Shower faucet problem

PlainlyJane · 05-20-2008, 09:44 AM

I apologize in advance if this is the wrong place to ask this question....I'm new here and could not figure out how to ask a new question.
We bought this house in Nov/07. The house was built about 1991....I think the fixtures are original. In the master bath we have a Delta one handle shower/bath combo. Recently the shower stopped working. On this particular shower, one must pull down a "diverter" from the faucet itself. When I pull it down, the water just kind of sprays out above the diverter and the back of the faucet itself while still flowing from the faucet. Should I replace or repair is my question. I've got company coming this weekend, so I kind of wanted it fixed before they got here. Thanks in advance for all your help.
Jane

Ron The Plumber · 05-20-2008, 10:22 AM

Rebuild it, just get the same parts and replace them, that will fix it.

PlainlyJane · 05-20-2008, 05:06 PM

ok....and how do I do that? Just go and buy a faucet spout with the shower divert-er under it? Or....are there parts inside that need replacing? I guess what I'm trying to say is......HELP....I don't know what I'm doing!!!!!

**Termite** · 05-20-2008, 05:24 PM

The diverter spout itself should be replaced. The inner workings are either deteriorated or damaged. Mine is a Delta, and you have to pull really hard to get it to seat right to keep it from leaking while using the shower head. A new diverter is easily installed. They thread onto a pipe that sticks out of the wall inside the diverter. Unscrew it counterclockwise by hand or with big pliers. Wrap the threads of the pipe with 5 or 6 wraps of pipe thread tape and reinstall the new one. You shouldn't need tools to tighten it, but maybe someone with strong hands.

PlainlyJane · 05-20-2008, 05:29 PM

Thanks so much for the help....I'll let you both know how it goes. I'll go buy the parts I need tomorrow.

DairyQueen · 11-30-2008, 11:59 AM

I need help on this same issue. I've gotten the spout itself off and bought a replacement, but my problem is that whoever installed this old one, cut the back of the spout a good quarter inch to get it to fit around a lump in the shower wall. Now, the new spout can't be screwed onto the existing nipple because it's too long (the spout, not the nipple). I've tried to loosen the nipple to replace it but can't get it loose. I'm afraid to apply too much pressure for fear of breaking something. I've also considered trying to find someone to cut off the same amount on the back of the new spout. Any ideas?

buletbob · 11-30-2008, 12:33 PM

DAIRY QUEEN you replied to and old post, you might get more response's if you ran a new post.
you said they cut the nipple back 1/4" ? that's no good,you must change the nipple for the correct size. with plumbing pipe threads they start out as a slight taper and get wider as you screw more of the thread into the fitting giving you that water tight seal. so with the 1/4" removed you most likely will bottom out on two turns not seating the nipple properly.
the nipple should be able to be changed with out any problem, unless they used a iron nipple and not brass. make sure the tile or grout is not gluing it to the wall keeping you from turning it. A small pipe wrench will work better then pliers.
If you need to remove some material from the back of the spout,try running it across a belt sander. that will be better then cutting it, you will have a nice flat surface. BOB.

DairyQueen · 11-30-2008, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buletbob

DAIRY QUEEN you replied to and old post, you might get more response's if you ran a new post.
you said they cut the nipple back 1/4" ? that's no good,you must change the nipple for the correct size. with plumbing pipe threads they start out as a slight taper and get wider as you screw more of the thread into the fitting giving you that water tight seal. so with the 1/4" removed you most likely will bottom out on two turns not seating the nipple properly.
the nipple should be able to be changed with out any problem, unless they used a iron nipple and not brass. make sure the tile or grout is not gluing it to the wall keeping you from turning it. A small pipe wrench will work better then pliers.
If you need to remove some material from the back of the spout,try running it across a belt sander. that will be better then cutting it, you will have a nice flat surface. BOB.

No. They cut off the back of the spout itself. Darn. I don't have a belt sander.

buletbob · 11-30-2008, 12:46 PM

you will have to measure the inside of the spout, from where the nipple starts to screw in to it. and from the outside of the spout. remember this measurement, then measure the new spout the same way. what ever the difference is , is what you will have to remove. not necessarily the 1/4", the spout could be different. BOB.

DairyQueen · 11-30-2008, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buletbob

you will have to measure the inside of the spout, from where the nipple starts to screw in to it. and from the outside of the spout. remember this measurement, then measure the new spout the same way. what ever the difference is , is what you will have to remove. not necessarily the 1/4", the spout could be different. BOB.

I did that, Bob, and 1/4 is the difference. Any ideas where I can get it sanded?

buletbob · 11-30-2008, 12:51 PM

I would try a glass & mirror shop first they have the stand up type of disc and belt sanders.

DairyQueen · 11-30-2008, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buletbob

I would try a glass & mirror shop first they have the stand up type of disc and belt sanders.

Thank you!

buletbob · 11-30-2008, 01:27 PM

let us know if there is a problem BOB.

DairyQueen · 11-30-2008, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buletbob

let us know if there is a problem BOB.

So, let me ask you one more thing. How much pressure can I put on that nipple without breaking something? Is there a reason why it doesn't twist out easily?

This is the nipple that goes into the wall and extends to put the spout on.

buletbob · 11-30-2008, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DairyQueen

So, let me ask you one more thing. How much pressure can I put on that nipple without breaking something? Is there a reason why it doesn't twist out easily?

This is the nipple that goes into the wall and extends to put the spout on.

your best bet would be to post a picture of the nipple so we can see what shape its in .BOB