Why Won’t the Water Flow from My Tub Spout Switch to the Showerhead?

Nothing is worse than hopping into the bathroom to shower only to discover that the water won’t divert from the tub spout to the shower. Instead, water continues to flow from the bathtub spout no matter how many times the diverter is switched or pulled.

This can leave a homeowner scratching their head, wondering, why won’t my tub spout switch to the showerhead?

For homeowners facing this issue, the following guide will help diagnose the reason behind this and what to do to solve the problem.

The Reason for a Faulty Diverter

Depending on the type of shower valve you have, your diverter may be on the spout or on the shower valve itself. In some cases, you may have an independent in-wall diverter located above your shower valve.

Suppose your tub spout is equipped with a diverter, and you pull on it, and the flow of water doesn’t switch to the showerhead. In that case, it might mean that the spout itself is defective, and the diverter is allowing water to pass, thus failing to create enough back pressure and diverting that flow to the showerhead.

However, your shower valve may be equipped with an integral diverter. It will look like a button or lever right below the shower handle. If you activate that diverter by either turning the lever or pushing or pulling on the button, and the water is not diverting to the showerhead, it will most likely mean that your diverter cartridge is defective.

Although independent in-wall diverters typically will give you many years of service without any maintenance required, after time, they may still fail. In this case, repairing them is as easy as replacing the diverter cartridge.

How to Solve the Problem

If the diverter is the cause of the issue, there are two ways to solve the problem: (1) try to repair the existing diverter or (2) replace the piece with a new diverter.

To try to repair the diverter. – Begin by cleaning the diverter with vinegar. Scrub the piece thoroughly, removing any calcium or mineral buildup.

Next, look for any damaged components. Over time, rubber gaskets and O-rings can begin to crack or crumble. Replacing them will re-establish a strong seal.

Finally, test out the diverter again to see if the problem is solved. If repairing the diverter doesn’t do the trick, it is time to consider a replacement.

Shop Kingston Brass

Shower diverters play an essential role in allowing homeowners to use both a bathtub faucet and a showerhead. This critical component can wear down over time, making replacement a must. When it is time to purchase a new shower diverter, Kingston Brass is the place to turn to. With a wide selection of diverter spouts and other shower components, homeowners can find the perfect part to ensure the faucet is back up and running in no time.