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How to Fix a Shower Diverter Download ArticleExplore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Soak the spout in vinegar. 2 Cover your drain. 3 Remove the spout. 4 Disassemble the diverter. 5 Pry out the rubber washer. 6 Clean the washer or replace it. 7 File away grime inside the spout. 8 Reassemble the diverter. 9 Put new plumbers tape on the pipe. 10 Reinstall your spout. 11 Use the diverter a few times. 12 Replace the entire spout if necessary. + Show 9 more... - Show less... Other Sections Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles Expert Interview References Co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle and Eric McClure
Last Updated: July 22, 2025 Fact Checked
Download Article X
This article was co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 261,148 times.
Is your shower pressure low? Does your shower spout leak when you’re showering? If so, you may need to fix a dirty or broken diverter. Luckily, this is simple DIY job that only requires some plumber’s tape and a little elbow grease. In this article we’ll walk you through everything you need to fix your shower diverter.
How to Fix Your Shower Diverter
Soak the spout in vinegar.
Cover your drain.
Remove the spout.
Disassemble the diverter.
Pry out the rubber washer.
Clean the washer or replace it.
File away grime inside the spout.
Reassemble the diverter.
Steps
1
Soak the spout in vinegar.
Download Article
Cleaning your spout may fix leaks when you’re running the shower. Fill an airtight plastic bag ¾ of the way with distilled white vinegar. Slide the bag over the spout so that the opening of the spout is completely submerged. Wrap multiple rubber bands around the bag and the spout to hold it in place. Leave the bag for 12-24 hours before removing it and test your diverter.[1]XResearch source
Gunk can build up inside of the spout and create a gap between the diverter and the opening for the water.
Advertisement 2
Cover your drain.
Download Article
Stuff your tub with a cloth to avoid losing screws or bits. Most spouts are screwed onto the wall by hand and have zero fasteners holding it in place. However, some spouts do. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so block your tub’s drain to avoid losing something you really need as you remove the spout.[2]XResearch source
3
Remove the spout.
Download Article
Twist the spout counterclockwise and pull the spout out. If you can’t turn the spout counterclockwise, look on the underside for a hex nut or screw and remove it using a hex key or screwdriver. Don’t shy away from using a little bit of force as you’re turning the spout.[3]XResearch source
Some spouts slide on and off of the pipe. Typically, they’re screwed on to a threaded pipe. In either case, twisting counterclockwise will work to get it off.[4]X Expert Source Ryaan TuttleHome Improvement SpecialistExpert Interview
This process applies to diverters attached to your spout. If you have a standalone diverter, remove the cap and unscrew the central screw to pull it out. Unfortunately, you need to replace the entire diverter unless your faceplate is loose. In that case, try tightening the screws to see if that fixes it.[5]XResearch source
For some models of diverters that don't easily come apart, you may need to open up a section of your wall to access all of the parts.[6]X Expert Source Ryaan TuttleHome Improvement SpecialistExpert Interview
Advertisement 4
Disassemble the diverter.
Download Article
Take the diverter apart with pliers and some gentle force. To be specific, the diverter is the little pin that slides up and down, and the (usually white) bracket that holds the pin in place. Open the bracket holding the pin in place by forcing the it open with pliers or a screwdriver. At the same time, pull up on the pin’s knob to remove it.[7]XResearch source
You now have two pieces. The pin/knob, and the diverter valve, which sits inside of the spout and blocks or opens the flow of water.
If you have a two- or three-valve diverter, you’ll need to replace the entire assembly. Take the busted diverter to a home improvement store and find a new one.
EXPERT TIP
Greg Jeiranyan
Licensed Plumber Greg Jeiranyan is a Licensed Plumber based in Los Angeles, California. With over 10 years of professional experience, Greg and his team specialize in residential and commercial plumbing service calls. His company, Plumbing Geeks, is rated 5 stars on Yelp and is a family-owned and operated plumbing company. Plumbing Geeks has been serving Los Angeles and its surrounding areas since 2021. Greg Jeiranyan Licensed Plumber
Remove the diverter handle and replace the cartridge if needed. To repair the diverter knob, remove the cover or set screw with an Allen key or screwdriver. Replace the handle and tighten the screw securely. If the cartridge needs replacing, remove the handle and trim plate first. Use pliers or a special tool to swap out the cartridge. This ensures a working shower diverter.
5
Pry out the rubber washer.
Download Article
A corroded or damaged washer is often the main culprit for leaks. The washer refers to the round rubber piece on the diverter valve. Use your fingernail or grab a flathead screwdriver and pull it out and inspect it.[8]XResearch source
If the washer looks filthy, cleaning it is very likely to fix your leak.
If the washer appears damaged, replace it.
Advertisement 6
Clean the washer or replace it.
Download Article
Use soap and water if it’s simply dirty, or buy a fresh replacement. Don’t use any cleaning chemicals on the washer, since they may cause the washer to decay over time. Squirt some soap on it and rinse it under water. If the washer is broken, take it with you to the home improvement store and purchase an identical washer to replace it. Coat the washer in silicone grease before putting it back in the diverter.
The silicone grease is mandatory. If you don’t grease the washer, it won’t slide smoothly inside of the diverter valve, which will eventually break it.
You can buy silicone grease online or at your local hardware store.
You generally need to replace the shower diverter’s washer every 4-5 years.[9]XResearch source
7
File away grime inside the spout.
Download Article
Cleaning the inside of the spout will ensure a tighter flow of water. Look inside of your spout where the water flows out and you should see some calcification and grime. Use a flat file to scrape away all of that gunk. Rinse the spout and continue repeating this process until your spout looks brand new.
If you don’t have a flat file, you can use a knife or the tip of a flathead screwdriver to clean the inside of the spout.
If you still can’t get the inside of the spout clean, try soaking it in white vinegar overnight.
Advertisement 8
Reassemble the diverter.
Download Article
Put your diverter back together inside of the spout. Slide the valve back into the spout and push the knob in through the opening on top of the spout. Use a fair bit of force to reinsert the pin into the valve. You can use pliers to keep the tabs open while you reinsert it if you prefer. Once the pin is attached to the valve, pull the knob up and down to ensure that it’s working correctly.[10]XResearch source
There should be a divot in the pin where the tabs on the valve slide into place.
9
Put new plumbers tape on the pipe.
Download Article
This will guarantee a clean connection from the spout to the pipe. Scrape off any old plumbers tape by hand or with a pin. Grab some Teflon plumbers tape and apply 4-5 layers of the tape to the threading on the pipe.[11]XResearch source
Your spout may leak if you skip the plumbers tape.
Plumber’s tape is also known as thread sealant.
Advertisement 10
Reinstall your spout.
Download Article
Put the spout back on the same way you removed it. Slide the spout over the water supply pipe and twist it clockwise. Continue to turn it until the spout is resting against the tile and the opening is pointing directly downward.[12]XResearch source
Don’t overtighten it. So long as the spout is attached firmly to the supply pipe, you’re good to go.
If you had to remove a section of wall to access the diverter, be sure to close it back up and retile the surface.[13]X Expert Source Ryaan TuttleHome Improvement SpecialistExpert Interview
11
Use the diverter a few times.
Download Article
Turn the water on to pull the diverter up and down to seat it. Turn the water halfway on and then pull the knob on the diverter pin. If the diverter kind of sticks or catches, don’t worry. Push it back down and repeat this process until you can feel a clean opening and closing.[14]XResearch source
If you can’t get the diverter to open and close properly, the pin may be bent or the valve may be broken. You’ll need to replace the spout.
Advertisement 12
Replace the entire spout if necessary.
Download Article
If you can’t get the spout to work correctly, replace it. Tub spouts tend to be extremely inexpensive, and replacing a spout is as easy as sliding it over the pipe and turning clockwise. If you need a replacement spout, take it to the hardware store, find a spout that matches it, and purchase it.[15]XResearch source
A replacement spout shouldn’t run more than $20-80.
Expert Q&A
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Video
Tips
It’s normal for a little bit of water to come out of the spout when you’re running the shower.[16]X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection AgencyIndependent U.S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If you have a separate diverter with a handle, pop the cover off if you have one and use a screwdriver to free it.[17]XResearch source Pull it out of the pipe and take it to a hardware store. Purchase a replacement diverter and reinstall it.[18]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about fixing shower diverters, check out our in-depth interview with Ryaan Tuttle.
Co-authored by: Ryaan Tuttle Home Improvement Specialist This article was co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses. This article has been viewed 261,148 times. 40 votes - 81% Co-authors: 4Updated: July 22, 2025 Views: 261,148 Categories: Showers In other languages Spanish Czech Japanese Italian
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Reader Success Stories
Charles F.
May 27, 2023
"Thank you so very much for an easy to understand thorough explanation of how to check and make repairs from beginning to end. You saved me at least a hundred dollars that I would have had to pay to have a plumber come out and check things out."..." more
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Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Ryaan Tuttle Home Improvement Specialist Co-authors: 4Updated: July 22, 2025 Views: 261,14881% of readers found this article helpful. 40 votes - 81% Click a star to add your vote
Charles F.
May 27, 2023
"Thank you so very much for an easy to understand thorough explanation of how to check and make repairs from beginning to end. You saved me at least a hundred dollars that I would have had to pay to have a plumber come out and check things out."..." more
Michael R.
Aug 10, 2023
"Your how to article saved money and time. I didn't have to pay for a plumber or any unneeded parts. It was a simple fix accomplished in a matter of minutes. I thank you all kindly for your assistance."..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Soak the spout in vinegar. 2 Cover your drain. 3 Remove the spout. 4 Disassemble the diverter. 5 Pry out the rubber washer. 6 Clean the washer or replace it. 7 File away grime inside the spout. 8 Reassemble the diverter. 9 Put new plumbers tape on the pipe. 10 Reinstall your spout. 11 Use the diverter a few times. 12 Replace the entire spout if necessary. + Show 9 more... - Show less... Other Sections Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles Expert Interview References Co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle and Eric McClure 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Ryaan Tuttle Home Improvement Specialist This article was co-authored by Ryaan Tuttle and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Ryaan Tuttle is a Home Improvement Specialist and the CEO of Best Handyman, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in building home service businesses, focusing on creating scalable and efficient brands. With the help of his global team, the companies have achieved over 10+ million in sales and received recognition through magazine features, and enjoy partnerships with wikiHow and Jobber field service software. Boston Magazine and LocalBest.com have named Best Handyman Boston the Best Handyman in Boston. Ryaan holds Construction Supervisor and Home Improvement Contractor Licenses. This article has been viewed 261,148 times. 40 votes - 81% Co-authors: 4 Updated: July 22, 2025 Views: 261,148 Categories: Showers In other languages Spanish Czech Japanese Italian 
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618 
Cleaning your spout may fix leaks when you’re running the shower. Fill an airtight plastic bag ¾ of the way with distilled white vinegar. Slide the bag over the spout so that the opening of the spout is completely submerged. Wrap multiple rubber bands around the bag and the spout to hold it in place. Leave the bag for 12-24 hours before removing it and test your diverter.[1] 
Stuff your tub with a cloth to avoid losing screws or bits. Most spouts are screwed onto the wall by hand and have zero fasteners holding it in place. However, some spouts do. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so block your tub’s drain to avoid losing something you really need as you remove the spout.[2] 
Twist the spout counterclockwise and pull the spout out. If you can’t turn the spout counterclockwise, look on the underside for a hex nut or screw and remove it using a hex key or screwdriver. Don’t shy away from using a little bit of force as you’re turning the spout.[3] 
Take the diverter apart with pliers and some gentle force. To be specific, the diverter is the little pin that slides up and down, and the (usually white) bracket that holds the pin in place. Open the bracket holding the pin in place by forcing the it open with pliers or a screwdriver. At the same time, pull up on the pin’s knob to remove it.[7] 
A corroded or damaged washer is often the main culprit for leaks. The washer refers to the round rubber piece on the diverter valve. Use your fingernail or grab a flathead screwdriver and pull it out and inspect it.[8] 
Use soap and water if it’s simply dirty, or buy a fresh replacement. Don’t use any cleaning chemicals on the washer, since they may cause the washer to decay over time. Squirt some soap on it and rinse it under water. If the washer is broken, take it with you to the home improvement store and purchase an identical washer to replace it. Coat the washer in silicone grease before putting it back in the diverter. 
Cleaning the inside of the spout will ensure a tighter flow of water. Look inside of your spout where the water flows out and you should see some calcification and grime. Use a flat file to scrape away all of that gunk. Rinse the spout and continue repeating this process until your spout looks brand new. 
Put your diverter back together inside of the spout. Slide the valve back into the spout and push the knob in through the opening on top of the spout. Use a fair bit of force to reinsert the pin into the valve. You can use pliers to keep the tabs open while you reinsert it if you prefer. Once the pin is attached to the valve, pull the knob up and down to ensure that it’s working correctly.[10] 
This will guarantee a clean connection from the spout to the pipe. Scrape off any old plumbers tape by hand or with a pin. Grab some Teflon plumbers tape and apply 4-5 layers of the tape to the threading on the pipe.[11] 
Put the spout back on the same way you removed it. Slide the spout over the water supply pipe and twist it clockwise. Continue to turn it until the spout is resting against the tile and the opening is pointing directly downward.[12] 
Turn the water on to pull the diverter up and down to seat it. Turn the water halfway on and then pull the knob on the diverter pin. If the diverter kind of sticks or catches, don’t worry. Push it back down and repeat this process until you can feel a clean opening and closing.[14] 
If you can’t get the spout to work correctly, replace it. Tub spouts tend to be extremely inexpensive, and replacing a spout is as easy as sliding it over the pipe and turning clockwise. If you need a replacement spout, take it to the hardware store, find a spout that matches it, and purchase it.[15] 