advice on fixing diverter valve

**billfig** · 03-03-2011, 07:42 PM

Hi, The small push/pull lever? for sending water to shower head, is that called a diverter valve? Anyways ours leaks into the tub and is stuck/seized for years now since we only use the shower now. I assume I will have to shut off water?, remove the main faucet valve knob & cover/plate screws for starters...is this a straight forward/easy job and are the parts/seal available anywhere being it's a Delta..but 24 yrs.old.
What's used normally to seal around the downspout, just white silicone caulk?

I'm gettin so lazy..LOL!

**jadnashua** · 03-03-2011, 08:30 PM

There's only water pressure at the diverter when you have the valve open, so you shouldn't have to turn it off. As to what is required to repair it, not sure. Parts are available for most Delta stuff. There may be some water in the pipe from the valve to the showerhead, but it would drain out and stop once you opened things up.

If you're in the market to update the valve to one meeting the current anti-scald code, then you'd have to replace the whole valve. If you don't have room from behind to access it for replacment, then you'd have to cut the hole around the valve larger (there's a template in the remodel plate designed to cover the bigger hole). You'd have the choice of getting another valve with a built-in diverter or using one incoprorated into the tub spout. A little caulk can be used to seal around the spout.

**billfig** · 03-03-2011, 09:28 PM

Thanks, actually the leak is at the downspout- due to that push/pull shaft not pushed in all the way and/or there is a seal leaking? I just want to hopefully do an easy quick repair...but as many know in plumbing..that's usually not the case! At least for me..lol!

**billfig** · 03-04-2011, 08:27 AM

here's the diverter valve style. It seems fine to me unless there's something missing/worn away?

**billfig** · 03-04-2011, 09:32 AM

Renewed it, works well! small amount still flows at downspout, is this normal?

hj · 03-05-2011, 05:41 AM

Possibly, so that the valve will open when the water is shut off to prevent the next user from getting a blast of cold water in his face when HE turns the valve on.

**billfig** · 03-05-2011, 08:54 AM

LOL...so true...

**jimbo** · 03-05-2011, 04:15 PM

Here is a link to your Delta 600 series valve:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5.../Delta0001.jpg

You said you "renewed" it. If that does not mean you REPLACED the diverter stem assembly, then just DO that.

**billfig** · 03-05-2011, 05:07 PM

Yes I did replace it. It is model 636. A guy at the supply house said if I had water coming out spout to replace seats/springs? I thought those were if you had a leaky valve when turned off? I did call Delta this aft and asked about Lifetime Warranty she said since 96' but she would send me new springs,seats,cap w/adj.ring & cam & packing at no charge as a goodwill gesture. The cap is liked really on there too so I put a little CLR on it for a day?

**jimbo** · 03-05-2011, 07:23 PM

Getting the cap off has the potential to give you a really bad day~! But Yes, the seats/springs cause it to drip when it is supposed to be off. If we understand your posts, you leak some out the spout, while using the shower. That is strictly the divert, part number RP5649.

**billfig** · 03-05-2011, 08:29 PM

Originally Posted by jimbo

Getting the cap off has the potential to give you a really bad day~! But Yes, the seats/springs cause it to drip when it is supposed to be off. If we understand your posts, you leak some out the spout, while using the shower. That is strictly the divert, part number RP5649.

Yes but I installed a new diverter in the valve as well as even an additional one that is on the spout too. I guess I just don't know if this is considered "normal operation"?

hj · 03-06-2011, 07:00 AM

The in the valve diverter does have a "top" and "bottom" marking, so you might have installed it upside down. The diverter spout is redundant, and was used by someone who did NOT know how to replace the other diverter piece. Did you replace the diverter spout? If so that was a waste of money.

**billfig** · 03-06-2011, 12:23 PM

Originally Posted by hj

The in the valve diverter does have a "top" and "bottom" marking, so you might have installed it upside down. The diverter spout is redundant, and was used by someone who did NOT know how to replace the other diverter piece. Did you replace the diverter spout? If so that was a waste of money.

This DV is a paddle type and I did not see any difference between the 2 sides? My old non DV spout was shot big time and the supply store only had the DV spout so I went with it. I now look at it like you can use either DV for your preference..

**LLigetfa** · 03-06-2011, 12:29 PM

Just like wearing a belt with suspenders.

**billfig** · 03-06-2011, 08:13 PM

Originally Posted by hj

Possibly, so that the valve will open when the water is shut off to prevent the next user from getting a blast of cold water in his face when HE turns the valve on.

you were indeed correct!
"The small amount of water bypassing the diverter and coming out of the spout is by design to allow the water in the shower riser to leak down and allow the diverter to reset so the next shower user does not receive a cold blast out of the showerhead when they turn on the water. Instead water will come out of the tub spout allowing them to set the water temperature."...