Faucet diverters allow the bathtub to be used for bathing and showering.
A faucet diverter is most often used to direct the flow of water from the bathtub spout to the shower head. The presence of a faucet diverter allows one bathtub to be used for both showering and bathing and eliminates the need for a separate shower stall. While there are many different faucet diverter designs, there are really only two basic types: a spout with a built-in valve, or a three-valve model. Faucet diverters are also used in kitchen applications to direct the flow of water to a filter or portable sprayer.
A faucet diverter can reduce bathroom construction costs by eliminating unnecessary plumbing and fixtures.
Bathrooms are usually small rooms that require efficient use of space. The ability to combine baths and showers is essential in these tight spaces. Using a faucet diverter usually saves enough space for a cabinet, dresser, or closet. This device can also reduce toilet construction costs by eliminating unnecessary plumbing and fixtures. The type of faucet diverter installed depends largely on the design of the faucet.
A bathtub spout with a built-in valve is the most commonly used type of faucet diverter. This type of diverter is used on one or two handle faucet models. Hot and cold water is initially sent through the tub spout as it mixes. Once the desired mix is achieved, a small knob on the tub spout is raised to direct the flow of water to the shower head. After the bath, the button is pressed to send the water back through the spout.
A three-valve diverter is also used on many bathtub faucet models. This application typically has separate valves for hot and cold water, as well as a valve for the diverter. As with the nozzle diverter, the water flows through the nozzle until it is properly mixed. The diverter lever is then turned to send the flowing water up into the shower. When finished, the diverter lever is turned in the opposite direction to return flow to the dispenser.
Faucet diverters are also found in certain kitchen applications such as hand held sprayers and water filters. Manual spray applications typically use a diverter valve built into the spray tip. Once the water flows through the faucet, a button on the spray nozzle is pressed to divert the flow to it. Releasing the button returns the flow to the spout again. Certain types of water filtration systems contain a diverter to temporarily send water through the device through a small handle located at the spout of the faucet.
