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August 16, 2009
Shower Diverter drivimg me crazy
A licensed plumber replaced my tenant's shower diverter on friday morning. The new diverter worked fine (I was there). Later that day it was back the way it was before - most of the water comes thru tub faucet no matter how diverter is turned. That was the second attempt at getting it fixed (handyman tried before). I've already spent $250 on a little job like this. Before I call the plumber back, any idea? Could the part have come loose? Just a guess.
Comments
My guess is that you have some dirt in the water line. Remove the shower head and run the water with the shower head off. Look at the shower head and see if there's anything blocking the path through the shower head, and reinstall it. If that doesn't fix it, the problem is in the diverter.
Posted by: Rick at August 16, 2009 11:54 AM
Since you are turning the diverter valve, I'm picturing a valve no different from one I recently installed. (I take it this isn't a fancy European valve assembly?)
I examined the brass threading on the new valve at the hardware store (price, $8.50) - which was scratched - and asked for another new one - which I also examined. Apparently at the factory they can get banged around. Small imperfections in the brass - any gap whatsoever - will cause a leak - which is what you are experiencing. Also, the small rubber gasket at the back could have torn on some sharp filament inside the assembly. Possibly the plumber simply didn't tighten a secondary brass washer enough on the outside of the diverter valve.
Did they also use any pipe dope or teflon to help seal the valve?
You should definitely call the plumber back.
masterbuildernyc@gmail.com
Posted by: masterbuilder at August 16, 2009 4:27 PM
Are you talking about a diverter stem in a 3-handle shower body that you had replaced?
Those valves have a washer attached to a stem and handle that you turn to make the water go on and off.
In the off position, the washer presses against a screwed-in disc (called a seat) with a machined-smooth face that creates a seal that stops the water when it meets the rubber of the washer.
It sounds to me like you've got a bad seat in that shower body. The fact the diverter worked for a short time is evidence that the pitted and worn seat is damaging the diverter washers creating the valve to pass water through to the tub spout.
Me:
http://www.GatewayPlumbing.com
Posted by: Master Plvmber at August 16, 2009 6:17 PM
Would it not be reasonable to expect the plumber to return and fix his own work without any additional charge?
Posted by: Bob Marvin at August 16, 2009 11:16 PM
Reasonable, for sure.
Posted by: Master Plvmber at August 17, 2009 6:38 AM
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