Everything You Need To Know About Water Line Diverters
Diverters are an important part of your plumbing system, but one that many people are unaware of. The following can help you learn more.
Types of Plumbing Diverters
There are two main types of diverters found on the water lines in most homes. The first is a diverter in the tap or faucet that allows the water to shift between hot and cold. While some taps are set up with two handles, each hooked up to only one of the two water lines, others are operated by a single handle that moves between the spectrum of cold-warm-hot. A water mixing diverter in the faucet opens and closes in increments to control the flow of hot and cold water so the desired warmth is achieved.
The other type of diverter is the one commonly found in tub-shower combos or in the kitchen sink if you have both a sprayer and a faucet. This diverter controls whether the water comes from the faucet or from the showerhead or sprayer.
Common Failure Issues
Diverters typically fail due to age, so the older the plumbing the more likely that the diverter will fail. Sometimes you will have warnings that a problem is developing. For example, the valve you turn to divert water becomes harder to move or prone to sticking. In other instances, failure happens with no previous warning. When this is the case, you may be able to use the faucet but not the sprayer, or vice versa.
Diverters can also fail due to other issues in the plumbing. Too much water pressure in the lines can put undue pressure on a diverter and cause it to have a much shorter lifespan. Hard water can also damage diverters. In this case, limescale builds up on the diverter and causes it to become stuck in a single position.
Prevention and Repair
If you have hard water, then installing a water softener can help prevent limescale issues that lead to stuck diverters. Overly high water pressure can also be treated by installing a pressure regulating valve on your water lines. This valve helps maintain a steady, safe level of pressure in the lines at all times.
If the diverter has failed or is in the process of failing, then it must be replaced. Your plumber will determine whether it is a diverter along the water line or one within the faucet that requires replacement.
Contact a plumbing service if you suspect an issue with a diverter on your water line.
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