Water coming out of the faucet when using the shower can affect the water pressure on the showerhead. You will not only take longer to bathe, but the low water pressure will also lead to leakage and water wastage.
Water coming out of the faucet when using the shower mostly results from a faulty or damaged diverter. You need to fix it to enable all the water to move up to the showerhead.
But how do you solve the problem? Read on and get an in-depth solution.
How To Fix If Water Still Comes Out of The Faucet When Using the Shower?
If water comes out of the faucet because of a faulty or broken diverter, you can solve this by yourself or work with a professional to solve it. If you decide to do it as a DIY project, use the below procedures to solve the issue.
1. Soak The Faucet In Vinegar
One of the simple ways to prevent the faucet from leaking when using a shower is by soaking it in vinegar. The vinegar will help clean the spout preventing any blockage when running the shower. Remember, when dirt or grime builds up inside the faucet, it will result in a gap between the diverter and the water opening, making water come out of it.
You can fix this by;
- Fill an airtight plastic bag with white vinegar. Ensure the plastic bag is ¾ full of vinegar.
- Then slide the bag over the faucet and ensure its opening is fully submerged. Use several rubber bands around the plastic bag to enable it to hold well over the faucet.
- Then let the bag of vinegar stay around the faucet for 12-24 hours.
- After that, remove it and test if the diverter is working without water coming out when using the shower.
2. Clean Or Replace the Washer in The Diverter
Alternatively, replace the washer inside the diverter if it’s corroded and prevent water from coming from the faucet. Before you start this, cover the tub with a cloth to prevent screws from falling off.
- Remove The Faucet
You should remove the faucet by twisting it anticlockwise and pulling it out. You should do this if the diverter is attached to the faucet. But if it’s a standalone diverter, unscrew the screws and pull it out.
- Disassemble The Diverter
Disassemble the diverter using pliers or screwdrivers. When you do this, you will have the pin/knob and the diverter valve. If you realize a problem with the diverter, consider getting a replacement at the home improvement store.
- Pull Out the Rubber Washer
However, if the diverter is okay, continue and assess the rubber washer. If the washer is damaged or corroded, consider replacing it, as it can be the reason for the leakage. If the washer (round rubber piece on the diverter) is dirty clean it to stop the leakage.
Note that you shouldn’t use any chemicals to clean the washer as this will encourage decay with time. So, use water and soap only and ensure you rinse it thoroughly. But if it’s damaged, it’s better to replace it. Carry the washer with you to the store to get a perfect replacement like the one you removed.
Make sure you coat the washer with silicon grease before putting it back in the diverter to enable it to slide smoothly when water runs to the showerhead.
- Clean Inside the Faucet
Furthermore, you should clean inside the faucet to prevent grime build-up and water from coming out when using the shower. Clean inside the faucet with a flat file to encourage better water pressure in the shower.
Do this repeatedly until the faucet looks newer. But if you don’t have a flat file, use a knife or flathead screwdriver. You can also soak it overnight with vinegar to remove all the dirt without struggling.
- Reassemble The Diverter
After solving the problem inside the faucet, reassemble the spout. Install the valve back into the faucet and push the knob through the opening. To do this, use extra force to have the pin into the valve. After the pin attaches to the valve, pull the knob up and down to test if it’s working.
- Install Plumbers Tape on The Pipe
You should do this to connect the faucet and pipe better. Before doing this, you should remove the old plumber’s tape. Then apply 4-5 layers of the tape around the pipe. The plumber’s tape is applied to prevent water from coming out afterward.
- Reinstall The Faucet
You should also reinstall the faucet after fixing the problem inside it. Use the same procedure you used to remove it by twisting it clockwise. Turn it until the faucet rests against the tile and its opening points downwards. But don’t overtighten it to avoid any complications.
- Test If the Diverter is Working
You should then test if the diverter is working as it should. Pull it up and down after opening the water. Pull it up and down repeatedly until you notice everything is okay. If it fails to open and close as it should, the pin could be bent, or the valve is broken and requires replacements.
3. Replace the Faucet
Even though shower faucets can be expensive, the permanent and best solution to a leaky faucet is to replace it. Carry the damaged or faulty faucet to the store to get a perfect match that will fit in the pipe. Then install it by yourself to avoid spending more cash. But if you don’t know how to do this, it’s better to work with a professional.
Bottom Line
When water comes out of the faucet, anytime you use the shower, you will pay more water and electricity bills. To avoid this, you need to find where the problem is and get a permanent solution. In most cases, water leaks through the faucet when using the shower because of a faulty diverter.
So, you need to clean the diverter using white vinegar or a flat file to get rid of the dirt inside the faucet. If any of these doesn’t help, consider replacing the faucet to have your showerhead work without such challenges.
