Author Topic: Clogged shower diverter problem  (Read 4636 times)

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Online BudTopic starter

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Clogged shower diverter problem
« on: July 04, 2016, 04:52:07 am »
I had a leaky shower diverter so I bought and install a new valve. It is a pull/push type of shower diverter valve (picture attached). Tested it after installation and observed very low water pressure into the shower arm (the tub arm water flow is fine). To troubleshoot I removed the diverter valve from the housing , unscrewed the shower head and tried blowing air through the shower hose and it appeared clogged. Apparently some derbies got into the diverter when I was replacing the valve.  To clean the diverter I need to understand how it works. The diverter is behind the wall so removing it is not an option. The shower pipe is also behind the wall going up with a 6 inch end for the shower attachment sticking out from the wall from above.  I am hoping to reach to the diverter's internal openings with some sort of a picker or stiff wire from the front to try to clean it. Does anyone have a diagram of the diverter housing or the whole assembly for the valve shown in the attached picture ? I spend time on the internet but could not find it.
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Offline amyk

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Re: Clogged shower diverter problem
« Reply #1 on: July 04, 2016, 10:44:19 am »
What make/model is it? If there are any references to patent numbers, you could look those up and the patents will usually have quite detailed diagrams of the mechanism. It looks like a typical spool-valve to me, you can try turning the water on with the valve out to flush out any debris. Backflushing from the shower end might be more effective.
 

Offline Back2Volts

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Re: Clogged shower diverter problem
« Reply #2 on: July 04, 2016, 12:17:49 pm »
All positions affected?  Have you tried running water with the diverter valve removed?   
 

steverino

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Re: Clogged shower diverter problem
« Reply #3 on: July 04, 2016, 07:05:05 pm »
I'm assuming that with the shower head removed, the problem still exists (i.e., it's not trapped debris in the shower head causing the problem).  You can connect a garden hose to the shower arm with 1/2"fip - 3/4 female hose adapter and backflush.  remove the valves first if you think it's in the valve body alone.  Don't run too long like this as you'll likely get some water behind the shower wall.

My bet is that debris has clogged the diverter valve and you'll need to disassemble and clean it out.  What brand/model is it?
 

Online BudTopic starter

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Re: Clogged shower diverter problem
« Reply #4 on: July 04, 2016, 07:13:02 pm »
Doh! The diagram was right on the back of the replacement part package   :D
And in the end it was not the diverter, I found pieces of the old rubber gasket blocking the path at the plastic shower hose mount right where it is connected to the wall pipe  :rant:
Yesterday I just unscrewed the shower head, but the problem was at the other end of the shower hose.

Back in business now  :phew:
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