Few things in the world can be so relaxing as a hot shower. Have you ever thought about how water gets all the way to the showerhead? It's because of the plumbing component known as the shower diverter. Understanding how it functions isn't just fun; it could aid in identifying a problem within your bathroom before it has an impact on the hot showers that you have come to love and appreciate.

How do you use a shower diverter?

If you have a combination tub and shower, the faucet handle can be used to alter how water flows from the tub spout upwards to the shower head as well as the other way around. If you choose to use this handle, you've activated the shower diverter which is the valve that sits behind the wall and directs the water.

There are three kinds of diverters for showers:

• Three-valve diverter: These are typically found in showers where you have separate handles for cold and hot water. Once you have found the perfect combination of cold and hot water, move the 3rd handle counterclockwise in order to transfer your water towards the shower head. After showering, turn the handle counterclockwise to direct the water towards the tub.

• Two-valve diverter: This kind of diverter usually comes with a one-handle faucet. The handle that is larger in the faucet will control the temperature, while the smaller handle or level controls what direction the water goes.

• A single-valve diverter or T diverter: It is the most commonly used kind of diverter. When you've got a faucet handle that slides straight upwards from your faucet in your tub, then you probably have a T diverter. If you push the handle back to open, the water flows to the tub's spout.

Problems with the shower diverter

In time, it's unusual for shower diverters to get worn out, specifically parts made of rubber, such as washers. If this happens, you could observe leaks or changes within your shower. Here are a few of the most frequent indications that it's time to change the shower diverter.

• Leaks from under the bathtub
• Showerhead with less pressure
• It is difficult to switch the water from the showerhead to the tub.

These problems aren't only annoying; they can also cause water damage, which is the reason you must have your shower diverter repaired immediately. The cost of the part isn't too high; however, it can require significant work involved in removing it from behind the shower faucet or on the wall.