What to do if water flows from the faucet and shower at the same time

Plumbing malfunctions have a negative impact on comfort and quality of life. To prevent unexpected breakdowns, it is important to pay attention to all bathroom fixtures. However, there are times when malfunctions catch you off guard. One such problematic situation occurs when water flows simultaneously from both the faucet and shower.

Causes of water in the faucet and shower at the same time

Having water flowing from two sources simultaneously does not enhance the convenience of using the restroom. In order to resolve this issue, it is necessary to identify the root cause of the problem, which can have multiple underlying factors.

Drying out and pushing through the gasket

The rubber part is becoming thinner, which causes a malfunction in the switching mode, preventing the gate from closing tightly. As a result, the water pressure is not evenly spread out.

If the issue lies with the rubber gasket, it needs to be replaced.

Important! The design actually consists of two rubber gaskets, both of which should be replaced simultaneously.

Rubber ring rubbing off, button or gland failure

The most common malfunctions are related to the rubber ring and its quality.

Both of these issues can be caused by the following reasons:

• Poor mixer quality: The market offers a wide range of mixers with varying prices, some of which may be of lower quality. These low-quality products and parts have a short lifespan and can lead to operational problems.
• Short-lived consumables: When repairing, it is important to use high-quality components in addition to a good mixer. Using low-quality parts can result in the malfunction reoccurring quickly.

These breakdowns can be fixed without requiring specialized skills or knowledge. However, it is crucial to use only quality parts to ensure a long-lasting solution to the problem.

Fixing the problem

Prior to commencing the repair process, it is imperative to familiarize oneself with the necessary safety precautions. Adhering to these measures will help prevent any untoward incidents.

Safety rules

• Before starting any repairs, it is essential to completely turn off the water supply. This rule applies to both hot and cold water sources.
• After shutting off the water, it is necessary to open the faucet and check for any leaks. It is important to do so because even the valves can be faulty or damaged. These precautions will ensure that the water supply is truly cut off.
• When dealing with hot water, it is crucial to exercise caution to avoid scalding.
• When tightening fasteners, it is vital to avoid exerting excessive pressure as it could potentially damage the threads.

Repair work

There are several types of switches for faucets that allow you to switch between the faucet and the shower. These include rod switches that are operated by pressing a button, as well as ball switches that trigger the switching mechanism by turning a part.

If there is any damage, it may be necessary to replace the gasket, the ring, or the entire switch.

Replacing the gasket

• Once the water supply is turned off, proceed to open the faucet and relieve any remaining pressure.
• Afterwards, take off the decorative cover plate that conceals the main portion of the switch.
• Eliminate the bolt that secures the different components and the handle.
• The switch can be unscrewed using an adjustable wrench. Rotate it counterclockwise.
• Separate the gasket from the structure and assess its condition. If it appears normal, simply clean the part. However, if it is dried out, replace it with a new one. The necessary part can be purchased from any plumbing store.
• Beneath the initial gasket, you will find a second one. To remove it, unscrew the circular nut and the stuffing box.
• Once you have access to the second gasket, proceed to replace it as well.

Replacing the ring

If there is an issue with the rubber ring, it will be substituted with a brand new one. The process is quite similar to the one explained above.

However, in order to access the component, it is not sufficient to simply dismantle this part of the mixer. The adapter must be removed from the structure as well. Tweezers can be used for this purpose or one can gently push from the bottom, where the hole in the crank housing is situated.

Important! After replacing any component of the mixer, it must be reassembled in the opposite order.

Repairing the button

Issues may also arise with the button if a lever-style switch is employed.

If the button fails to return to its original position when pressed, it indicates a broken spring. In this case, the faucet must be disassembled and a new button must be installed.

Replacing the gland

However, if the switch has completely ceased to function, the issue lies in the oil seal. This seal is situated in the rod section of the switch. The repair process is as follows:

1. First, you need to remove the button.
2. Next, take out the stem.
3. Then, replace the packing gland with a new one.
4. Lastly, reassemble the switch in the opposite order.

Once the repair is complete, it is important to turn on the water and verify if the plumbing is functioning properly.

If there is a situation where water is simultaneously flowing from both the showerhead and the faucet, it is a relatively simple matter to identify the broken part and replace it. We sincerely hope that you encounter no difficulties or issues during your repair work.