Why Does My Tub Faucet Leak When the Shower Is On?

February 23, 2021

If you own a shower/tub combination instead of a walk-in shower stall, you may have noticed that the tub faucet leaks when water is coming from the showerhead. It might be a small trickle of water, or it could be gallons that rob the showerhead of water pressure. Either way, your tub faucet leaking during a shower in Conway, SC is a nuisance.

The reason for the annoying leak has to do with a faulty diverter valve—the shower part that redirects water from the tub faucet up to the showerhead when you pull up on the spout knob. Continue reading to learn more about diverter problems and what can be done to fix your faulty shower.

Common diverter issues

Diverter problems don’t just occur out of the blue—there are many common issues that plumbers see every day. These are a few of the most well-known issues:

  • Blockage: The easiest solution for a malfunctioning diverter is realizing something is blocking the closing of the disk, handle or button. Most of the time, the root of the problem is calcium buildup, which you can remedy yourself. Simply remove the faucet, soak it in vinegar overnight and clean it with a toothbrush.
  • Broken washer: Diverters that rely on rubber or nylon washers to ensure the spigot holds can stop working in just a few years. This is because those washers start to crack or get bent somehow. Again, you can likely fix this problem yourself! Just remove the faucet and replace the damaged washer.
  • Corrosion: A faucet leaking in Conway, SC can also be caused by corrosion on the spout threads that connect the spout to the pipes. This is a dangerous one, as the leak could occur behind the shower in addition to the leaking faucet. Call a pro as soon as possible to replace the diverter and ensure there isn’t mold growth behind the wall.

Ways to avoid diverter problems

You can avoid your faucet leaking in Conway, SC by simply paying attention to signs of diverter issues. Follow these tips to ensure your diverter and faucet work as designed:

  • Perform inspections: Keeping an eye on your leaking faucet can do wonders to prevent larger diverter issues. Take your faucet off and check to ensure there isn’t a broken washer or a blockage somewhere in it. You can also hire a pro if you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself.
  • Soak your faucet in vinegar: If your faucet starts to leak while your shower is on, remove it for a thorough cleaning. As we mentioned above, soaking it in vinegar overnight should do the trick to loosen debris and prevent calcium buildup.
  • Hire a professional right away: Don’t wait around to address a leaking faucet. After all, it’s not going to fix itself! Call a licensed plumber right away to fix that leak and ensure your faucet is in tip-top shape.

If you need someone to fix a tub faucet that’s leaking in your shower in Conway, SC, turn to our pros at Rooter Express. We work quickly to solve all your plumbing issues, and we have some of the most competitive rates in town. Give us a call today to learn what we can do for you and your home.

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