Fixing Tub & Shower Faucets

Is your tub or shower faucet leaking or not working? Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Olympia has tips and tricks to solve your issue. However, if you're not comfortable with DIY or these fixes still haven't helped, call our team to talk to an experienced Olympia plumber.

You can reach us or request an estimate online to get started on your plumbing repair today.

Diverter Valves 101

A three-handled faucet type has two handles to control hot and cold water and a third handle to control the diverter valve and direct water to either a tub spout or a shower head.

The separate hot and cold handles indicate cartridge or compression faucet designs. If a diverter valve sticks, if water flow is weak, or if water runs out of the tub spout when the flow is directed to the showerhead, the diverter needs to be repaired or replaced.

Most diverter valves are similar to either compression or cartridge faucet valves, says the experts at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Olympia. Compression-type diverters can be repaired, but cartridge types should be replaced.

Mr. Rooter Tips for Fixing Faucets

Tip #1 Two-handle and single-handle types use a gate diverter that is operated by a pull lever or knob on the tub spout.

Tip #2 Although gate diverters rarely need repair, the lever occasionally may break, come loose, or refuse to stay in the UP position.

Tip #3 To repair a gate diverter set in a tub spout, replace the entire spout.

How to Fix a One-Piece Faucet

Step #1 Apply a ring of plumber's putty around the base of the faucet body. (Some faucets use a gasket that does not require plumber's putty - read the manufacturer's directions carefully.)

Step #2 Insert the faucet tailpieces through holes in countertop or sink. From below, thread washers and locknuts over the tailpieces, then tighten the locknuts with a basin wrench until snug.

Step #3 Wrap plumber's tape around the tailpiece threads, then attach the supply tube couplings and tighten until snug. Connect drain linkage, then attach handles and trim caps.

Plumbing Trade Secret: Two-handle faucets have valves that are either compression or cartridge design. Single-handle faucets have valves that are cartridge, ball-type, or disc design.