Anybody know anything about plumbing? (1 Viewer)

[Todd H]

I am having a problem with the tub/shower in one of my bathrooms. When I turn on the water to fill the tub up, water comes out of the shower head as well as the faucet. I'm thinking the diverter needs replacing. Of course, the contractor that built my house says nothing is wrong and that my water pressure is too high. Being that I am still having problems with his work, I don't really believe him and think he's trying to get out of fixing it (his terrible work could easily be the subject of a separate thread).

Am I right in thinking that it is simply a diverter problem?

 

[Mort Corey]

I sounds like a diverter....but that aside, have you checked the pressure in your house? High pressure (over about 60 pounds) can reek all kinds of havoc on fixtures and valves. You can buy a cheap gauge at HD for under ten bucks and you'll know for sure. Does you house have a PRV (pressure regulating valve) in line from the supply?

Mort

 

[Todd H]

I have no idea what a PRV is or what it looks like. I'll try and pick up a pressure gauge this weekend and check it out.

 

[BrianW]

Todd, what kind of diverter to you have? Is it a valve that you turn, or is it a "plunger" at the end of your bath faucet that you lift up?

 

[Todd H]

Plunger.

 

[Dennis Nicholls]

If it's the pressure, the CONTRACTOR is at fault anyway. He's the guy who built your house. He should have installed the proper pressure regulating valve. Why would he state the pressure is wrong when HE was the one reponsible for installing the PRV?????

 

[Todd H]

Thanks for this nugget of info. I'm going to call the contractor again and have another talk with him. He's been a nightmare to deal with since our house was "finished."

 

[Dennis Nicholls]

Check with you local building code but IIUC a PRV is required by code in most jurisdictions.

 

[Jeff Ulmer]

While you are checking on the PRV code, I'd also ask about a check valve on the service, which will stop your house from being drained should there be a power outage that takes out the service pumps.