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How to fix shower diverter

How to fix shower diverter? Shower Repair Explained

Turning your shower on should be as easy the flip of the switch, but if your shower diverter has a problem, then you are likely to have difficulties to operates the shower. How to fix shower diverter? What most people don’t know is that you can repair your shower diverter quick and easy. In this article, we shall explore the various ways in which you can repair the diverter valve and continues to enjoy your shower.

 What is a water diverter valve?

It refers to a valve that diverts the flow of the water from the bathtub faucet direct to the showerhead. It helps facilitate you to have the shower and a bathtub in the same space, which is very important while taking your shower. Most of the shower diverters are controlled by a pin knob which you are supposed to pull. However, there are different type of shower diverter which you can use. Sometimes the diverter gate gets stuck and when you try to turn it on or pull it up and then it refuses to budge or makes squeaky. The highest chance is that it has accumulated some dirt and limescale and therefore you need to fix the problem.

How to repair a shower diverter?

shower

Once you realize the shower diverter is broken, you need to proceed and fix the problem. A broker shower diverter is likely to waste a lot of water which could increase the water bill and also limit the shower experience. You can follow the following steps and fix your shower diverter.

  • Remove the valve diverter.

You need to shut off the water first and turn the faucet on until that time when the water will stop to flows.  Seeping water is likely to mess your workplace, and this could make it difficult for you to fix the broken shower diverter. Once you have ensured, there is no water leakage, and then you can move to the next step. It would help if you were more careful while removing the valve diverter to avoid causing more damages.

  • Troubleshoot the diverter

You need to identify the main issue which needs to be fixed on the shower diverter since there are some which may not need much to get restored. For instance, there are some shower which needs to tighten the screw while others need more repair and therefore troubleshooting the problem is essential. Once you try to fix the diverter and the water continues to pour then you to get further and fix the problem.

  • Remove the old shower diverter.

How to fix shower diverter

You need to disassemble the shower diverter and remove all the part of the diverter, especially if your diverter has a rotating valve.  Ensure that you have unscrewed the nut of the diverter and also remove the entire valve and this would allow you to detect the problem.  You are likely to diagnose the problem and fix it if you open all the part and check the parts which could be causing the leakages.

  • Choose another new diverter.

Once you have removed the old diverter, then you need to replace it with the new shower diverter, and the most suitable thing is to ensure that you get in the store with the old diverter to get the right one. There are different types of shower diverter which have different valves, and therefore you need to choose one which is the best fit for your head shower. You need to get the best replacement from the reliable store which could ensure you get a reliable item.

  • Install the new shower diverter

You need to install the new diverter in your bathroom by ensuring that you have connected all the parts of the valve with each other.  You need to make good use of the wrench, and this would help to tighten the diverter valve by ensuring that you are more careful not to overtighten. In addition to that, you also need to adjust effectively and ensure the valve is placed in the right position to ensure there is a good flow of the water.

  • Test the valve

Once you have installed the valve, then you need to proceed and test the valve by turning the water supply back and then ensure that you engage the shower diverter. You need to ensure that you have directed the water flow to the showerhead and this would ensure there is no water leakage from the bathtub.

With the above steps, you will have successfully replaced the shower diverter and stop the water leakage. A broken shower in your house is likely to cause more damage to your house, and therefore you need an urgent solution for the shower problem. It’s important to note that there are water diverter valves which are located in the spouts and therefore it would be prudent for you to take out the entire spout off and get replaced with a suitable mechanism.

There is a quick check-up which you can undertake when you have your shower diverter having a problem which includes soaking the parts in a mixture of the vinegar and water for about 15 minutes. Then you will need to use the brush and gently scrub away and then rinse off thoroughly. There are times when the shower diverter could be clogged, and this could lead to damage to the valve, and once it has been cleaned, you can be able to use it.

Prevention of shower diverter to wear and tear

cat shower

To ensure that you reduce the strain and the wear on your shower diverter you need to undertake some measures which will be aimed to prevent the leakage which includes allowed the water flow from the tub faucet for some few seconds before you can turn off the water. In addition to that, it’s worth noting if you find it hard to replace your shower diverter by yourself then you need to hire a reputational plumber who would ensure that your shower valve is replaced well.

There are readily available tutorials in the YouTube and also Google, which you can always use and fix your shower diverter within some few minutes. For the two-valve or the three-valve bathroom spouts, you need to be more careful as it needs more care for you to replace them.

How to fix shower diverter FAQ

Can you repair a shower diverter?

Yes, you can if you feel like a pro it will be easy and a little more difficult if you are a beginner.

Can a shower diverter cause a leak?

Yes, it can be, infrequently, but not never. Call the master if you think that you can’t repair it alone.

What does diverter valve look like?

It’s always have a golden color. Do not confuse it.

Gate Valves Vs. Ball Valves: What Are The Differences?

When it comes to piping valves, there are many options available with different size and shape for you to choose. But in term of popularity, Gate valve and Ball valve are among the most commonly used valve type due to their excellent performance. Nonetheless, these valves have unique characteristics so you should not use them without proper consideration and planning beforehand.

Gate valves vs. Ball valves, it’s not easy to tell which one is the better choice, especially if you know little about them. In the case you wish to learn more about the valves and the way they work, you come to right place. Here is a comprehensive analysis of these valves along with their advantages and disadvantages in different applications.

Gate valves

What is a gate valve?

The gate valve earns its name from its internal mechanism which includes a round or rectangular wedge that serves as a stream gate. By moving the wedge up and down through an external handle, you would be able to control the liquid stream.

In the usual case, the gate valve is used to start/stop the liquid flow, it’s rarely used for stream regulating. A gate valve tends to have two ports, an outlet and an inlet. Many gate valves utilize threaded ports but flanged and soldered designs are also available.

The valve application

Due to its ability to slice through the liquid with ease, the gate valve is widely employed in the petroleum business. Household arrangements also utilize gate valves as well and the valve popularity in the area is increasing steadily. Typical gate valves are designed to be closed or opened completely so as to reduce potential friction loss.

The valve style

  • PVC Gate Valves: These valves are flexible, tough and generally affordable to the average person. This valve style is primarily used where temperature and pressure are not big issues such as cold water household systems.
  • Brass Gate Valves: If corrosion is a serious problem, this is the valve you should use. It’s also able to endure high temperature so the valve is often used in manufacturing applications.
  • Stainless Steel Gate Valves: Thanks to its rust free and corrosion resistant material, the valve is a good choice when corrosion reaches an epidemic level. Since stainless steel would not leach into the water, you don’t have to worry too much about metal contamination and alike. As a result, it’s could withstand weather element, human error as well as tree roots.

Advantages and disadvantages.

One notable strong point of the gate valve is that it would not cause a water hammer due to the valve slow mechanism. If you don’t know, water hammer is a pressure surge caused when the liquid stream is suddenly forced to stop. Water hammer could lead to major problems such as excessive vibration and noise or even a total pipe collapse.

However, gate valves also have a couple of drawbacks relate to its screw handle mechanism. When the valve mechanism is corroded, the valve would no longer work properly. On several valve models, the wedge could get stuck in the partially closed or partially open position which could accelerate the wearing rate.

Compare with other valves

Butterfly valve vs. Gate valve

Butterfly valves are lighter and more compact than gate valves which make them are a good choice for cramped applications. However, butterfly valves are unable to handle corrosion, inflammable and hazardous materials. They mostly used for low temperature and low-pressure arrangement.

Plug valve vs. Gate valve

Plug valves are ideal choices when it comes to quick shutoff and generally economical to operate. Nonetheless, because of the high friction, it’s only employed for precise throttling/modulating.

Globe valve vs. Gate valve

In contrast with gate valves, globe valves are usually designed to regulate the flow rate of the stream. Due to its construction, the glove valve is less vulnerable to seat leakage compared to other valves. You cannot set the valve in any directional flow through.

Stop valve vs. Gate valve

For most of the time, stop valves are often used for household fixtures such as toilets and sinks. They utilize a rubber gasket to shut off the water flow which is not as reliable and efficient as the gate valve wedge.

Ball valves

What is a ball valve?

As the name suggests, ball valves utilize a compact sphere to shutoff the flow of liquid. The sphere itself has a hole, aligning the hole with the pipe would allow the stream to move freely through it. On the other hand, when the hole is perpendicular to the pipe, the flow is stopped entirely.

You could control the ball position through a lever on top. Usually, moving the lever at 90-degree angle would permit stream to pass through or cut it off. The lever is designed in a way that you cannot rotate it more than 90 degrees. In the usual case, the ball is placed on a valve seat with the stern inserted on top of it.

The valve application

Thanks to its robustness and simplicity, the ball valve is used in many applications such as petroleum, household, marine, pharmaceuticals as well as heavy industry. Since it could be designed so the lever rotation is approximately proportional to the flow rate, the valve is able to prove active stream regulation. That is why it’s widely used in a variety of application.

The valve style

  • PVC Ball Valves: These valves are excellent combinations of flexibility and affordability. They are mostly used when heat and pressure are not serious concerns.
  • Brass Ball Valves: This valve type handles heat pretty well so it’s commonly used for high-temperature applications.
  • Bronze Ball Valves: Mainly found on ships because the valve is able to endure constant exposure to seawater.
  • Stainless Steel Ball Valves: Well appreciated for their strength and overall resistances, these valves are what you need when it comes to chemical and water applications.

Advantages and disadvantages.

Ball valves are simple to activate and deactivate so they could be operated by someone who could not manipulate a wheel type valve.  Moreover, you are able to tell the valve position at a glance. In most of the case, ball valves possess high endurance, excellent versatility and long lifespan. They would work reliably for years to come without running into any troubles.

However, the ball valve does have some shortcomings such its requirement for space. Several applications may not have enough room for you to rotate the handle which somewhat limits the use of ball valve. The ball valve could occasionally cause a water hammer situation as well.

Compare with other valves

Globe valve vs. Ball valve

For shutoff applications, people prefer to use ball valves but globe valves are superior at regulating the flow rate. If you want to have excellent throttling control, you should consider using globe valves.

Plug valve vs. Ball valve

In general, the ball valve could offer you a certain degree of throttling control which is much better than the plug valves. In addition, ball valves could function well for years while plug valves may get stuck eventually and therefore become difficult to operate. Beyond that, these valves are quite similar and even interchangeable in some cases.

Butterfly valve vs. Ball valve

When it comes to endurance, ball valves are capable of handling moderate pressure and temperature floatation. In contrast, butterfly valves could only be used in low pressure and low-temperature applications.

Conclusion

And that is most of what you should know about these valves, not too hard to absorb, right? Gate valves vs. Ball valves, it’s not easy to decide the winner without taking into account your needs and requirements. But with the help of this article, you should be able to decide the right valve type to use for your piping system.

8-Step Recommendation on How to Secure Your Hot Tub Move

There is nothing better than to dip into the relaxing feel of a hot tub. Why not? If you own one, I am pretty sure that it is among your top places in your house. After a tiring day from work, it is just the best spot to relax and rejuvenate for another daily haul.

If you still don't have one, certainly that whenever you have the chance, you will have no qualms about buying the hot tub of a lifetime! Apart from giving you the option of relaxation at comforts of your home, it's a great addition to your property.

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Having a hot tub can never present any problem unless, of course, if you are moving. So you begin to wonder the best and easiest way on how to move a hot tub. I tell you, it is among the items in your house that you will have a hard time dealing with. For one, it involves complex connections that you have to detach and be very careful about. Another is its size and weight.

What is the real score of moving a hot tub? Is it easy?

Moving with a hot tub will be tough. You cannot do it on your own. You will need help and that is why you will have to discover the best possible way to do it. As a matter of fact, you will have to weigh your options whether to take your hot tub with you to your new place or leave it as is. Because of the tedious process involved in taking out the hot tub from where it is not to mention the risk associated with the transport from point A to point B, the latter option may prove to be very practical.

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Why would I say that leaving the hot tub behind is a practical solution? It is a practical solution because of the following reasons:

The dismantling and assembly of the hot tub will eat up a lot of your time.The cost of labor and transportation will burden your moving budget.The risk of the tub getting damaged is always there.Unless you don’t mind the time, cost and could take the risk then you can consider moving your hot tub with you. This option of taking the hot tub with you can also be justifiable if the total cost of handling the move of the tub is much lesser than buying a new one and having it installed.

What is the most efficient way of moving a hot tub?

Remember that a hot tub may weigh 800 pounds. What you are trying to accomplish is not an easy feat. There are service providers that can give you their hassle-free professional service. But of course, this comes with a price. You could always ask for an on-site quotation so that you can evaluate if you can allocate the budget requirement.

Here is a video from a professional service provider who can help you with moving your hot tub. Take time to check it so you will have a clear idea of what is going to happen in the event that you opt for a professional service

How to move a hot tub on your own with guaranteed success

1. Gather all necessary tools and equipment

You will need the following:

  • 2 4-wheeled furniture dollies
  • 2 pieces of 4×4 wood
  • 3 strong helpers
  • Appliance dolly
  • Tow straps

2. Clear the pathway

Ensure that the path going to the moving truck is clear of any obstructions. Make sure that exits from where the hot tub is are spacious and tall enough for easy movement. Check pathway for any slippery areas and deal with them to avoid accidents.

3. Detach all plugs

Take off the electric supply to your hot tub. Get to the spa panel board so that you can turn off the gas as well as water supply lines. Be sure to wrap the cords well making sure that it is fastened to avoid dangling during the transit. Ensure that the motor is securely in place. Apart from that, pack the following individually:

  • Blower
  • Electrical units
  • Heater
  • Pumps and pumbing units

4. Drain hot tub completely

Be sure to have the manufacturer’s guide with you and review how to correctly drain your hot tub. If there is so much water in the tub, be reminded that there are local regulations you need to abide.

The safest way to drain is to do it little by little and if possible, channel the water to your garden should your hot tub is situated outside your house. In case the tub is inside the house, a long hose will be useful. Ensure that the tub is fully dry and the drain cap tightened.

5. Unscrew cover and cover lift

Usually, there is a cover and a cover lift that are attached to your tub. It is safer to take these off and reinstall when you have reached your destination. Unscrew them and be sure to secure these parts separately. Do not forget to keep the screw.

6. Turn the hot tub sideways

It is in this step that you will call on the people who will assist you. Prepare the 2 pieces 4X4 wood nearby. The four people should take a position in a manner that they could have a strong grip on each side when one side is lifted. Lift one side and position a piece of wood under the tub. Do this on the other side. Ensure that the tub is centered well on both pieces of wood.

7. Slide the furniture dollies under the tub

Lift the wood on each end and slide the dollies under the hot tub in such a manner that the two furniture dollies are on both sides of the tub.

8. Secure the tub

Using the tow strap, make sure that the hot tub is securely strapped to the furniture dollies. Once done, you can gradually move the tub towards the moving truck.Putting the tub into the moving truck.

Final Thoughts

The discussion above has explored all the possibilities that can happen and what you can do with regards to moving a hot tub. The steps you have been presented also should allow you to come up with a clear assessment if you can move the hot tub without hiring professional movers.

Recommend for your health about 5k walking from 
goaheadrunner.com

Surely, moving your hot tub on your own has some risks. If you are the kind of person who has the stomach to tackle the job at hand, then no one can really stop you. When you have all the things necessary for the move and with all the hands you can get everything will run smoothly. Come to think of it. The entire process only involves eight major steps. If done with careful planning and preparation, moving a hot tub can be easy after all. At the end of the day, you can truly claim, “Operation how to move a hot tub accomplished!”

Should you need clarifications, feel free to comment and I will revert right away.

How to Avoid Danger in Disposing Gasoline

Why would you store gasoline when you do not see any immediate need for it? Or a better question would be, “Why would you buy gasoline more than you need?”

The danger of storing gasoline in a household cannot be stressed enough. While we have become overly dependent on gasoline in many aspects in our daily routine, we cannot disregard safety measures when it comes to handling such hazardous chemical.

The succeeding discussion will enlighten you on preventive measures when storing gasoline as well as show you how to dispose of gasoline to avoid any untoward incidents. However, before we get into the “how to,” let me share with you some facts on the dangers I am talking about.

More…

FACTS

  • A project sponsored by the American Society for Testing and Materials conducted by the Worcester Polytechnic Institute on the flammability hazard of gas cans found out conditions that can result in “flashback” explosion. The study further revealed that when gas vapor escapes from the can and a spark or flame is present, this can cause ignition and flashback which then results in an explosion. The study likewise stressed that it doesn’t take a full gas can for an explosion to occur.
  • Gasoline has ignitable, reactive and combustible properties hence considered as hazardous material. Storage of such is highly regulated. But despite the regulation, the danger of storing even a little amount of gasoline is beyond debate. CNBC, in its published news, reported eleven (11) deaths in addition to 1,200 emergency room cases associated with explosions of gasoline cans since 1998.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Because the danger is ever present as well as the need for gasoline, we should be knowledgeable on how we can prevent accidents whenever storing and handling gasoline.

#1: Check for local and state regulations

Taking time to be educated on government standards on gasoline storage will do you good. As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to know restrictions on gasoline storage. You do not only have the responsibility to protect yourself, your family and home but your community as well.

Most often restriction only allows up to 25 gallons. Gasoline must be in prescribed containers of which capacity of each container does not exceed five (5) gallons. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have specifications on container requirement. OSHA 1926.152(a)(1) states the following:

  • All flammable liquids should be contained in no more than 5 gallons capacity can. Should there be a need to store more than 25 gallons, you should have a storage room for that purpose. Therefore it is safe to say that gasoline cans less than 5 gallons capacity satisfy the governmental requirement.

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SureCan – Gas Can with Rotating Spout, OSHA approved

  • A flash arresting screen is a pre-requisite for a gasoline container to be approved by OSHA. It has an extremely important function in preventing combustion from taking place inside the can whenever there is fire. In simpler explanation, the screen stops fire even before it reaches the gas.
  • Gasoline cans should not be difficult to seal. OSHA requires containers to be equipped with a spring-closing lid. The lid closes by itself upon release and thus it avoids users from forgetting to close it. At the same time, the lid should be secured enough so as not to release so much vapor. Moreover, the can should have a child-resistant cap.
  • Apart from that, approval seals are important. When buying gasoline in cans, be sure to look for the Department of Transportation approval or any recognized testing laboratory.

#2: Ensure proper storage

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Properly ventilated gasoline storage area – from nopersonleftbehind.org

  • Keep gasoline away from your house. Place it in your shed for instance. OSHA 1926.152(a) (1) specifies requirements for storing flammable liquids. It must be kept in areas where there is not much traffic. Never place it in stairways or areas where people come and go.
  • Makes sure there is good ventilation in your storage area. There is definitely danger when gasoline is exposed to hot temperature. Keep it somewhere where room temperature is preserved, OSHA 1917.156(b) (2) (iv).

#3: Handle with extra care

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Danger highly flammable liquid yellow warning sign

  • A warning sign is helpful, “Flammable-Keep Away from Open Flames.”Containers must be tightly closed.
  • Extra care must be observed during handling to avoid spills.
  • Ensure distance from anything that can cause ignition. Safe distance would be 50 feet.
  • Should you need to put gasoline into machines such as a lawnmower, allow it to cool before doing so.
  • Never allow children to have access to gasoline.
  • In the case of minor spillage, sawdust comes in handy in absorbing the spill. Paper and rags are also options.
  • For larger spills, it is advisable to check with your local government unit to ensure safety.

HOW TO DISPOSE OF GASOLINE

Now that you have an idea on how to handle gasoline especially in your property, it is also equally important to discuss how to dispose of gasoline in case you have bad or excess gas at home. DO NOT dispose of gasoline just about anywhere. Should the idea of throwing gas on a street drain, ground, sewer and the like or maybe putting it together with your garbage, THINK AGAIN!

First of all, it will harm the environment. The danger of explosion and contamination is extremely probable. Secondly, doing such can get you into trouble with government authorities. You can be penalized for improper disposal of hazardous material apart from being criminally liable. It is a Federal offense!

Below are some of the ways to safely dispose of gasoline.

#1: Recycle old gas

You can bring it to a car shop or even boat yards. These people know how to put old gas to use. Others would mix it up with new gasoline and use it for lawnmowers. Just a reminder, do not use it for your car.

If you want to do it yourself, I will show you how.

+ Be sure to have the following:

  • a plastic funnel
  • extra container preferably glass bottle
  • Paper towels for filtering.

+ Set aside old gas.

+ Make your filter by placing a sheet of paper towel folded to fit into the funnel.

+ Once your filter is ready, get your glass bottle and put the funnel into the bottle’s opening.

+ Gradually pour the old gasoline through the funnel.

+ Change paper towel when necessary.

Now that you have filtered the old gas, you are now ready to mix the filtered gas with fresh gas.

The ratio is four (4) parts new gasoline and one (1) part gasoline. The result is called reconditioned gasoline.

Check out UWBurning’s method of recycling old gas

If you are not confident in doing it by yourself, here are some other options:

#2: Ask professional advice from Fire Department

Pay your Fire Department a visit or maybe you can give them a call. They should be able to give you recommendations for best action to take.

#3: Check for HHW Facility

Check for Household Hazardous Waste Facility in your area which offers free services. Usually, they have landfills where you can bring hazardous waste and you can just drop them there. Of course, you will need to comply with packaging and labeling requirements.

There are also service providers you can find in the yellow pages. All you need to do is look for these businesses under Environmental and Ecological Services and Oils, Waste.

Danger relating to handling, storing and disposing of gasoline can be avoided. Take all precautionary measures to avoid loss of life and property. When it’s gone, you cannot just say, “I told you so.” You must realize the hazard of chemicals such as gasoline presents.

It is also good to emphasize that proper disposal of gasoline means recycling the gasoline. In this day and age when depletion of natural resources is also a pressing problem, properly disposing of your old gas lets you contribute to the betterment of our planet.

The discussion provided above should be an excellent reference. You might want to go over the discussion one more time. Should you have questions, feel free to comment and I’ll be glad to respond.