Water Coming Out Of The Shower Head While Filling Bathtub

One of the things that can happen while you’re filling the bathtub is that the water is slightly leaking out of your shower head. If this is the case, don’t panic! Keep in mind that when you have a tub and shower in your bathtub, only one section of them can run at a time (either tub or a shower). By having this issue, you could waste more water than needed, which results in a higher water bill. In this article, we’ll explain how to fix this issue. So, let’s start!

So Why Is Water Coming Out Of the Shower Head While Filing the Bathtub? Usually, the main cause why the showerhead leaks while filling the bathtub is because of a faulty diverter valve whose main function is to divert water from the showerhead to the bathtub faucet and vice versa.

However, there are several reasons that can cause this problem. Here are the most common ones:

• Water flow problem
• Installation mishap
• A faulty diverter valve

On almost every tub’s spout, you will notice a handle whose main purpose is to divert water from the tub to the shower head after you pull it out. By pulling the handle, you are changing the water direction. So, if water leaks from your shower head without previously touching the handle, you probably have a problem with the shower diverter valve.

The first step that we need to do to block the water from the tube is to pull the knob on the tub’s faucet. This will allow the diverter to rotate inside the pipe and prevent the water from leaking into the tub. Like all plumbing materials, the diverter also wears out after some time, resulting in water leakage from both segments simultaneously.

However, to ensure that your diverter valve lasts as long as possible and works properly, you should return it to the previous position after each use. This means that it is desirable to redirect water to flow back to the bathtub spout after each shower use and before turning off the faucet. If a problem is present, you will need to disassemble the valve and remove any build-up you notice on the diverter that prevents it from working smoothly.

If you are one of those who want to learn more about your bathtub, feel free to read How a Bathtub Works? Plumber Explain.

Equipment To Repair Shower Diverter Valve:

Here are the basic things you need to have:

• Screwdriver
• Wire brush
• White vinegar

How To Fix The Shower Diverter Valve?

When it comes to fixing the diverter valve, you don’t need to worry. This is an easy problem that can be fixed in just a few minutes. However, if you don’t know how to do this, we recommend contacting a professional plumber.

The first step is to remove the cap off the tub’s faucet. To do this, you need to remove the shower handle. You’ll then see the diverter valve. Find the nut and untwist it with the screw and a washer. After you’re done, just inspect them and see if they are in good condition. If they are worn out, substitute them.

To remove debris or sediment from the valve, use the wire brush and soak it in the vinegar. To check that you’re done everything correctly, just run the faucet after you assemble the dry valve.

Sometimes the valve can be damaged, or it can have too much gunk. If that is the case, it’s best to remove it and replace it with the new one. If you want to learn more about this topic, be sure to watch this Youtube video on how to replace a shower faucet diverter.

For those who want to learn more, be sure to read How Long Does it Take to Fill an Average Bathtub?

Why Does My Shower Head Leak When the Water is Off?

If your shower head leaks when the water is off, then you have a different issue. The first thing you need to do is check the showerhead for lime or calcium deposits. Most old showers have this issue where lime and calcium deposits are buildups.

When you notice mineral deposits in your shower head, clogging occurs. This can be noticed when releasing water. Water slowly drips out of the showerhead, appearing to leak. While this is not a serious problem, you’ll still need to replace your shower head.

Keep in mind that there are a few ways how you can remove mineral buildup on the showerhead:

• Buy white vinegar (can be found in most stores)
• Using lime-away (can be found in Lowes and HomeDepot)
• CLR Remover (Calcium Lime Rust) (can be found in Walmart and Lowes)

Just place the showerhead in the white vinegar and let it sit there for 15 minutes. And that’s it!

FAQ: People Also Ask

Can a shower diverter be fixed?

This usually depends on the condition of the shower diverter. By having a damaged diverter you will wastewater and have a bad shower experience. In most cases, repairing a shower diverter is an easy DIY job that can be done in one day.

How much does it cost to replace a shower diverter valve?

The cost of replacing the shower diverter valve is around $225 to $575. This depends on the diverter valve brand and type. However, sometimes replacing a shower cartridge can also fix this issue, which costs $100 to $350.

Where is my shower diverter?

The diverter valve is usually located on the tub spout end. Just pull up on the diverter to activate it, and the water will be sent to the showerhead. By pushing the diverter down, the water will flow through the tub again.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, you don’t need to be a professional plumber to fix this issue. In this article, we have explained why this problem occurs and how you can solve it. However, if you run into some other issue and you think you can’t solve it on your own, be sure to call a plumber. You don’t want to run into an even bigger problem than you actually have. I hope that we’ve helped you solve this problem.