The spout and showerhead are both open to the atmosphere, meaning that when the valve is on the water could travel either out the spout or up through the shower head. Because the spout is a shorter distance and at a lower elevation than the showerhead, water takes the path of least resistance out through the spout. When you pull up on the slider, the cup blocks the water from going to the spout, so the only way to go is through the showerhead. The pressure of the water holds the cup in place. The hole was possibly this manufacturer's method of relieving the pressure in the riser when the valve is off allowing the diverter slider to return to open. Answer from Genericname187329465 on reddit.com
Reddit
reddit.com › r/plumbing › how does a tub diverter spout send water up to the shower?
r/Plumbing on Reddit: How does a tub diverter spout send water up to the shower?
December 11, 2022 -
How does it work? The slider rides very loosely. The slider has a recess that captures a rubber "cup" the cup has a hole in it. Why does the slider and cup get pulled against the spout bulkhead rather than be pushed away? Is there a moving part in the rough-in that moves and directs water up to the shower when I pull up the diverter handle.
My spout was letting too much water dribble/leak out when the slider was up and water was diverted up to the shower. My repair was to place an o-ring inside the cup. The spout still dribbles, but much less.
Top answer 1 of 3
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The spout and showerhead are both open to the atmosphere, meaning that when the valve is on the water could travel either out the spout or up through the shower head. Because the spout is a shorter distance and at a lower elevation than the showerhead, water takes the path of least resistance out through the spout. When you pull up on the slider, the cup blocks the water from going to the spout, so the only way to go is through the showerhead. The pressure of the water holds the cup in place. The hole was possibly this manufacturer's method of relieving the pressure in the riser when the valve is off allowing the diverter slider to return to open.
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I basically have the same question. I get to take a closer look at the gate. It sits very loosely when it is supposed to be closed. The gap is still pretty wide. I wonder if it is the way it should be. Or the previous house owner found the wrong part to repair. Let me know if you get more information over the last three years and have the answer now.
Allora USA
allorausa.com › home › blogs › blogs
Complete Guide to Shower Diverters: Types, Functions, and Installation Tips
April 16, 2025 - This flexibility gives users the ability to combine shower experiences—for example, running an overhead rain shower with body sprays or switching between a handheld sprayer and a standard showerhead. A six-way diverter is typically operated by a single rotating control with clearly notched positions for each setting. Just like the two-way diverter, it must be used in combination with a pressure-balance or thermostatic mixing valve, as it does not regulate water temperature or pressure on its own.
Videos
DIY Home Improvement
diychatroom.com › home › forums › home improvement › plumbing
How does a shower spout diverter work? | DIY Home Improvement Forum
For theoretical understanding, ... exit the tub spout. When you pull up on tub spout and divert water to the showerhead, you change the path of least resistance from the tub spout to the showerhead....
Mr. Rooter
mrrooter.com › home › about/blog › how does a shower diverter work
How Does a Shower Diverter Work? | Mr. Rooter Plumbing
These diverters are usually activated ... input. When the pressure in the tub faucet exceeds the pressure in the showerhead, it automatically closes the valve in the tub faucet, redirecting the water to the showerhead....
Elite Rooter
eliterooter.com › home › what is a shower diverter and how it works?
What is a Shower Diverter and How It Works?
August 14, 2025 - When the lever or knob is in the “up” position, water flows from the pipe to the showerhead. When it’s in the “middle” position, water flows from the pipe to the handheld sprayer.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing
mrrooter.ca › home › about/blog › how does a shower diverter work
How Does a Shower Diverter Work?| Mr. Rooter Blog
Three-valve shower diverter: Tubs with separate hot and cold handles may have a three-valve diverter located between them. Turn this third handle clockwise 180 degrees to send hot and cold water to the showerhead.
YouTube
youtube.com › watch
What is a Shower Diverter? - YouTube
I was in the shower recently when I thought "How does that shower thing work?". obviously its a valve of some sort but it seemed so lightweight and I knew i...
Published February 9, 2023
Absolute Plumbing
absoluteplumbingonline.com › home › blog › how does a shower diverter work?
How Does a Shower Diverter Work? | Absolute Plumbing
November 13, 2024 - Tee Diverter: This single-valve diverter is found in the tub spout itself. Pulling up on the post at the top of the spout activates the diverter, blocking the water flow to the spout and redirecting it to the shower head.
RBROHANT
rbrohant.com › home › what’s a shower diverter valve and how does a shower valve work?
What’s a Shower Diverter Valve and How Does a Shower Valve Work?
A diverter valve typically has a lever or knob that you can operate to change the water flow direction, controlling which outlet the water is directed to. There are several types of shower diverter valves, including:
Angi
angi.com › solution center › plumbing
Shower Plumbing Diagram: How Your Shower Works | Angi
May 2, 2025 - Diverters redirect the flow of water in your shower—typically from a bathtub faucet to a showerhead (if you have a shower-tub combo) or from a showerhead to a hand shower (if you have a rain showerhead).
Physics Forums
physicsforums.com › classical physics
How does a bathtub/shower diverter valve work? • Physics Forums
November 6, 2022 - It operates using a three-way valve ... "S" (Shower). When the diverter lever is activated, it blocks the bathtub spout and redirects water to the showerhead, utilizing water pressure to maintain its position....
Master Plumber®
masterplumber.ca › home › support › how to instructions › shower & bath
Shower & Bath - Master Plumber®
March 23, 2023 - Turn off water supply, then drain lines by turning on faucet handles and diverter handle. A diverter functions in the same manner as a faucet. For stem-type diverters, turning the handle causes the stem to move into the valve seal and redirect the water to the shower head.
Best Plumbing
bestplumbing.com › 2018 › 05 › 22 › shower-diverters-what-they-are-and-what-they-do
Shower Diverters: What They Are and What They Do - Best Plumbing
May 22, 2018 - When the diverter valve is open, water flows directly through the faucet and into the tub. However, when you want to take a shower, you lift the knob or lever to close the diverter valve.
Angi
angi.com › solution center › remodeling
What Is a Shower Diverter? | Angi
December 12, 2024 - This overlooked component allows you to seamlessly switch between your bathtub and shower (or a rain showerhead and handheld showerhead), giving your space greater functionality. This guide covers what a shower diverter is, types to choose from, and how they work.
Hunker
hunker.com › 13408216 › how-does-a-tub-diverter-valve-work
How Does A Tub Diverter Valve Work? - Hunker
February 1, 2022 - When the diverter handle is turned in one direction, the cylinder is lifted away from the water pipes, which creates zero water pressure and sends the water down to the tub spout.
Lipka Home
lipkahome.com › lipka home › explore › how does diverter valve work?
How Does Diverter Valve Work? | Lipka Home
May 27, 2024 - When the valve is in another position, water flows through the handheld sprayer. Shower diverters are generally easy to operate, and their operation usually depends on the type of diverter you have installed in your shower system.
Pinterest
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Bathroom Faucet And Shower Diagram
February 8, 2013 - This is the most complicated of the installation diagrams. The shower valve has a diverter to take the water from the tub spout to the shower head. (If you have the water delivered to the tub spout first, it is easier to test the temperature.)
STARBATH
starbathus.com › news › how does a shower diverter valve work
How Does a Shower Diverter Valve Work — STARBATH
December 26, 2023 - Users can choose which outlet to activate, providing versatility in shower options. A simpler version, the two-way diverter valve directs water flow between two outlets.
Home Stratosphere
homestratosphere.com › types-of-shower-diverters
14 Different Types of Shower Diverters to Control the Flow
June 19, 2023 - This type of shower diverter does not have a dial function. So, there’s less control than other types. It’s operated with a push & pull function or a push-only function. You can only entirely turn off the diverter or turn it on to full flow. You will commonly see this type of diverter used with a tub and shower combination. This type of shower valve is constructed out of the handle of the shower valve trim that is already there. One way it may work ...
Pinterest
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shower diverter diagram
March 30, 2019 - Wall-mounted Shower Faucet Diagram · Plumbing Layout · Shower Diverter · Visit · Save · google.com · shower diverter diagram - Google Search ·