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Tub and shower diverter · Repair Copilot

Shower diverter not working

When you pull the diverter and water still pours from the tub spout instead of the showerhead, the diverter is worn or gunked up — the little gate that redirects water isn't sealing. It's a common, inexpensive fix. Show SightLine the tub spout and valve and a veteran plumber persona helps you sort whether it's the spout-style diverter or the valve-style one and swap it.

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Steps to fix shower diverter not working

  1. Figure out the diverter type: a lift-rod or knob on the tub spout itself (spout diverter), or a third handle/rotating collar on the valve (valve diverter).
  2. For a spout diverter, water leaking from the spout during a shower means the seal inside the spout is worn — the fix is a new tub spout, which is usually cheap.
  3. Shut the water off if you'll remove parts, then unscrew or unclip the old tub spout (some twist off, some have a small setscrew underneath) and thread on a matching replacement with plumber's tape on the pipe.
  4. For a valve-style diverter, shut the water and rebuild or replace the diverter cartridge/gate behind the third handle, matching the brand.
  5. Turn the water back on and test: full flow should now go up to the showerhead with little or no dribble from the spout.
  6. If the spout and diverter are new but flow is still split, the issue may be inside the mixing valve — a plumber can open it up.

Safety first: if a step calls for gas, a main water or sewer line, a service panel or main breaker, or a sealed refrigerant system, stop and call a licensed pro — Repair Copilot will tell you when you're there.