What Is a Diverter Valve in Plumbing?

If you’ve ever wondered what is a diverter valve in plumbing, you’re not alone. A diverter valve controls water flow in and out of your home’s plumbing system. If your combi boiler is older than 10 years, you’re likely experiencing problems with your diverter valve. Repairing your diverter valve will ensure your hot water heater works properly, and fix any heating and hot water problems you might have. Your shower diverter valve is one of the simplest parts in your plumbing system, but it can wear out over time. It will fail if it does not fully seal around the inner stopper, letting water out the faucet. Depending on how old the diverter valve is, the rubber stopper may also start to wear out or have calcium deposits. To solve the problem, you need to replace the diverter valve and any dripping faucets. If you have a faulty shower diverter valve, you’ll find that the water flows from the faucet into the tub instead of the showerhead. This can make showering difficult and can even cause valve strain. When cleaning your diverter valve, keep a stopper on the faucet, or close the water shutoff valve to avoid parts falling down the drain. The diverter valve can be easily damaged, so you’ll need to clean it frequently with the full force of a running faucet to prevent damage to the valve. If you have a bathtub that serves as a standup shower, you should install a diverter valve in order to feed the shower head. These valves are located in the center of the bathtub handles. Turn the valve clockwise to feed the shower head while turning counterclockwise to feed the tub. This way, you can choose whether you want to use water from either source. It’s easy to confuse diverter valves in your plumbing system if you’re not familiar with it. If you’re installing a laundry to landscape system, a quality brass three-port valve is recommended. This valve features a one-inch female pipe thread and two-inch threaded adapters for connecting copper. Using a copper pipe is not recommended as it’s subject to corrosion and scale. PEX pipes are flexible, easy to install, and do not require solder. The plastic tubing has become more popular, especially in newer constructions. The diverter valve is the most delicate part of a faucet. A dirty valve can cause low water pressure or uneven water pressure. It may also prevent the smooth transition from spray to spout. So, it’s important to clean and maintain your diverter valve. When it’s working properly, you should be able to use your faucet as normal. And of course, a diverter valve will help you enjoy your shower! Diverter valves are usually located between two taps. In a two-tap faucet, a three-valve diverter is located between the two taps. When the water flow from the faucet goes to the tub, it passes through the diverter valve. Similarly, a three-valve diverter is located between two faucets. It’s important to know where the diverter valve is located in your plumbing system. Click here to learn more about boiler engineer derby.