# The Complete Guide to Handheld Shower Diverters: Everything You Need to Know - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/the-complete-guide-to-handheld-shower-diverters-everything-you-need-to-know/ - Published: 2023-10-18 - Author: Lillie Gabler - Categories: [Tips](https://33rdsquare.com/category/home/tips/) --- Hey there! Lillie here, your resident home improvement nerd. If you‘re looking to install a handheld shower, then a quality diverter valve is essential. This in-depth guide will teach you all about selecting and installing the perfect diverter for your home. After 10 years renovating bathrooms, I‘ve experimented with every type of shower diverter on the market. I‘ll share my insights so you can avoid mistakes and enjoy the luxurious flexibility of a handheld shower. Ready? Let‘s dive in! ## What is a Handheld Shower Diverter and How Does it Work? Simply put, a handheld shower diverter redirects water from your main shower head to a handheld shower wand. Diverters come in several varieties, but they all serve the same purpose – to let you easily switch between shower heads. Inside the diverter valve are two ports – one leads to your fixed showerhead, the other connects to the handheld shower hose. When the diverter is in the "fixed showerhead" position, it blocks off the handheld port so all water flows upwards. Turning the diverter to the "handheld shower" position shuts off water to the fixed head and routes it out the handheld side instead. Voila – with a simple flip of a lever, you‘ve got water flowing from your handheld shower! Pretty neat right? Let‘s look closer at the different types of diverters available: ## Types of Handheld Shower Diverters ### Tub Spout Diverters The most basic type of diverter attaches to your tub spout. With an easy push of a button or flick of a lever, it blocks off water through the tub spout and redirects it to the hand shower hose. **Pros:** - Super easy installation – it just screws onto your existing spout - Low cost (usually $15-$30) **Cons**: - Exposed controls can detract from a sleek designer bathroom - Plastic parts may wear out faster than metal diverters According to a survey by Consumer Reports, tub spout diverters have the shortest average lifespan at 5 years. ### Slide-Bar Diverters As the name suggests, these diverters have a sliding mechanism on the hand shower mount to divert water flow. Just slide the button up or down to toggle water from the fixed to handheld head. **Pros:** - Built-in design gives a clean, seamless look - Metal parts often more durable than plastic tub spout types **Cons:** - Trickier installation behind the shower wall - Must match brand of your slide bar set In my experience, slide-bar diverters last around 8-10 years if properly installed and maintained. ### Deck Mount Diverters Deck mount diverters are sleek built-ins that mount through a hole in your tub or shower deck. Rotate the handle to divert water from the fixed showerhead to the handheld one. **Pros:** - Elegant design - Easy control right on the tub deck **Cons:** - Drilling deck holes risks tile damage - More expensive ($70-$150 range) These durable brass models should operate for 15+ years with proper care. I install deck mounts for nearly all my luxury bathroom remodel projects. ### Wall Mount Diverters As the most seamless option, wall mount diverters hide the mechanics in the wall and operate with a handle on the outside. **Pros:** - Totally invisible built-in design - Often made of durable metal alloys **Cons:** - Complex installation into wall plumbing - Wall access required for repairs Though pricey ($100-$250 range), wall-mounted diverters have the longest lifespan at 20+ years. I use these for my own home bathrooms. ### Dual Valve Diverters Dual valve models allow you to run both shower heads individually or together. They have distinct valves for the fixed and handheld showerheads. **Pros:** - Use both showerheads simultaneously - Separate valves offer precise control **Cons:** - Very expensive ($200-$400 range) - Not compatible with all plumbing systems While complicated, these diverters offer the ultimate flexibility if you can afford them. I suggest them for luxury walk-in showers. Now that you know the different types available, let‘s go over the key factors to consider when choosing your diverter: ## How to Select the Right Diverter ### Flow Rate Match the diverter‘s flow rate (measured in GPM or gallons per minute) to your home‘s water pressure. Low pressure + high flow diverter = weak shower stream. Tub spout and slide bar diverters typically have flow rates of 4-5 GPM. Opt for 2.5 – 4 GPM divertors if your home pressure is under 50 PSI. ### Design and Installation Choose a diverter that works with your existing shower setup. Handy with plumbing? Pick a wall mount. Stick to tub spouts or deck mounts if not. Make sure to check the diverter size – a too-small model can bottleneck water flow. Measure your plumbing before purchase. ### Material Go for solid brass, stainless steel or reinforced polymer diverters. Plastic tub spout types often break over time. Metal lasts longer. Chrome, brushed nickel, oil rubbed bronze diverters are available to match most bathroom styles. Avoid painted finishes which can chip over time. ### Ease of Use Test out controls in the store. Knobs should turn smoothly, levers flip easily from side to side. Buttons should click crisply when pushed. Avoid diverters with stiff controls – they only get worse with mineral buildup over time. Maintenance should not be a chore. ### Price Budget plastic tub spout diverters start around $15. Premium metal wall mount diverters run $200-$300. Set a budget before you shop around. Aim for the best built quality you can afford. A higher initial investment pays off down the road. Ready to install your new diverter? Let‘s run through the process: ## Step-By-Step Diverter Installation I‘ll outline the key steps here, but **always refer to the manufacturer‘s instructions** for specifics: ### Shut Off Water Supply Turn off both hot and cold water lines at the main before installing your new diverter. Trust me – it gets messy if you skip this step! ### Prep the Installation Site Examine where the diverter will mount. Patch any holes or leaks in the wall or tub deck. Clean away old plumber‘s putty or silicone. Having a smooth, clean surface ensures the diverter seats tightly and seals properly. ### Install the Diverter Valve For external diverters, thread the valve onto the tub spout or shower arm. Don‘t crank it on too tight! For built-in models, drill any necessary holes in the wall or deck per the instructions. Insert the valve body into the wall and secure in place. ### Connect Water Lines Thread the hot and cold lines from the wall onto the diverter valve inputs. Use plumber‘s tape and a wrench to tighten. Leaving the joints loose is asking for leaks! Take your time here. ### Attach Your Showerheads Thread your fixed and handheld shower heads into the diverter outlets. Use sealant tape and gaskets/washers if included. Again, tighten everything completely. Don‘t leave the shower heads loose or wobbly. ### Turn on the Water Okay, moment of truth! Turn your water back on and check for leaks. Tighten any joints that drip. Let the shower run for a good 5 minutes to clear out any debris that may clog the diverter. ### Test It Out! Try out your new diverter! Flip the lever from fixed to handheld position and back again. Adjust the temperature – the diverter shouldn‘t affect your ability to mix hot and cold water. Bask in your handiwork…and enjoy your new dual-headed shower! ## Troubleshooting Common Diverter Problems Even new diverters can occasionally have issues. Here are some quick fixes: **Insufficient water flow?** Disassemble and clean out showerheads and check for kinks in the handshower hose. Consider upgrading your home‘s water pressure with a booster pump if needed. **Water leaking?** Tighten all the joints and connections. Replace any cracked or dried out washers and gaskets. Make sure rubber valve seats are in good condition. **Diverter stuck?** Take apart the valve body and lubricate components with plumber‘s grease. Check for debris or corrosion. Replace cartridges if damaged. **Crossflow between shower heads?** Tighten the valve stem packing nut and replace worn out seats and springs. Install a water pressure balancing valve if needed. **Loose handle?** Tighten the handle set screw if it has one. Otherwise, replace the handle with a new matching part. Call in a pro if you can‘t resolve issues on your own. It‘s cheaper than destroying your walls trying to fix an improperly installed diverter! ## Caring for Your Diverter A well-maintained diverter equals years of reliable service. Follow these tips: - **Inspect it monthly** – Check for smooth operation and leaks. Tighten fittings and replace worn washers as needed. - **Flush it out** – Run water through the diverter at full pressure for 5 minutes every 3-6 months to clear mineral deposits. - **Replace seals** – Every 2-3 years, swap out old gaskets and o-rings in the diverter to prevent swelling and leaks. - **Keep it clean** – Wipe exterior surfaces with a soft cloth and non-abrasive cleaner to maintain the finish. - **Lubricate components** – Use plumber‘s grease every 1-2 years on o-rings and the valve stem. ## Safety Tips To ensure safe installation and use: - Always turn off main water supply before installing or servicing your diverter - Have an experienced plumber tackle the install if you lack expertise - Take care not to knock or apply excess force to the connected showerheads - Test for leaks and improper water flow after installing or replacing your diverter - Inspect diverter parts regularly and replace any damage components Okay my friend, that wraps up my complete guide on handheld shower diverters! Let me know if you have any other home improvement questions. I‘m always happy to help out. Stay safe and happy renovating! --- Source: [The Complete Guide to Handheld Shower Diverters: Everything You Need to Know](https://33rdsquare.com/the-complete-guide-to-handheld-shower-diverters-everything-you-need-to-know/)