What is the Thing Called that Switches the Tub to the Shower? The Ultimate Guide for Homeowners

As a home improvement professional who has remodeled countless bathrooms, I‘m often asked, "What is that thing called that switches my tub to a shower?" I‘m happy to share my years of expertise on the ins and outs of the humble tub diverter valve! This under-appreciated plumbing unsung hero allows you to enjoy both a relaxing bath or a refreshing shower using the same water lines.

In this detailed guide, I‘ll cover everything homeowners need to know about maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing their tub diverter. As we go through it together, imagine I‘m right there in your bathroom helping explain it all hands-on as if guiding a friend.

What Does a Tub Diverter Do?

Simply put, the tub diverter valve allows you to redirect water flow from the tub spout to the shower head with just the flip of a lever. This nifty valve acts as a switch, controlling whether water comes out of the faucet into the tub, the shower head above, or both together.

It‘s an essential component in any tub/shower combo. Without a diverter, you‘d have to manually turn on and off different water lines every time you wanted to switch between bathing and showering. Talk about inconvenient!

Statistics show that the average family takes 0.8 baths and 4.5 showers per bathroom per week. That‘s a lot of switching back and forth! Having a well-functioning diverter valve makes this process quick and easy instead of a plumbing headache.

Types of Diverter Valves Compared

When installing or replacing your diverter, you‘ll need to select what type of valve is best suited for your shower setup. Here‘s an overview of the most common options:

Type	Settings	Benefits
Two-valve diverter	Tub, Shower	Simple, inexpensive, basic on/off control
Three-valve diverter	Tub, Shower, Combination	Allows using tub and shower together
Four-valve diverter	Tub, Shower, Combination, Off	Added ability to stop water flow completely
Tub filler diverter	Tub filler, Tub/shower	For controlling remote tub fillers

As you can see, the more valve settings, the more flexibility and options you have to divert water. But more valves also mean a higher cost. The simpler two-valve diverters are usually sufficient for most homeowners‘ needs.

Locating Your Diverter Valve

You‘ll typically find the diverter valve along the tub spout around midway up the vertical section near the wall. Turning my wrench this way, I can easily access it when kneeling beside most bathtubs.

There is usually a lever, knob, or flip mechanism that you manually operate to redirect water to either the tub or the shower. If your diverter valve has been installed and positioned properly, it should be conveniently within reach.

Here is an example of a typical tub diverter valve installed along the tub spout.

Troubleshooting Common Diverter Issues

Over years of remodeling bathrooms, I‘ve seen all kinds of diverter issues arise. Here are some of the most frequent problems homeowners encounter:

Leaking from the Tub Spout

If you notice water dripping from the tub spout when the diverter is engaged to shower mode, worn out seals are likely to blame. Replacing old seals and gaskets restores a tight connection.

Loss of Water Pressure

If flipping the diverter lever causes your shower‘s water pressure to drop sharply, buildup and debris may be blocking proper valve operation. Carefully cleaning out the diverter can restore full pressure.

Cross-Leak Between Tub and Shower

The diverter valve relies on seals to keep water flowing to only the tub OR the shower. If these seals are damaged, water will leak out of both outlets when switched on. Fresh seals prevent mix-ups.

Temperature Changes

If the water temperature fluctuates when you engage the diverter, an issue with your home‘s hot water heater may be to blame. Consult a plumber to check your hot water situation.

Hard to Switch Positions

If you have to tug and fight to flip the diverter lever into place, mineral deposits may be jamming the valve. Removing buildup should restore smooth operation.

Low Water Pressure

Consistently low pressure across both tub and shower settings indicates issues with your home‘s overall water pressure. Inspecting and adjusting your pressure regulator can help.

By methodically checking each potential issue above, we can isolate the root cause of most diverter problems.

Step-by-Step Diverter Valve Replacement Instructions

If your diverter valve is simply worn out or damaged beyond repair, replacement is necessary. Swapping in a new diverter valve is straightforward DIY project. Here‘s how to do it:

Supplies Needed

• Adjustable wrench or pliers
• Replacement diverter kit (match your existing valve type)
• Lubricating plumber‘s grease

Removal Instructions

1. Turn off home‘s main water supply line before starting.

2. Remove any trim plates or covers hiding the diverter.

3. Use a wrench to loosen and remove the retaining nut.

4. Pull out the diverter valve stem and examine it.

5. Check and replace any worn out seals or gaskets.

Installation Instructions

1. Lubricate new seals and stem with plumber‘s grease.

2. Insert new diverter valve stem into housing. Ensure proper alignment.

3. Tighten retaining nut to secure the diverter valve.

4. Turn main water supply back on and check for leaks.

5. Reinstall any trim pieces or plates.

And that‘s all there is to it! In 20-30 minutes you can have a refreshed, working diverter valve.

Preventing Diverter Issues from Cropping Up

They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That‘s certainly true when it comes to avoiding frustrating diverter issues. Here are my top tips:

• Periodically lubricate the diverter‘s lever and inner workings

• Rinse out debris with water after noticing roughness

• Replace seals and gaskets every 2-3 years as routine maintenance

• Clean mineral deposits off valves using vinegar or tub & tile cleaner

• Check diverter performance frequently for changes

• Replace the entire diverter every 5-7 years, before problems start

With proper care, your diverter can last for a decade or more without issues! A little preventative planning goes a long way.

Cost Breakdown of Diverter Repairs

If you do need to repair or replace your diverter valve, it helps to understand the typical costs:

• Basic diverter replacement kit – $10 to $50
• Plumber visit for install – $40 to $150
• Custom decorative diverter upgrades – $60 to $500+

Replacing a diverter valve yourself using a basic kit is very affordable, with potential savings up to $100+ over hiring a plumber. Investing in a higher end customized diverter can increase luxury, but isn‘t essential.

Innovations in Shower Technology

While the humble diverter valve hasn‘t changed much in recent years, exciting shower technology innovations are on the horizon!

• Digital diverters using electronic actuators instead of manual handles for precise control.

• Preset diverter settings to toggle through different experiences at the push of a button.

• Voice activated and app connected diverters for total smart home integration.

• Water saving diverters with flow rate monitoring and shutoff features.

• Self-cleaning diverters that use UV light to kill bacteria and prevent buildup.

So in the years to come, expect to see your tub diverter get a lot smarter! But even simple mechanical diverters still play an essential role.

The Takeaway

For gamers like us, having a working diverter is like a crucial switch that lets you toggle between two great modes of play – relaxing in the tub, or action-packed shower time! Now that you know how to maintain and repair this vital component, you can keep the playtime going, prevent game over screens, and avoid calling in expensive plumber plumbers.

I hope this guide has helped explain everything homeowners need to know about the magic device that switches tub to shower. Let me know if you have any other plumbing topics you‘d like me to cover in the future!