Brass 3-way shower diverter valve

A diverter receives water through one inlet and sends it to one or other of its outlets, depending on the position of its handle. In a shower, it is the part that lets you switch water from one outlet to another, for example to a handheld hose.

This one is brass, with a stem handle on the side of the body and a hexagonal female nut for the supply.

A pale ring highlights the join between the handle and the body, which helps you see its position. Its format stays compact: it slips under a hose without taking up space.

The photos give the sizes: the inlet, female, is 3/8″ (12x17); the two outlets, male, are 3/8″ and 1/2″ (15x21). Compare them with your installation before ordering: most shower hoses screw on in 1/2″, so that is the outlet meant for them.

One photo shows it in use, labelled ‘water splitter’: screwed under a braided hose, it feeds a second hose connected to a handset.

If your sizes differ, a reducing bush makes the adaptation.

It comes in matt black, shiny chrome and brushed metal with a stainless look. Choose the shade of your taps: once fitted, the diverter is often visible under the hose.

Fit it with the water off, using PTFE tape on the male threads and a washer in the nut.

For upkeep, diluted white vinegar removes limescale on chrome and brushed metal; on black, prefer soapy water. No abrasives, whatever the finish. The three finishes share the same shape and the same threads: only the colour changes.