How does bathtub faucet work

Once you get the right temperature, you can keep the water running into your tub, or twist the diverter valve degrees to divert the water up into the showerhead. When water pours into the tub through the spigot, the valve is open. When the handle is turned degrees, the valve moves forward and a rubber washer plugs the spigot of the tub so no water can get through. There are a number of different ways this shower looks. Some showers have two handles that regulate temperature , which open the cold and hot water lines separately.

The water mixes together before coming out of the spout. Other showers have one handle that opens both of the water lines, and depending on how far the handle is turned, determines how much each of the two water lines is opened and how hot or cold the water is by mixing the water temperatures. Either way, the diverter valve is generally found on the spigot of the tub.

Although diverter valves are a fairly simple way to control whether or not water flows from the tub to the showerhead, if they break down and fail, they could cause other major problems in your bathroom. If you open a claim with your home warranty company right away, though, you could only have to pay a small service call fee. You may need to soak the faucet in vinegar overnight to soften calcium build-up or clean it out with a small soft brush.

With the three-valve shower, if you can take the shower faucet off easily , you can try and open the valve and see if there are any blockages within the valve and brush them off with a clean cloth. Some diverters rely heavily on rubber or nylon washers to make sure the holes to the spigot are properly closed. If these washers crack, fall apart, or get bent, they could be the cause of the problem with the diverter. If you see a broken or cracked washer, this is something that will need to be replaced.

Sometimes the threads on the crew that connect the spout to the pipe can corrode. Not sure how to do that? Toggle navigation Help View Cart Contact. Basic Tub Spout Types Reference Information Bathtub spouts may need to be replaced for a few common reasons: the diverter can get worn out so that it no longer blocks the water flow to divert the water to the showerhead the threads that connect the spout to the pipe can corrode or crack allowing water to trickle along the pipe and drip inside the wall causing damage the finish on the spout can corrode or flake off or the finish may just need updating if you decide to change any of the other fixtures in the bathroom.

Step 1: Remove any caulking around the wall end of the tub spout with a putty knife or razor. Step 2: Locate the setscrew, which is typically located on the underside of the spout, close to the wall.

They are often very small so you may find it helpful to use a flashlight to locate the screw. Loosen the screw, being careful not to drop it down the drain. Helpful Hint: Place a washcloth over the tub drain before loosening the setscrew to keep the screw from falling down the drain.

Step 4: Once the setscrew is loose, use both hands to pull the tub spout straight out, away from the wall. If it's been there for a while it may be a bit stubborn. If so, you can try turning the spout slightly as you pull.

Refer to the manufacturer's specifications prior to purchasing and installing to ensure you have the appropriate length for your spout. If your pipe is shorter than the minimum length, you may need an adapter to make your new spout fit. If it is longer, you may need to cut the pipe slightly. Step 2: Clean off the pipe coming from the wall if there is any build-up on the pipe.

If there are burrs or rough spots on the end, use sandpaper to make the pipe smooth. Helpful Hint: For copper pipes plumbed through fiberglass or thin walls the use of a stainless steel push lock nut can secure and lock the copper pipe in place.

You can find these stainless steel push lock nuts here. Step 3: Slide the tub spout on the pipe until the tub spout meets the wall.

Then secure the spout by tightening the setscrew. How to Remove a Threaded Tub Spout Step 1: Use a large pipe wrench to remove the spout by securing the wrench over the tub spout and turning it counterclockwise to loosen. Removing a threaded tub spout really is as easy as just unscrewing it! Front-End Threaded. Wall-End Threaded. How to Install a Threaded Tub Spout Step 1: Make sure that your new spout is the same length as your old one to avoid having to adjust the pipes or use an adapter.

Step 3: Apply some silicone caulking around the edge of the where the pipe meets the wall to prevent water from dripping behind the spout and into the shower wall. Step 4: Thread the spout onto the pipe, start off slowly so as not to cross threads. Tighten until snug and be sure to line up the spout vertically with the rest of the fixtures. The lines run to the faucet's intake and wait for the faucet to be turned on.

Underneath each knob is a stem, which is a plastic fitting that regulates the flow of hot and cold water. The hot and cold water lines run into a central mixing area, which blends the hot and cold water so it can be dispensed through the faucet itself.

Increasing or decreasing the flow of either line will regulate the pressure and temperature of the water. If there is an overhead shower, another step is added.

When the shower is turned on, the water, rather than coming out of the mixer, will be directed by a valve to the shower pipe.