Understanding bathroom plumbing is crucial for every homeowner. Moen, a leading manufacturer, produces various diverter valves which are integral parts of many shower systems. What is a shower diverter? Essentially, it’s a valve within your shower that controls the water flow. A properly functioning shower diverter allows you to switch between the showerhead and the tub spout (or sometimes a handheld shower), so knowing how they work means you are empowered in making sure your showering experience is the best.
Image taken from the YouTube channel Chuck Mandeville , from the video titled What is a Shower Diverter? .
Cracking the Shower Diverter Code: A Simple Guide
This guide unravels the mystery of shower diverters, focusing on what they are and how they work. We’ll break down the components and types, providing you with the knowledge to troubleshoot common issues and choose the right one for your shower.
Understanding "What is a Shower Diverter?"
At its core, a shower diverter is a plumbing fixture designed to redirect the flow of water between two different outlets. In most showers, this means switching the water stream from the bathtub faucet to the showerhead, or sometimes even to a handheld sprayer. Understanding this redirection is key to understanding everything else about shower diverters.
The Simple Explanation: Water Direction
Think of a shower diverter as a traffic controller for water. It’s positioned in the plumbing lines to offer two (or sometimes three) different paths for the water to take. When you activate the diverter, it blocks one path and opens the other.
Why are Diverters Necessary?
Without a diverter, you’d either have water flowing from both the tub spout and the showerhead simultaneously, or you’d need separate plumbing lines and controls for each outlet. Diverters provide a convenient and space-saving solution.
Types of Shower Diverters
Shower diverters come in various designs, each with its own mechanism for controlling water flow. Let’s examine the most common types:
- Pull-Up Diverters (Tub Spout Diverters):
- These are typically found on the tub spout itself.
- A small knob or lever is pulled upwards to divert water to the showerhead.
- When the water is turned off, the diverter automatically resets, allowing water to flow freely from the spout.
- Mechanism: Inside the spout, a gate or valve rises to block the flow to the spout, forcing water up to the showerhead.
- Tee Diverters (Three-Valve Diverters):
- Often found in showers with both a fixed showerhead and a handheld sprayer.
- These systems usually have three handles or knobs: one for hot, one for cold, and one to select which outlet receives water.
- Mechanism: A central valve directs the water either to the main showerhead or to the handheld sprayer, providing precise control.
- Two-Valve Diverters:
- Similar to Tee diverters, but more streamlined. One handle controls the temperature, and another diverts the water.
- Mechanism: These often use a rotating cartridge to block or allow water flow to each outlet.
The table below summarizes the key differences:
| Diverter Type | Location | Control Method | Number of Valves/Handles | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pull-Up | Tub Spout | Pull-Up Knob/Lever | 1 | Tub/Shower Combinations |
| Tee | Valve Body | Separate Handles | 3 | Shower w/ Handheld |
| Two-Valve | Valve Body | Separate Handles | 2 | Shower w/ Handheld |
How a Shower Diverter Works: A Deeper Dive
The internal mechanisms of diverters can vary, but the underlying principle remains the same: to create a blockage in one water path to redirect it to another.
Internal Components
- Valve Body: The housing that contains the working parts of the diverter.
- Diverter Valve (or Cartridge): The moving component that blocks or allows water flow. It can be made of rubber, plastic, or metal.
- O-Rings and Seals: These provide a watertight seal to prevent leaks.
- Spout/Showerhead Connections: Where the water exits to the selected outlet.
The Diverter Cycle
- Neutral Position (Tub Spout): With the diverter in its default position (typically down for a pull-up diverter), water flows freely through the tub spout. The valve is positioned to allow water to pass unimpeded.
- Activation (Diverting to Showerhead): When you engage the diverter (e.g., pull up the knob), the diverter valve moves within the valve body. This movement blocks the passage to the tub spout.
- Redirection: Because the path to the tub spout is now blocked, the water is forced to flow upwards through a separate channel connected to the showerhead.
- Deactivation (Return to Tub Spout): When you turn off the water, the diverter resets (for pull-up types) or you manually switch it back (for valve types), reopening the passage to the tub spout.
Animated Example (Conceptual)
Imagine a sliding door inside a pipe. When the door is open, water flows straight through. When you close the door, it blocks the straight path and forces the water to go up a side path – that’s essentially what a shower diverter does.
Shower Diverter Secrets: Solved! – Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about shower diverters and how they work. Hopefully, this helps clarify any confusion!
What actually is a shower diverter?
A shower diverter is a valve that redirects water flow between the tub faucet and the showerhead. It’s what allows you to switch between taking a bath and using the shower. Knowing what is a shower diverter helps you diagnose issues when water doesn’t flow where it should.
Why does my shower diverter sometimes only partially divert water?
Partial diversion is often caused by mineral buildup or wear and tear on the diverter valve. This prevents it from fully sealing the water flow to one outlet or the other. Cleaning or replacing the diverter valve is usually the solution.
What’s the most common type of shower diverter?
Lift-rod diverters, found on the tub spout, are very common. However, you might also encounter push-button diverters (also on the spout) or three-valve diverters, with a separate handle for diverting water. They all serve the same purpose of directing water.
When should I consider replacing my entire shower diverter valve?
If you’ve tried cleaning the diverter and it still isn’t working correctly, or if you notice significant damage, replacement is the best course of action. This ensures proper water flow and prevents water waste or potential leaks.
So, that’s the lowdown on what is a shower diverter! Hopefully, you’re now armed with the knowledge to tackle any shower diverter dilemmas. Happy showering!