Three Handle Shower Diverter Repair

How to repair a Triple Handle Tub & Shower Diverter Valve. Relatively easy repair depending on your skill set. What happens is the nylon washer will split. This one happens to be a Pfister brand. ACE Hardware carries an affordable rebuild kit. I work out of Palo Alto, CA.
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Thanks - Kent

[@toritapscott5891]

You have just helped me understand why every plumber keeps telling me they need to find out what kind of valve I need vs what I want to use from Amazon.

[@thirzapeevey2395]

Thank you for this. Mine had the same issue: a split nylon washer allowing the water to drain out the faucet. With current supply chain issues, I wasn't able to get a repair kit with the washer in it, nor find the washer at Home Depot, so I had to put a replacement cartridge in it. That said, I have the old one soaking in CLR, and I'm going to rebuild it as soon as I can find a washer. Meantime, I did the replacement cartridge all by myself, showed my husband and daughter how to do it as well, so they now know too, and we have a working shower again.

[@patrickmcgrath8592]

Well done, well explained and thorough attention to detail. Bravo!

[@Vic1206]

Hey Kent. Thanks for such a detailed video. Came here to see if this was a job I could do. Think I'll leave this to a pro! Love the name Kent btw!

[@kelseydimock7021]

I watched 4 videos to help me solve my problem. This is the only one that didn't leave me with more questions. Thanks!

[@guitarfixx4652]

I aim to help 😌 - Kent

[@GCWERK]

aint that the truth, not even this old house was as detailed.

[@darrendavis4731]

Best video on the subject.

[@KentSchneeveis]

Thank you.

[@JAYSONGS]

Thank you sir. Quick and easy repair/tune up completed with the aid of your precise, (and concise), advice! 😊

[@KentSchneeveis]

You're welcome. Glad to be of some help

[@sr71norm]

Great video for rebuilding the diverter valve! Thanks.

[@guitarfixx4652]

THIS IS THE BEST USE OF THE KZbin 👍

[@terrybo5924]

Now I know what to look for after watching several other videos . In fact it helps that I have the same 3 valve setup except mine are chrome finish instead of the gold chrome featured in this video.

[@odysseyofjason]

Great video my friend, straight to it. Great explanation and video to back it up. This is how KZbin is done.

[@rob6879]

Straight forward and to the point. Well done sir and thanks for the help

[@KentSchneeveis]

Glad it was helpful

[@ZenaBlase]

Just what I needed, well done, and thank you.

[@guitarfixx4652]

Super. Glad to be of some help

[@jonathonapodaca4812]

*Amazing video. Taught me how to understand and fix my issue. I replaced my diverter valve with a new one and was still having the same problem. I ended up putting the new stem into the old setup and the issue was resolved. Thank you Kent for dropping knowledge and saving me money! Everyone needs to like and subscribe.*

[@KentSchneeveis]

So glad it worked out

[@aaplzen9051]

Hey Jonathon, I'm having the same problem. A plumber tried replacing the entire diverter valve, but it still didn't work. Half's coming out of the spout and half coming out of the showerhead. Would you share what you did?

[@WarmBeachWoman]

Thank you for such a detailed video. Kent, if you were in Southern California, we would hire you! But, we will try it ourselves.

[@KentSchneeveis]

Thank you for the nice comments. It’s actually pretty easy job. I’m sure you can do it!

[@TLavonLawrence]

Very much appreciated. Thank you for exactly the solution I was looking for!

[@KentSchneeveis]

Glad to be of some help. RockOn!

[@DrHecubus]

Thank you!!

[@lloydmedina9683]

Great video keep em coming this was a huge help thank you

[@guitarfixx4652]

Thanks

[@munoz6952]

That video helped me. Thank you

[@guitarfixx4652]

Rick0n!

[@crislima316]

Gracias amigo! Well explained , and the part of the video were you show the p& p brand to look for the parts excellent. You the man! man

[@KentSchneeveis]

Thanks for the kind words. I know what it's like to be in a bind and get the help needed to get out. YOu're welcome Sir.

[@johnking8660]

GG Thanks Kent, appreciate it. Nice work

[@guitarfixx4652]

RockOn John! Thanks for the kind words and I hope ya get yer diverter sorted out and have a good time doing it :) - Kent

[@crybaby_dia2843]

This video is amazing! Sending it to my brother right now 😂 tired of this old house there’s always something wrong 😑

[@KentSchneeveis]

You can do it!

[@MarkSmith8357]

Hello. You explained this very well. Now I know exactly why its not diverting & I also know the parts I bought are the wrong size. Back to the hardware store. Thanks for the tutorial. Just to be safe as I have a near 100 yr old house, I better subscribe cause I have a feeling i'm going to need help again at some point. I liked too.

[@guitarfixx4652]

So glad to be of some help

[@mikepower7384]

life saver/wife saver

[@KentSchneeveis]

Haha - thanks

[@WillN2Go1]

Thanks Kent. After so many years I forgot how the diverter even worked. Okay, tomorrow.... Kids, learn plumbing, save you a lot of money, time and hassle -- well if you go under the kitchen sink it's going to cost you >$100, three trips to the hardware or 4 trips to HomeDepot, abut in the end it won't be any better it'll just stop leaking. And girls, you too learn plumbing. When you do you'll never again feel that you need to explain equality of the sexes to anybody.

[@KentSchneeveis]

Go to ACE hardware. They carry the rebuild kits. It's better to rebuild the valve than to buy replacement stems, since the stems are worn into the existing valve body that's inside the wall. Enjoy the project! - Kent

[@geezlepuss7863]

Thank you so much for a really excellent presentation so you can understand the inner workings of a stem assembly. But if you buy a new diverter valve stem, doesn't it come with the nylon washer, new O ring & "packing" already? Are you rebuilding the valve stem instead of replacing the valve stem? Is it worth the effort?

[@KentSchneeveis]

Yes the diverter valve stem, if you bought the entire new assembly will come with the all the seals. But sometimes it's better to just buy the seals, the packing, the nylon ring and rebuild the existing stem. Since it's worn in and fits well parts in the wall (brass is soft). A woman put in a new stem and it leaked and didn't work well. ;-( So she pulled the old stem out of the garbage, put the seals, packing, ring on, re-installed and it worked :-) Then she subscribed. I have almost 1000 subscribers. A magic number to help boost my youtube channel . Anyway, rebuild your existing stem, it will work best. Best - Kent

[@hobiel8388]

Thank you for such clear instructions. I have the same issue with my diverter, so your video is much appreciated. Question: Do I need to turn off the water to the bathroom or house before doing this repair? Thank you!

[@KentSchneeveis]

Turning the water off for the diverter valve repair is not necessary. However, if you open the hot or cold water you're gonna get some water out of the diverter. Kent

[@hobiel8388]

@@KentSchneeveis Thank you Kent!

[@corprime1]

Great video!, this is exactly the same set up I have, and it had the same issue as well. When I put my diverter back in mine takes about 10 sec to divert the water to the shower. The water speed coming out of the faucet gets slower and slows to a drip, and then stops, is that normal? Thanks again for this video.

[@KentSchneeveis]

Right on! Glad to be of some help. Lots of people have been able to resolve this on their own. Including some gals.

[@BillSmith-rx9rm]

I have a weird situation. Need to replace the handle on a very old diverter valve. Strange thing is there is no stem, there is simply a hex nut. The plastic handle has a collar that slips over the hex nut and then a center screw tightens the plastic handle onto the hex nut. I've been to several stores and no one is able to get me a replacement handle and apparently have never seen a setup like this. Can you help?

[@msmurr9746]

Please help When I turn the shower on all water is divertered to the shower with no leaks at all. The problem is when I switch it back to only water coming from the faucet my water pressure decreases. If I unscrew it (back it out of the pipe some) the pressure increases. At that point when I turn the shower on again the water still diverts but I have a small leak coming from the faucet.

[@bethwhatley3672]

Hi! This video gave me the confidence to do it myself, but I’ve run in to the issue of not being able to get the handle off after taking off the screw. Do you have any suggestions on how to loosen the handle so it’ll come off?

[@KentSchneeveis]

add some penetrating oil, rust buster, wd40, something like that. lightly tap on it. Be audacious, can-do solution based thinking... it'll come off √

[@bethwhatley3672]

@@KentSchneeveis thank you so much! I’m not gonna give up!

[@jasondueck01]

The rebuild kits also come with a smaller nylon washer that can be used in place of the seat washer, but really limits the travel. Do you use the valve seat with that washer?

[@KentSchneeveis]

The rebuild kits always come with extra stuff. Only use the things that are right for your job

[@golagha1959]

Do you also have any video showing how to replace/rebuild the tub valve rather than shower diverter?

[@KentSchneeveis]

I have not done a video on how to replace one of those, but it's similar. But you have to shut off the water to the house. It's not difficult. You can do it!

[@divaslive3]

Thanks for this video!!! I replaced the diverter, but water still comes from the faucet when the shower is on. Any suggestions for troubleshooting this issue?

[@KentSchneeveis]

Did you remember to put that nylon ring in there. Without that water will still come out of the faucet.

[@divaslive3]

@@KentSchneeveis yep. Got the nylon ring. Wondering if I need to tackle the valve seat?

[@KentSchneeveis]

@@divaslive3 If it doesn't lean when the valves are both off, that means the seats are good. Sounds like it's only leaking what the diverters is turned to the shower. If that's the case you may have to go into the center diverter again and double check

[@divaslive3]

Good news update! I did go ahead and replace the valve seat behind the diverter. Still had about 50/50 water to shower and thru the faucet. I hadn’t thought it important detail - but rather than building up my old diverter as you’d done in this video - I’d simply purchased a new one that, to my eye, seemed to be the exact same as the original. Thought this would be easier but after all the struggles, I decided to retrieve the original from the trash can and rebuilt it with a kit, just as you did in this video. Now all works as expected!!! Not sure why the new PP diverter wasn’t fit for the job? Anywho...really you doing this video and for your help! Thank you!

[@KentSchneeveis]

@@divaslive3 Go team! Good for you for retrieving the original parts from the trash (the trash can is actually a good resource and should be viewed as valuable) Countless times I go back to the trash, praying it's not been taken out. Now I keep it around until well after the job is done. So happy! Proud of you! Team fix!

[@frankyim1671]

My diverter valve stem refuses to come off. Is there a difference between using that silver tool as opposed to just using a big crescent wrench?

[@KentSchneeveis]

lightly tap on it with a small hammer while using a penetrating oil . You'll get it!

[@wirelessben]

Can white lithium grease substitute for the silicone grease?

[@KentSchneeveis]

Hi Ben - I'm not sure. But I don't think so. White lithium grease is a whole different beast than plumbers silicon grease.

[@markl.tucker8738]

What's up Kent. I have a three valve similar to this, But I don't want to assume I have a pfisher. Anyway Im thinking I should probably take the bad valve out first to confirm brand?

[@KentSchneeveis]

What up Mark. Start taking it apart and I bet you will see what brand it is. Your local hardware store may very well have the rebuild kit you need to fix. You got it!

[@markl.tucker8738]

@@KentSchneeveis thanks for reply. Understood.

[@KentSchneeveis]

RockOn!

[@Ashene64]

Do you need to turn off the water supply to remove the center valve? Seems like no but want to be sure.

[@guitarfixx4652]

Not necessary to turn off the water to the house since you're only servicing the diverter. Just don't open the hot or cold water ;-)

[@darrenharris2978]

Have delta 3 knob what kit will work with delta 3 knob tub faucet will that pifsier kit work with delta kit ? I have plastic valves

[@KentSchneeveis]

Get the one that says Delta. What I do is buy as many repair kits as I can - that I think may work. Then I return the ones that I didn't use. You can do it!

[@brandonshewey5623]

Why Threadlocker on the most replaced/wear and tear part? I've relaced mine once a year.

[@KentSchneeveis]

The thread locker keeps the handle from becoming loose and wearing out. If you put the thread locker on, you might not have to replace it so frequently.

[@mrobvious1100]

Thanks for taking the time to make the video sir. I am a retired paramedic and not much of a home fixer. I have a three stem shower like yours that a friend of mine put in last week before he moved. I'm familiar with one mistake he made and that was he unscrewed the cartridge because he said he realized he put it in the wrong hole or something and it shot out in water went everywhere because he forgot to turn the water off. So we fixed all that and put everything together and said you're good to go. What I find strange now is that shower is the only shower where are the pipes are super loud when you turn the hot or cold on I have copper pipes. It's the only one of the three bathrooms that makes the loud noise when the water is flowing. I read somewhere that it sounds like an obstruction. I'm not quite sure what that means but can you tell me if I just take all three cartridges out and put three new ones in could that clear out the obstruction part. The bathroom was quiet before he took out the old and put the new in. The sound is generated from the hot or the cold side but apparently when you turn the diverter to shower head all the noise goes away and the water flows quietly if that means anything. My handles are Chrome with the white decorative fingers and a set screw on each handle. I honestly can't tell you if it's brass or white plastic cartridge inside. The hot comes out hot the cold comes out cold and the shower head does work with the diverter but it only gets quiet when you convert it to shower head if you let it run out of the tub spout you can hear it on every floor of the house

[@byronsteez8253]

May I ask what model of Price Pfister valve that is? Looking for a rebuild kit

[@guitarfixx4652]

Not sure the model. If you search for 3 handle PP tub and shower valve just get that rebuild kit brother Byron

[@stacyrivas2802]

Do you have to shut off the main water supply for this sort of repair?

[@guitarfixx4652]

Yes

[@leviwhatever6192]

No. The diverter valve gets water from the other valves being opened, so if the hot and cold are off there's no water to divert.

[@guitarfixx4652]

@@leviwhatever6192 You're right! The water to the house does NOT need to be shut off to do this job. My bad. It is a good idea however to locate the main shut off, and verify that it's working, before starting plumbing jobs. Just in case the water needs to be turned off quickly it can be done.

[@stacyrivas2802]

@@leviwhatever6192 thank you! I've been wanting to repair the diverter valve in my apartment. But getting the water shut off is a whole hoopla that I'd rather not go through!

[@leviwhatever6192]

@@stacyrivas2802 In apartment buildings you almost certainly have a water shutoff valve at the bottom of each spigot directly behind the plate, it's just a flathead screwdriver needed to shut off. Houses have different valves.

[@luaaotaliauli2082]

I replaced my diverter valve and now it doesn’t send water to my shower head. Can it that when I took out my old valve the washer was broken, could the broken piece got stuck where the water goes to my shower head. Cause now it just drips water from my shower head. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@KentSchneeveis]

take off the shower head and see if any debris comes out.

[@frankcheco7550]

Same thing for me man

[@franciscojavierestrada7585]

I have not seen a video showing that we can just plugg tub valve and use only shower : this when remodeling from tub to only shower ; why buy a new valve

[@KentSchneeveis]

Good point! That would be one valid solution. Kudos to you! Thanks for the perspective 😅

[@stevena9512]

Hi Kent, I have an issue with my tub/shower, the water comes out of the shower head and quickly turns into a water stream, not a spray. Is this my solution? I have a 3 stem appliance and this began about 3 weeks ago. I’m ready for a real shower again.

[@KentSchneeveis]

sounds like the issue is with the shower head not the diverter valve

[@squirrelcovers6340]

You didn't show changing the seat. That's the hard part.

[@stephenbatchelder6417]

Painting and renovation? no mention of plumbing company or license plumbing company. I am a licensed master plumber and I can do a little painting, but you most definitely do not want me to paint your house. Catch my drift???

[@KentSchneeveis]

With all due respect, I was raised in a machine shop, oxygen acetylene welding at five years old. MIG welding, cutting, fabricating metal. I’ve worked as a motorcycle, mechanic, Worked with licensed plumber. In my experience on job sites you are right, most guys I would not want them doing any painting on my job.