Replies

1. 
   FrankTate | Jul 07, 2005 02:12pm | #1

   Trev,

   Not a pro, but thought I would throw an idea out until the real guys show up.  You have a shower/tub combo.  Usually there is a diverter to switch between the two.  Do you have any pressure at the tub level?  What kind of control is it - single handle/double handle?  Has anything been done to the plumbing lately?  Is the shower head corroded or blocked with hard water deposits? 

   Maybe the answers can help narrow the question down a little.

   Frank
1. 
   kdrab206 | Jul 08, 2005 01:45pm | #2

   We have decent pressure at the tub, when we switch it to the shower is when we loose most of the pressure. It’s the old style controls, hot, cold and a center control to switch between shower & tub.  Nothing has been done to the plumbing lately.

   <!----><!----> <!---->

   It’s quite possible that the shower head is blocked/corroded with hard water deposits.  For all I know it never been replaced J  Thanks for the tip!  Don’t know why I didn’t think of that…I must be working too many hours at work.

   <!----> <!---->

   Trev

1. 
   FrankTate | Jul 08, 2005 02:20pm | #3

   It also sounds like you might have a blockage at the diverter valve if you have good pressure at the tub spout.  Time to replace the washers and valve seats?Frank

1. 
   kdrab206 | Jul 12, 2005 04:43pm | #4

   Well, checked the shower head and it was clear, so I guess it's probably the diverter valve and/or washers.

   Is it a headache to change these out?

   Thanks again for the help!

   Trev

1. 
   FrankTate | Jul 12, 2005 06:20pm | #5

   I didn't find it that hard.  Make sure you have the supplies and tools on hand (Especially the seat wrench, if you don't have it)and you shut the water supply off! Frank

2. 
   BryanSayer | Jul 12, 2005 06:39pm | #6

   Did you take the shower head off and turn on the water to the shower? If the flow is good, the problem is in the shower head. If not, the diverter. Soaking the shower head overnight in vinegar sometimes clears up deposits. Put it in a container, heat the vinegar, and pour it until it covers the head completly.

2. 
   csnow | Jul 12, 2005 06:52pm | #7

   Has it ever worked?  Another (somewhat less likely) possibility is that the shower line is restricted with a solder glob.  Happened to me once.  That one was tough to figure out...

3. 
   ChemicalLew | Jul 12, 2005 07:41pm | #8

   I've taken apart some galvanized-to-copper/brass fittings that have been completely full of "black stuff" - caused by electrical action between the two dissimilar metals. I couldn't believe that we even got water to flow at all. If you have any galvanized pipe - or even worse black iron - pipe in the area (like the shower riser behing the wall between the diverter and the showerhead) I wouldn't be surprised if that is the problem.

   Lew

4. 
   CapnMac | Jul 13, 2005 12:55am | #9

   Oh, one more shower/tub diverter question--when it's switched to "shower," is it all shower, or some spout and shower?

   If it is not all or nothing, then the diverter valve is shot/wore out.in need of washers & the like.

   If you've taken apart valves before, and you have the right collection of tools, and the right seats, o-rings, etc.--it's not a bad project.

   Stopping in the middle and trying to find the correct doohicky for a half dissassembled no-name valve in the plumbing aisle of the local big box at 2050 after a long day at work will make a brand new shower valve assembly right tempting, though (oh, those lovely memories, blistered, cut up fingers with funny grenn stuff under the nails memories . . . <g>)

   Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
5. 
   DanH | Jul 13, 2005 01:02am | #10

   First remove the shower head and try it with no head in place. It may simply be a clogged shower head. If not that then it's likely a clog in the valve or diverter.

   Another thing to try: When the shower is being wimpy, try the sink in the same bath. If it's getting normal pressure then likely the problem is local to the shower itself.

1. 
   kdrab206 | Jul 13, 2005 01:42am | #11

   Thanks for all the replies.

   To answer some of the questions:

   The shower was working normally, just with reduced flow.

   When I switch it to shower, I get a small trickle of water out of the head.

    

   I'll have to pull it apart this weekend...or just possibly replace it, depending on how hard it is to find replacement parts! :-)

   Thanks again for all the help!

    

   Trev

    

2. 
   kdrab206 | Jul 14, 2005 03:10am | #12

   Follow up.

    

   Pulled the diverter off today and found that the washer was totally gone. $.39 later I have a new washer, re-installed everything and it works fine.

    

   Thanks everyone for all your help.

    

   Trev