Tips for Troubleshooting Your Shower and Bath Repair

STYLE		PROBLEM	CAUSE	SOLUTION
Shower diverter problems	Tub-spout diverter	Shower engages only partially or not at all	Tub spout diverter handle is broken or internal gate is broken or corroded	Replace entire spout assembly
	Ball-type diverter	Diverter valve leaks	Worn or damaged cam seal	Replace
		Diverter valve leaks	Worn or damaged adjusting ring	Tighten/replace
		Shower engages only partially or not at all	Worn or damaged seats/springs	Replace
		Shower engages only partially or not at all	Worn or corroded diverter ball	Replace

Shower head problems		Water leaks from around head	Nut holding head to arm is loose	Tighten
		Water leaks from around head	Washer in shower head is worn	Replace
		Weak water flow from head	Mineral deposit buildup has blocked shower head	Remove/disassemble and clean with vinegar if possible, or replace

Bathtub problems		Tub leaks at overflow plate	Worn or damaged overflow washer	Replace washer
		Trip lever will not separate	Corroded or damaged trip lever	Clean if possible or replace overflow plate and trip lever
		Tub will not hold water	Trip lever mechanism out of adjustment	Disassemble and adjust
			Trip lever mechanism damaged or corroded	Replace
			Pop-up stopper “O” ring worn	Replace
		Tub spout leaks	Corroded or damaged spout or nipple	Remove and clean or replace

Tips for Troubleshooting Your Tub/Shower Repair

STYLE		PROBLEM	CAUSE	SOLUTION
Shower and bath faucet problems	Stem-type Faucet	Water drips from spout	Worn or damaged seat washer	Replace
			Corroded or worn seat	Regrind/Replace
			Worn or damaged stem washer	Replace
			Worn stem	Replace
			Worn stem diaphragm	Replace
		Water leaks from handle	Worn or damaged “O” rings	Replace
		Water leaks from handle	Worn stem packing	Replace
	Ball-type Faucet	Water drips from spout	Worn or damaged seats	Replace
		Water drips from spout	Worn springs	Replace
		Water leaks from handle	Worn or damaged ball	Replace
		Water leaks from handle	Worn cam or cam seal	Replace
	Cartridge Faucet	Water drips from spout	Loose or damaged adjusting ring	Tighten/replace
		Water leaks from handle	Worn or damaged “O” rings	Replace
		Water leaks from handle	Worn or corroded cartridge	Replace

Shower diverter problems	Stem-type diverter valve	Diverter valve leaks	Worn or damaged “O” rings	Replace
		Diverter valve leaks	Worn or damaged seat washers	Replace
		Shower doesn’t engage or only partially engages	Worn stem packing	Replace
			Worn metal valve housing	Replace entire diverter assembly
			Worn stem washer	Replace
			Worn diverter stem seat	Regrind/replace
			Badly worn diverter housing	Replace entire assembly