The middle knob or lever is the water diverter for the bathtub. The middle knob on a three-knob bathtub faucet changes the direction of the flow of water from the bathtub faucet to the shower head. When the middle knob stops working, is frozen in place, hampers the flow of water to the bathtub faucet, or causes water to pour out of the bathtub faucet while the shower is running, it is typically the gaskets on the diverter valve that need to be replaced. The simplest way to bypass problematic middle knob and get your bathtub faucet to work correctly is to replace the diverter valve on the bathtub faucet. Turn off the water supply to the bathtub and shower. Remove the screw on the shower diverter knob and pull off the knob. If the knob does not come off easily, it may have corroded or rusted in place on the shower knob stem. In this case, you will have to carefully pry off the handle with a large, flat-blade screwdriver. Use a plumbers wrench to remove the threaded metal sleeve tube of the shower knob stem.

Cut the caulk that was used to adhere the metal cover plate to the shower tile wall with a box knife and then remove the metal cover plate. Cute Puppies For Sale In HertfordshireRemove any remaining caulk from the back of the metal cover plate. Wedding Dress Rental PenangUse the plumber's wrench to unscrew the shower diverter and remove it from its seat in the pipe. House For Sale Le Biot FranceThe shower diverter is a cylinder with two rubber O-rings or gaskets on it. Insert the new shower diverter valve into its seat in the pipe and hand tighten it. Turn the shower diverter valve a quarter turn with the plumber's wrench to secure it in place and form a seal with the O-rings. Turn on the water supply to the bathtub and shower.

Test the bathtub faucet by attaching the middle knob to the end of the shower diverter valve to ensure that you installed the new diverter valve properly. When done correctly there will be no visible leaks from the middle knob, and the water will flow from the bathtub faucet or the shower head, depending on which is selected when the water faucets are turned on. Run a thin bead of caulk around the back rim of the metal cover plate and slide it on the diverter valve's stem and press it against the tile. Reinstall the metal tube sleeve knob stem and the middle knob of the bathtub faucet. Things You Will Need Large flat-blade screwdriver Plumber's wrench Box knife Shower diverter valve Plumbing caulk Tip Warning References Home Improvements Depot: How To Replace a Shower Diverter ValveDelta Faucet: Shower FAQsThis Old House: Replace a Leaky Shower Diverter Photo Credits David De Lossy/Photodisc/Getty Images Suggest a CorrectionThis article will explain how to replace the diverter for a three handle tub & shower faucet.

In order to replace the diverter, you must: 1. Remove the old diverter 2. Install the new diverter 3. Test for leaks - Remove the old diverter a. Using a pair of adjustable pliers, remove the threaded sleeve assembly by turning counter-clockwise. b. Remove the stem extension. To do so, pull the stem extension off of the cartridge assembly. c. Remove the cartridge by holding the stem of the cartridge and pulling away from the faucet body. Step 2 - Install the new diverter a. Slide the diverter into the faucet body. To properly orient the cartridge, rotate the cartridge so that the stopper is on the left side. Slide the cartridge into the faucet body so that the notches on the cartridge line up with the grooves on the faucet body. b. Re-install the stem extension. If the two pieces of the stem extension have separated, connect them by lining up the matching notches. c. Re-install the threaded sleeve with a pair of adjustable pliers.

In order to avoid over tightening the threaded sleeve, hand tighten the sleeve and then use the adjustable pliers to apply a quarter turn. Approximately 10-14 lbs of torque are required to properly install the lock nut. Step 3 - Test for leaks a. Once all of the parts are re-installed, turn on the water supply to the faucet. Turn the faucet on and allow water to run for aproximately 10 minutes. Watch for any leaks. If you notice water leaking from the cartridge assembly, turn the faucet off, tighten the threaded sleeve and test again. Danze - Tub/Shower with Integrated Diverter installation instructions Danze - Diverter Installation Instructions Danze - Product identification Catalog Danze - How To Change A Handle Danze - Diverter installation instructions for roman tub faucet with integrated diverterHow to Replace a Delta Single Faucet Shower Diverter Without a diverter valve, every bathtub-shower combination would have one set of controls for the water that exits from the bathtub spout and another set that regulates the water that comes out of the showerhead.

A diverter valve is simply a switch that changes, or "diverts," the incoming water to either the bathtub spout or to the showerhead. Unfortunately, diverter valves develop problems, and leaks are the result. Thankfully, replacing a shower diverter manufactured by Delta is simple. Turn the main water supply off by twisting the water supply valve next to the water meter in a clockwise direction with a wrench. Place a towel over the tub's drain to prevent the risk of lost parts. Pry the cap off of the middle of the diverter valve with a screwdriver, then use the screwdriver to remove the screw from the center of the handle. Pull the handle away from the wall of the shower to remove it. Remove the screws holding the trim plate that surrounds the valve and rests against the shower's wall with a screwdriver, then pull the plate away from the wall. Insert a deep-socket or a stem-socket kit into the shower's wall and twist the socket until it locks onto the edges of the diverter valve.

Twist the valve with the socket in a counterclockwise direction until the valve can be withdrawn from the wall. Insert the replacement diverter valve into the shower's wall, then tighten the valve in place with either the deep-socket or the stem-socket kit. Place the trim plate over the valve and against the wall, then install the plate's screws with a screwdriver. Slide the valve's handle onto the tip of the diverter valve and install the handle's single screw with a screwdriver. Press the handle's cap into place in the center of the handle. Turn the main water supply back on to complete the replacement process. "Home Improvement 1-2-3," Benjamin Allen, 2003 Home Repair and Improvement, Creative Homeowner, 2006 Delta manufactures a large array of fixtures for the bathroom and kitchen. There are several styles and finishes of bathroom fixtures for... How to Repair a Pull-Up Diverter Spout on a Delta Tub. How to Replace a Delta Single Faucet Shower Diverter.