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Water is not coming out of my showerhead when I turn it on, why is it just coming out of the tub faucet?

When I pull the knob for the shower, the showerhead does not respond. How to I get back where the panel is to try to fix it? Do I cut a hole in the wall? The back of the shower is against the hall way closet. I see that the wall paneling is screwed in place, but there is not an opening for me to fix any plumbing. My house was built in 1950. I have no idea if the plumbing for the shower has been updated or not. Should I just hire a plumber? I would like to just fix it myself. I think it may be that deverter part that might be broken...but not sure.... Should I hire a plumber for this? If I do it myself, what type of tools do I need?

Public Comments

  1. sounds like all you have to do is change the shower/tub water diverter.some diverters are held onto water pipe by an allenwrench set screw usually 3/16" ,others just screw straight onto water pipe.the diverter is the piece where water goes into tub and diverts water to showerhead.you'd need a pair of channel lock pliers with a rag to not scratch new diverter or an allen wrench
  2. take the shower head of and try to run the water with it if water came out then the head is dirty other wise you gone to have to replace the raiser from the shower valve to the shower head
  3. Buy a down spout with a diverter built in & leave the other one as is.
  4. Take the shower head off and clean it. The shower is probably clogged with debris. If cleaning your head doesn't work then buy a new shower head and install.