Adding a Shower Diverter Valve to Your Bathroom Decor

In many homes, the bathroom contains a bathtub and shower combination. These combination systems allow the tub to be used to either draw a bath or take a convenient shower. To switch between running the showerhead or operating the tub spout, a small diverter is used to change the flow of the water.

Not only do shower diverter valves serve an essential purpose, but they also play a big role in the style and appeal of the bathtub. An old shower diverter valve can add a drab appearance to the space, while a brand-new, modern shower diverter valve can brighten up the tub.

This guide lets homeowners learn more about how a shower diverter valve works, tips for picking the right style to match bathroom decor, and a quick guide to swapping out an outdated diverter for a new one.

What Is a Shower Diverter?

Behind the wall of the bathtub is a water pipe. This water pipe is connected to both the tub faucet and the showerhead. The diverter valve, when opened, allows water to flow through the tub faucet. When the valve is shut, the water is forced upward out of the shower head.

There are numerous types of shower diverter valves. In some cases, a knob is installed in between the tub faucet handles. This is usually the case when the tub faucet handles are wall-mounted. The knob is simply turned in order to change the flow of water.

In other cases, the diverter valve might be located on the actual tub spout. These are small valves that are pulled up to close the valve and pushed down to open up the valve. This style of shower diverter is frequently found in older homes.

Some diverter valves feature a small lever mounted above the faucet head. This lever is pushed up or down to change the flow of water.

Finally, for bathtubs with a faucet, showerhead, and handheld shower, a three-way diverter style will allow the water flow to be changed to flow out of one or multiple showerheads at a time.

How to Choose the Right Shower Diverter Based on Decor Style

Beyond their functional use, shower diverter valves also contribute to the look and feel of a bathroom. For many homeowners, swapping out an old shower diverter valve can help upgrade the look of the bathtub. This is particularly beneficial when other fixtures are being upgraded, as an old, corroded shower diverter valve might detract from the beauty of a new tub faucet or shower head.

With numerous styles on the market, it can be hard to know which shower diverter will fit the decor of a bathroom best. The following tips can help narrow down the choices:

• Match the finish: A new shower diverter valve should match the finish of other bathroom components. Consider not only the showerhead and bathtub faucet finish but also the finishes used throughout the rest of the space. Ideally, the bathroom faucet, toilet handle, towel holders, and additional accessories should match the new diverter. When mixing and matching finishes, pay attention to the tones of the finishes. Avoid pairing warm tones and cool tones in the same space.
• Match the fixture style: Shower diverter valves come in a vast selection of styles. They can feature small knobs, long handles, or compact levers. When picking the style of the fixture, think through the other features of the bathroom. A white knob might be the best choice if the bathroom sink features classic white knobs. If the rest of the bathroom is modern and sleek, a long, slim lever might be a better choice.