Turning on your shower should be simple. But if water keeps dripping from the tub spout after switching to the shower, your shower diverter may be worn out or damaged.

A faulty diverter can waste water, reduce shower pressure, and eventually lead to bigger plumbing issues if left unrepaired. The good news is that repairing a tub spout or shower diverter is usually a quick and affordable DIY fix.

With the right replacement parts and a few basic tools, most homeowners can complete the repair in less than an hour.

Shower Diverter

What Does a Shower Diverter Do?

A shower diverter controls the flow of water between the bathtub spout and the showerhead. When you pull the knob on the tub spout or turn a diverter handle, the valve redirects water upward to the shower.

Over time, internal washers, seals, and moving parts can wear down, preventing the diverter from sealing properly.

You’ll commonly find three types of diverters:

Tub spout diverter with a pull-up knob

Pull-down diverter under the spout opening

Handle diverter valve located between faucet handles

When any style fails, water may continue flowing from the tub spout while the shower is running.

Warning Signs

Common Shower Diverter Problems

A failing diverter often shows clear warning signs before it stops working completely. Catching the issue early can help prevent water waste and avoid more expensive repairs later.

Common shower diverter problems include:

Water continuing to run from the tub spout during showers

Low water pressure from the showerhead

Difficulty switching between tub and shower modes

Leaks around the tub spout or wall

Worn or stuck diverter knob

These problems are usually caused by worn washers, damaged seals, mineral buildup, or aging internal components.

Handle Diverter Repair

How to Repair a Handle Diverter Valve

If your tub and shower setup uses a separate diverter handle or valve, replacing the internal stem and washers can often restore proper water flow.

1
Turn Off the Water Supply

Before starting the repair, completely shut off the water supply to the tub and shower area. In many homes, this means turning off the main water valve.

This helps prevent accidental leaks or water spraying while the valve is disassembled.

2
Remove the Handle and Trim Plate

For lever-style handles, look for a small set screw underneath and loosen with an Allen wrench counterclockwise to remove. For knob-style handles, carefully remove the decorative cap from the diverter handle using a screwdriver. Once exposed, unscrew the handle and pull it off the valve stem.

If your setup includes a flange or trim plate, remove that as well by carefully prying off with a trim tool or flathead screwdriver to access the diverter assembly behind the wall.

3
Remove the Diverter Stem

Using a wrench or valve removal tool, carefully loosen and remove the diverter stem from the valve body.

Once removed:

Inspect the washer and seals

Check for worn O-rings

Look inside the pipe for leftover parts or debris

If the washer appears cracked, flattened, or uneven, replacing it can often solve the issue.

4
Clean the Valve Body as necessary

Use a mineral deposit remover like Lime-A-Way or CLR with a soft-bristle brush to scrub away debris from inside the valve body

IMPORTANT – Thoroughly rinse the valve body several times with clean water

5
Replace Worn Parts

Most diverter problems are caused by worn rubber components that no longer create a tight seal.

Common repair kits include:

Seat washers

O-rings

Stem seals

Diverter stem assemblies

Replacing these inexpensive parts can quickly restore proper operation and improve shower performance. Generously lubricating each part with Danco Silicone Grease P/N 88963 or 88963P prior to installation will improve performance and extend life.

6
Reassemble the Valve

Once the repairs are complete, reinstall the diverter stem and tighten it securely. Reattach the flange, handle, and decorative cap as applicable.

Turn the water back on slowly and test the diverter to confirm water flows correctly to the showerhead.

Tub Spout Repair

How to Repair a Tub Spout Diverter

Tub spout diverters are one of the most common shower diverter styles. If the pull-up or pull-down knob no longer redirects water properly, replacing the internal gate and washer may solve the problem.

1
Remove the Tub Spout

Start by turning off the water supply. Then remove the tub spout by turning it counterclockwise from the pipe stub-out.

Some spouts may use a set screw underneath instead of threading directly onto the pipe.

2
Remove the Diverter Components

Inside the spout, you’ll find the diverter gate, washer, and pull-up or pull-down knob assembly.

Carefully remove the internal components by:

For pull-up diverters:

Pulling up on the diverter knob

Separating the gate assembly

Removing the rubber washer

For pull-down diverters:

Removing the screw attaching the diverter knob turning counterclockwise

Separating the gate assembly

Removing the rubber washers

Once removed, inspect all parts for wear or corrosion.

3
Replace Worn Parts

If the rubber washer is cracked or worn, replace it immediately. If multiple components appear damaged, installing a complete tub spout diverter repair kit is often the easiest solution.

Common signs that parts need replacement include:

Cracked rubber washers

Corroded metal parts

Sticking diverter gate

Loose or broken knob assemblies

4
Install the New Diverter Parts

Generously lubricating each part with Danco Silicone Grease P/N 88963 or 88963P prior to installation will improve performance and extend life. Insert the replacement washer(s) into the new gate assembly and reinstall the diverter components inside the tub spout.

Once assembled:

Attach the new diverter knob as necessary

Ensure all components move freely

Confirm the gate seals properly inside the spout

5
Reinstall and Test

Reinstall the tub spout back onto the pipe in reverse order and tighten securely. Slowly restore the water supply and test both the tub and shower settings.

Check for:

Smooth switching between tub and shower

Proper shower pressure

Leaks around the spout connection

If everything operates correctly, the repair is complete.

Repair or Replace

When Should You Replace a Tub Spout?

Sometimes replacing the entire tub spout is more effective than repairing individual parts.

You may want to replace the tub spout if you notice:

Heavy corrosion or rust

Cracks in the spout body

Persistent leaks after repair

Diverter failure that keeps returning

Outdated or worn finishes

Upgrading to a new tub spout can improve both performance and the overall appearance of your bathroom.

Repair Parts

Make Installation Easier with the Right Parts

Using the right repair parts can make the job faster, simpler, and more reliable.

Danco offers solutions designed to help homeowners complete tub spout and shower diverter repairs with confidence, including:

Tub spout adapter kits

Universal replacement parts

Durable tub spouts in multiple finishes

Easy-to-install repair kits

These DIY-friendly solutions help save time and avoid the cost of replacing the entire fixture.

Maintenance Tips

Quick Tips to Extend Diverter Life

Routine maintenance can help keep your shower diverter working properly for longer.

To help prevent future problems:

Release the diverter before turning off the water

Clean mineral buildup regularly

Replace worn washers early

Check for leaks around the tub spout

Avoid forcing stuck diverter knobs

Simple maintenance now can help prevent bigger plumbing repairs later.

Get It Done

Fix It Today and Save

Repairing a tub spout or shower diverter is a simple DIY plumbing fix that can improve water pressure, stop leaks, and restore proper shower performance.

With easy-to-install replacement parts and universal-fit solutions, you can complete the repair quickly and avoid unnecessary replacement costs.

Danco makes it easy to fix common bathroom plumbing problems with practical solutions built to last.

No plumber needed

Fast and affordable repair

DIY-friendly installation

Built-to-last replacement parts

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is water still coming from my tub spout when the shower is on?

This usually means the shower diverter is worn out or not sealing properly. Replacing the diverter washer, gate, or stem can often fix the issue.

Can I repair a tub spout myself?

Yes. Most tub spout and diverter repairs are simple DIY projects that require only basic tools and replacement parts.

How long does it take to replace a shower diverter?

Most shower diverter repairs can be completed in 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of diverter and condition of the parts.

Do I need to replace the entire tub spout?

Not always. In many cases, replacing the internal diverter parts or washers is enough. However, heavily corroded or damaged spouts should usually be replaced.

Why is my shower pressure low after switching from the tub?

A worn or partially blocked diverter can prevent water from fully reaching the showerhead, causing low pressure.