How to Fix a Shower Converter

Locate the main water valve near the water meter and turn it off to stop the supply of water during the repair process. Turn on the shower faucet to let water in the plumbing line drain completely. Cover the drain with a towel to keep nuts and other repair accessories from rolling around and getting lost.

Loosen and remove the screw that secures the handle to the diverter valve using a screwdriver or wrench. Most diverter handles feature a screw under the handle. If your valve has a decorative button covering the screw, gently pry it loose with a screwdriver, or use pliers to thread it loose and gain access to the screw. Work carefully when removing the ornamental plate, or escutcheon, from the shower wall so you do not damage or chip the shower tile.

Locate the nuts on the diverter valve’s stem or handle. Loosen the nuts in turn, using a wrench.

Twist open the diverter valve assembly using a ratchet wrench. Wipe away any drops of water on or around the stem or nuts. Locate and tighten the inner nut on the stem to stop the water leak. If the water does not stop dripping, tighten the other nuts as much as possible.

Loosen and remove the old stem screw at the end of the valve using a screwdriver, and replace it with a new one if the water leak does not stop. Replacing the screw with a new one will completely stop the leak. Tighten the screw back in place.

Remove the retaining nut above the washer and slide it out of the spindle. Dip a wire brush in vinegar and use it to clean the inner edges of the nut. Slide the nut back on the spindle and tighten it.

Fix the cover plate back in place using a screwdriver. Set the knob back on the faucet using a wrench and replace the decorative plate.