Faucet diverter valves are the most important components for bathtub, shower, and kitchen faucets. Cleaning your sink diverter valve can restore proper functionality and guarantee that the shower head and spout work together smoothly. Over time, mineral deposits, sediment, and debris can build up inside the diverter valve, causing many problems. If you notice a problem with your faucet, it might be time to pay attention to your sink diverter valve. Cleaning a kitchen sink diverter valve involves removing the faucet to access the valve.
What Is the Faucet Diverter Valve?

A diverter valve is an essential component of a kitchen faucet that controls water flow. Simply put, it sends water from the main faucet spout to other channels, such as a side spray or a separate sprayer. Understanding the function and type of diverter valve used in kitchen faucets can help prevent problems and help you make informed decisions when purchasing or repairing a faucet.
Symptoms Of A Diverter Valve Gone Bad
Why Does Your Plumbing System Need a Diverter Valve? This small but essential part diverts water amongst different fixtures, such as your bathroom faucet and showerhead. Yet, because it is a mechanical machine, the diverter valve can also fail. Though it might be guaranteed for life, you eventually want to troubleshoot because of other concerns. This article will discuss three common signals that point to a faulty diverter valve: varying water temperature, decreased water pressure, and faucet handle leaking.
1. Reduced Water Pressure:

A substantial loss of water pressure is a key sign that your diverter valve may fail. The valve is unable to direct water properly. Therefore, the way water flows to your shower or other fixtures will be reduced, leading to low water pressure—and struggling to fill the tub enough or enjoy a hot soak. If the water pressure drops suddenly, it is important to check whether you are experiencing a problem with the diverter valve and take steps to rectify that if necessary.
Then, check the diverter valve itself for physical damage or blockage. Carefully remove the valve and clean it well to remove any other dirt particles or pollutants that may prevent its correct function.
If cleansing does not enhance the water pressure, it may be necessary to replace the diverter valve. You should consult a professional plumber to guarantee the optimal operation and correct installation of your new valve.
2. Water Leakage from the Faucet Handle:
A dripping faucet handle is another common sign of a failing diverter valve. Suppose you notice water streaming out from the handle of your bathtub or showerhead while operating either. In that case, it’s necessary to immediately take care of this issue before more damage is done. The internal gaskets or O-rings of the diverter valve could rot, leaving a little water to pour out perchance while breaking breaches in and around the faucet handle. The first significant step to stop leaking water is to shut off the water supply. So remove the tap cope with and check your diverter valve for visible signs of injury or split seals. If the seals or O-rings look damaged or worn, replace them with new ones. You might have to change the whole diverter valve if different inner components are defective.
3. Inconsistent Temperature Management:
A defective diverter valve can also cause inconsistent temperature control, specifically during showering. When the valve malfunctions, it could struggle to correctly combine hot and cold water, resulting in surprising fluctuations in water temperature. These temperature fluctuations may be uncomfortable and pose a protection threat, especially if the water becomes boiling. To deal with this problem, verify that your water heater is functioning efficiently. If the water heater appears to be of good quality, then the problem, in all likelihood, lies with the diverter valve. Replacement is commonly the satisfactory answer for a malfunctioning diverter valve, as maintenance is often ineffective. Consult an expert plumber to ensure proper set-up and restore consistent temperature control to your bathroom.
Steps to Unclog a Faucet Diverter Valve
A faucet diverter valve directs water from the faucet to the showerhead or sprayer. Over time, mineral buildup or debris may cause the diverter to clog, resulting in poor water—Here is a detailed guide to help unclog the diverter valve.
1. Cut Off the Water Supply

Before going for the plumbing work, switching off the water supply is important to avoid leaks or dripping. Find the shut-off valves under the sink or turn off the main water valve supplying the house. This step is analytical in removing parts without any water flow safely.
Steps:
- Locate the shut-off valves beneath the sink.
- Move the valves clockwise to stop the water supply.
- Turn off the main water supply in their issue if there’s a shut-off valve
2. Detach the Faucet Handle

You’ll need to remove the faucet handle to access the diverter valve. Depending on the type of faucet, the handle may be attached with screws or slid off. If screws are present, use a screwdriver to remove them. Keep them safe, as you will need them reassembling the faucet.
Steps:
- Identify the presence of screws on the faucet handle.
- Unscrew them with a screwdriver.
- Carefully Pull off the faucet handle aside.
3. Find the Diverter Valve

Once the handle is off, you can locate the diverter valve inside the faucet assembly. The diverter valve is typically a small piece that directs the water flow to the spout or sprayer. Identifying this part is important as this is the component you clean.
Steps:
- Look inside the faucet for the diverter valve.
- It is often located near the spout or within the faucet body.
- If unsure, refer to your ffaucet’smanual for the exact location.
4. Remove and inspect the diverter valve

Use pliers or a wrench to remove the diverter valve carefully. Be gentle to avoid any damaging surrounding parts. Once removed, inspect the valve for any visible signs of clogging, such as mineral deposits, dirt, or debris. This is typically the cause of water flow issues.
Steps;
- Remove the diverter valve with pliers or a wrench.
- Gently pull the valve out of the faucet body.
- Inspect the valve for blockages or mineral buildup.
5. Soak the diverter valve in vinegar

Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that helps dissolve mineral deposit making it ideal for unclogging diverter valve. To loosen the debris, soak the valve in the bowl of vinegar for 20 minutes. You can also use a toothbrush to scrub off the stubborn buildup.
Step:
- Place the diverter valve in a bowl.
- Pour enough vinegar to completely submerge the valve in the bowl.
- Let it soak for 30 minutes, then scrub with the brush.
Read our blogs on What Are The Different Valves For Plumbing Supply?
6. Rinse and Reassemble the diverter valve

After soaking and scrubbing the diverter valve, rinse it thoroughly under the running water to remove any remaining debris. Check for any lingering buildup and clean as needed. Once cleaned, reassemble the valve back into the faucet by reversing the removal process.
Steps:
- Rinse the diverter valve under warm water.
- Ensure all debris and mineral buildup are removed.
- Reinstall the valve using pliers or a wrench.
7. Reattach the Faucet Handle
After cleaning and reinstalling the diverter valve, it’s time to reattach the faucet handle. Align the handle with the faucet body and secure it with the screws you removed earlier. Make sure it is fastened tightly to prevent leaks or improper functions.
Steps:
- Align the handle with the faucet assembly.
- Secure the handle with the Screws.
- Tighten the screws to ensure everything is in place.
8. Turn On the Water Supply and Test

Once everything is reassembled, turn the water supply back on. Test the faucet by running water and switching between the spout and the shower or sprayer to ensure the diverter valve works correctly. If water flows appropriately, the clog is successfully cleared.
Steps:
- Turn the water supply back on by opening the shut-off valves.
- Test the faucet by switching between the spout and the sprayer.
- Ensure the proper water flow from both spout and sprayer.
Conclusion
The leakage from the faucet valve can be prevented manually by replacing the damaged parts or cleaning the inside of the faucet portion, ultimately unclogging the faucet valve. You can talk to your nearest plumber if you are still having trouble cleaning or changing the part.