How to Adjust a Shower Diverter Valve

A shower diverter valve gives you the ability to have a shower head and a handheld shower coming out from the same pipe. You may also have 2 shower heads that can be used from the diverter valve. The valve is responsible for diverting the location of the water from either the shower head or the handheld shower based on which way you move and locate the lever. Sometimes the shower diverter valve does not work correctly or does not allow the water to flow smoothly between both units and you need to make some minor adjustments. Here is how to adjust a shower diverter valve yourself.

Step 1 - Find the Make and Model of the Valve

Take apart the face plate and the knob on your shower diverter valve using a screwdriver. This will expose the diverter. Make a note of the make and the model of your shower diverter valve. In order to make any necessary adjustments you need to first know your unit's specifications.

Step 2 - Pull Out the Manufacturer's Directions

Pull out the directions that have been supplied by the manufacturer. You may find instructions in your manufacturer's information regarding how to properly adjust the diverter valve. If so, follow the directions closely and accurately to make your adjustments.

Step 3 - Remove the Shower Head

Remove the shower head from the diverter valve. If you have a handheld shower connected, then remove this at the same time as well to expose the diverter.

Step 4 - Correct the Flow of Water

One of the main problems that sometimes occurs in a diverter valve is the lack of water or water pressure that comes out of either the shower head or the handheld shower. In order to correct this problem, take a trip to the local home improvement center and purchase a pipe thread and a thread hose adapter.

Thread both parts onto the valve. Turn the water off to the valve completely. Take a garden house and attach it to an outside spigot that still has water running and connect the other end to the shower head (through the thread adapter you have just installed). Turn the water on. The water from your outside spigot will clear any blockages within the valve.

Step 5 - Put Shower Head Back On

Turn off the water to your garden hose and remove the end of the hose from the valve. Put the face plate and the knob back on and add the shower head and handheld shower back in place. Turn the water back on so that you have water service.

Step 6 - Test the Adjustments

Test that you have adequately removed the blockages from your shower diverter valve and test to see that the flow of water is working appropriately again so that you can enjoy great showers with both your handheld shower head and your overhead shower.