part a valve stem. With a new diverter valve stem and the correct seat, you should have no problems. But having said that, I don't see why you couldn't leave the diverter valve stem in the open position and install a tub spout with pull-up diverter. To pull out the jammed seat, I would try wedging a drill bit (a little bigger than the hole) into the center of it and then slowly reversing it out.

ebeggel · Mar 17, 2007

Seat is out: Diverter valve still leaks

After a week the seat is out. With a new valve, seal, and seat the bathtub spout still leaks when the shower runs.

By my reckoning the valve should be open when the shower runs. Why does the water still come out of the tub spout?

Is there a clog in the pipe above the diverter? There is a shower filter before the
shower head. Could this be causing back pressure?

It seems like this is a common problem. The reason I am trying to stop the leak is because we want to fill the tub with filtered water (we have a 'T' after the shower filter). This is so the children will not be exposed to unfiltered (it's not the best quality) water.

Thanks

Markts30 · Mar 18, 2007

ebeggel said:
Is there a clog in the pipe above the diverter? There is a shower filter before the
shower head. Could this be causing back pressure?

I would remove the filter and see if the leak stops...
It very well could be that the filter is the cause of all the problems...

Plumber1 · Mar 18, 2007

Is your water supply rated safe by your local government or not, because it sounds like your chasing something that you may not catch. Have people become ill?

Verdeboy · Mar 18, 2007

1. In many cases, a small percentage of water will leak from the spout when the shower is going--and there's nothing you can do about it.

2. They make a dechlorinator that is connected to the tub spout:

ebeggel · Mar 22, 2007

Do all diverter brands leak?

Thanks for the info. I have a young daughter with a compromised immune system and like to do what I can.

Do all brands of tub/shower faucets have this problem? If I upgrade will this leak go away?

Jadnashua · Mar 22, 2007

Most of the tub spout diverters end up leaking a little after awhile - some do it from the beginning. When it gets too bad, replace them. A separate valve diverter is often rebuildable, and should be able to direct all of the water where you want it. A small number of valves assemblies have them built-in - but, many can have one added on.

Shower diverter too long????

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