Kohler Push Button Diverter Stuck [Why+ How To Fix]

There are a number of reasons why the Kohler push button diverter stuck, including:

• Deterioration of Kohler push button diverter
• Loose or broken components stuck inside the diverter
• Damaged or broken diverter itself 

To address this issue, first clean the diverter and surrounding area, ensuring all mineral deposits and debris are removed. Lubricating the diverter with silicone-based grease can also help facilitate its movement. Finally, reinstall the diverter, making sure it is secure.

Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and resources necessary to address this issue without the need for professional assistance. So, keep reading to discover the best techniques for repairing your Kohler push button diverter if it is stuck.

Quick Fix Chart About Kohler Push Button Diverter Stuck

Probable Reasons	Recommended Fix
Clogged Kohler push button diverter	Remove the obstruction using a small wire brush or scrub away any deposits or particles with a soft brush.
Deterioration of Kohler push button diverter	Soak the diverter valve in a vinegar mixture to loosen the hard water deposits. Then, scrub away stubborn residue using a rasp or sandpaper.
Broken or dislodged component inside the diverter	Inspect the valve for any loose screw or nut. Securely tighten it using a screwdriver. If needed, replace the faulty seals or gasket
Faulty shower diverter	Remove the old diverter and install the new one.

How To Deal With Kohler Push Button Diverter Stuck [Reasons + Solutions]

A push-button diverter is an essential component of a shower, allowing you to control the flow of water from the faucet to the showerhead. However, these diverters can become stuck, causing inconvenience and disrupting our daily routines.

Today, we are addressing a common issue that many Kohler shower owners encounter – a stuck push button diverter. Let’s take a look at the problem and its solution:

1. Clogged Kohler Push Button Diverter

When water flows through the plumbing system, it carries along various particles like small objects, dirt, sand, hair, soap residue, and other debris.  All these particles enter the diverter mechanism through the water supply and become lodged inside. 

As these particles and deposits accumulate, they restrict the movement of the diverter. making it challenging to engage or disengage the showerhead or bathtub spout.

Therefore, water often contains suspended particles of sediment, especially in areas with hard water. Sediment can include minerals, rust, or tiny fragments from pipes and fixtures. When the water passes through the diverter, these particles can settle and build up within the mechanism, obstructing its proper functioning.

How To Fix:

To resolve the issue of a stuck Kohler push button diverter, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Before attempting any repairs, it is crucial to turn off the water supply to avoid any potential water damage or flooding.

Step 2: Start by removing the push button diverter from the shower fixture. This can typically be done by unscrewing the outer ring or cap surrounding the diverter. Be cautious and refer to the specific instructions provided by Kohler for your model.

Step 3: Once the push button diverter is detached, carefully examine it for any visible signs of clogging. 

Step 4: Check for clogged debris, hair sediment, or sediment particles that might be obstructing the diverter’s movement. Take a small wire brush or bottle cleaning brush to remove the obstructions. 

If needed, use a soft brush, such as an old toothbrush and gently scrub away any deposits or particles. Avoid using abrasive materials that could potentially damage the diverter.

Step 5: Once you have cleaned the push button diverter, reassemble it back into the shower fixture following the manufacturer’s instructions. Ensure all components are securely in place. 

Turn on the water supply and test the diverter’s functionality by engaging and disengaging the showerhead or bathtub spout. It should move smoothly without any resistance.

2. Deterioration Of Kohler Push Button Diverter

Corrosion is a common reason for a diverter to become stuck. When the metal components of the diverter are exposed to moisture and oxygen, they can corrode over time. Corrosion causes the metal surfaces to deteriorate, leading to increased friction and difficulty in operating the diverter.

Another potential reason for a stuck Kohler push button diverter is the accumulation of mineral deposits. If the water in your plumbing system contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, they can build up inside the diverter over time. 

These deposits can hinder the smooth movement of the diverter and cause it to get stuck.

How To Fix:

Here are some solutions to deal with a stuck Kohler push button diverter due to corrosion:

Fix 1: Loosen Your Diverter With A Lubricant

Start by applying a lubricant to the moving parts of the diverter. Use a silicone-based lubricant or a specialized plumbing lubricant to reduce friction and help loosen the stuck components. 

Then, apply the lubricant to the push button, pivot points, and any other areas where the diverter moves. Allow the lubricant to penetrate for a few minutes before attempting to operate the diverter. Avoid over-lubricating as it can be extremely generous. 

Fix 2: Clean With Vinegar Mixture

If lubrication doesn’t solve the problem, you need to clean the inner parts of the diverter with vinegar. Here is the process:

• Turn off the water supply from the main spigot. 
• Carefully disassemble the diverter mechanism according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Clean all the components using a mild cleaning solution or vinegar to remove any mineral deposits or corrosion. 
• If needed, take a rasp or sandpaper and scrub away stubborn residue. You can also scrape off the dirt with a paste of vinegar and baking soda. 
• If possible, apply the paste onto the dirty parts let it sit for half an hour, and then rinse it off. By doing this, hope your stuck diverter should be loosened. 

If it is still too stiff to turn, it’s better to take the old diverter out and soak it in white vinegar overnight. 

Fix 3: Apply Deterioration Treatment

 If corrosion is the primary cause of the stuck diverter, you can use a corrosion treatment product to dissolve or neutralize the corrosion. Look for a commercial rust remover or a product specifically designed to combat corrosion.

 Apply the treatment to the affected areas and follow the instructions provided. Once the corrosion is treated, clean the diverter as mentioned earlier and ensure all components are free from corrosion.

3. Broken Or Dislodge Component Inside The Diverter

In the case of a stuck Kohler push button diverter, it’s quite obvious that any of the components inside the diverter have become loosened or broken at all. 

Typically, a diverter directs water between a showerhead and a bathtub spout using internal parts. This can lead to the diverter becoming stuck or difficult to operate If a particular component, such as a screw or nut, becomes loose due to wear and tear, disrupting the proper functioning of the diverter.

If that’s not the fact, it may occur due to improper installation of the diverter.  If the diverter was not initially installed correctly or if it was not tightened securely, it can result in loose components.

How To Fix:

To address a stuck Kohler push button diverter caused by a loose component, you can attempt the following steps:

First off, make sure you’ve turned off the water supply to prevent water flow and potential water damage.

Now, unscrew the outer ring or cap, holding the push button diverter in place, following the specific instructions provided by Kohler for your model. Then gently detach the diverter from the shower fixture.

Examine the internal components of the diverter for any loose parts. If so, securely tighten it with an appropriate tool, such as a wrench or screwdriver. Take care not to overtighten, as it can damage the diverter.

Faulty seals or gaskets can contribute to the diverter valve getting stuck. Inspect them for signs of wear, deterioration, or damage. If necessary, replace these components with new ones specifically designed for your shower diverter valve model.

When done, reassemble the diverter back in place. During installation, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure that all parts are properly aligned and tightened to prevent any looseness or instability within the diverter mechanism.

4. Faulty Shower Diverter Valve

After applying all the above methods and still you’re struggling with a stuck Kohler push button diverter, I bet the complete diverter valve is faulty. In some cases, the diverter valve may have been manufactured with defects or flaws. 

These defects can affect the smooth operation of the valve, leading to it becoming stuck or malfunctioning.

Also if the valve is made from low-quality materials, it may be more prone to degradation or damage. The use of such substandard materials can result in the valve components wearing out or failing prematurely, causing the diverter to become stuck.

Whatever the fact is, once you’ve confirmed a defective valve diverter, you’ll need to remove the old diverter and install a new one in its place. Here is all you need to know about:

How To Replace A Stuck Kohler Push Button Diverter

Go through the step-by-step to replace the old diverter valve assembly:

Step #1: First off, turn off the water supply to your shower from the main shut-off valve. Now unscrew and remove the shower handler and detach the trim plate from its place.

Step #2: Take a needle nose pliers and wrench or screwdriver and remove all the screws from the valve assembly. 

Step #3: When done, simply turn the diverter counterclockwise and it will come out from the valve. 

If needed, apply some lubricant to loosen the parts. Apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant to the moving parts of the diverter valve. This can help reduce friction and improve the smoothness of operation.

Step #4: After removing the old diverter, it’s time to install the new one. Take the new diverter and install it back in place, Tighten the screws on the new diverter until they are placed firmly. 

Take care not to overtighten or force the parts, as this could lead to further damage.

Step #5: Reassemble the shower valve assembly and turn on the water supply. Check for low water pressure as it can sometimes prevent the diverter valve from operating smoothly. 

Ensure that the water pressure in your shower is adequate. If you notice any issues with water pressure, you may need to address them separately. Such as by cleaning or replacing the showerhead or checking the plumbing system. 

Tips To Prevent Kohler Push Button Diverter From Getting Stuck

Here are some pro tips you can follow to prevent the Kohler push button from getting stuck and to prolong the lifespan of the new diverter:

Pro Tip #1: Excessive force or accidental impact on the diverter can result in damage or breakage. Dropping heavy objects on the diverter or applying excessive pressure while operating it can cause the internal components to become misaligned, bent, or even fractured. 

These issues can prevent the diverter from functioning properly, resulting in it getting stuck. Thus avoid excessive force or impact on the diverter. 

Pro Tip #2: Frequently exposure to water, chemicals, and other environmental factors can contribute to the deterioration of the diverter valve. Thus, avoid exposing any abrasive chemicals to the valve to prevent such an issue. 

Pro Tip #3: Periodically, inspect the diverter for any visible signs of damage or breakage. Look for cracks, fractures, misalignment, or any other visible issues. 

If you notice any obvious damage, it may require replacement of the affected components or the entire diverter. Contact Kohler or a professional plumber to obtain the correct replacement parts for your model. 

They will have the knowledge and expertise to accurately diagnose the issue and provide the most appropriate solution.

Pro Tip #4: Consider installing a water softener or a whole-house water filtration system to reduce mineral deposits in your plumbing system. This is crucial if you’re living in a hard water area. 

FAQs:

In Closing!

Well! That’s all here for you today. Hope that you’re no longer struggling with the Kohler push button diverter stuck issues. Insufficient or infrequent cleaning and maintenance of the diverter has a big contribution to its malfunction.

Without regular attention, debris and mineral buildup have more time to accumulate, increasing the likelihood of a stuck diverter.

Thus, it is recommended to perform regular maintenance on your Kohler push button diverter. This includes periodically cleaning the diverter by following the steps mentioned above.

Especially if you notice reduced water flow or difficulty in using the diverter.  For instance, it’s better to seek the help of a professional plumber who is experienced with Kohler products or contact Kohler’s support center.

Note: You can read our ultimate guide on why the Shower Diverter won’t stay up and how to fix this.