A handheld shower with diverter: how to add one to a fixed head

Quick Answer

Bathroom Accessories World wrote this page for readers who need to upgrade their current setup without replacing the entire plumbing system. Adding a handheld shower with diverter to a fixed head allows for targeted rinsing while keeping the overhead spray, but most people fail to realize that a standard shower arm cannot support two heads without a specific diverter fitting.

A fixed head is a shower head that is permanently attached to a wall or pipe and does not move. To ensure your setup works perfectly, compare shower accessories with your plumbing to prevent pressure loss.

The diverter determines how water flows between heads

A diverter is a plumbing component that directs water flow into different outlets. It works by opening or closing a path to the shower head or the handheld wand. Choosing the right type ensures you can switch between both spray options easily.

Adding a handheld shower with diverter to your setup

You can add a handheld shower to a fixed head by installing a diverter valve between the wall pipe and the shower head. This device splits the water flow to either the fixed head or the handheld wand. The installation method depends on whether your existing shower arm has a threaded end or a standard pipe.

Handheld shower with diverter options

1. Unscrew the existing shower head from the wall pipe to expose the threading.
2. Verify the thread type matches the new hardware by attempting to thread the diverter onto the pipe.
3. Screw the shower diverter onto the pipe until it stays firm and water does not leak from the joints.
4. Attach the handheld shower head with diverter to the new valve to confirm water flows through both outlets.

Is there a push button option for switching?

Some diverter valves feature a push button to toggle water flow. These buttons provide a quick way to switch between the fixed head and the handheld shower wand without turning the main handle.

What types of diverters are compatible with my existing shower setup?

Several types of diverters are compatible with your existing shower setup depending on whether your water supply exits the wall or the shower head. A shower head to handheld diverter connects directly to your current head to switch water flow. A hand held shower diverter valve replaces the existing handle to control the flow.

Compatible shower types

• A shower head to handheld diverter screws onto the existing threaded pipe to add a hand held shower with diverter.
• A hand held shower diverter valve replaces the mixing handle to manage water flow between the head and wand.
• A shower head and handheld diverter attaches to the shower arm to redirect water to a handheld nozzle.
• A handheld shower head diverter sits between the pipe and the head to switch water sources.
• A hand held shower diverter valve works with standard thermostatic valves to add a wand.

Compatibility with existing plumbing and shower heads

Check the thread size on your shower arm to ensure a shower head to handheld diverter fits. Most standard fixtures use a 1/2 inch NPT connection. If your current handle is a single lever, a hand held shower diverter valve might require a specific valve body replacement.

Required items for installing shower accessories

To install a shower diverter, you need a handheld shower head, a matching hose, a diverter valve, and a mounting bracket. You also need plumbing supplies like pipe tape and washers to create a watertight seal. Most DIYers can complete this task by replacing the existing shower head with a new diverter unit.

Required shower accessories and shower curtain items

• A handheld shower head with a compatible hose provides the primary spray source.
• A diverter for shower head and handheld allows water to switch between the fixed head and the wand.
• A mounting bracket secures the handheld shower wand to the wall or the shower arm.
• A rubber washer creates a seal between the threads to prevent leaks.
• A shower curtain liner protects the bathroom floor from water spray.

Tools and materials needed for the project

Copper pipe serves as a durable connection point for many plumbing configurations. Plumber’s tape wraps around threaded connections to seal gaps. A wrench helps tighten the diverter valve onto the shower arm.

A rubber washer prevents water from seeping through the joints. A drill helps mount the bracket if the wall requires a new hole.

Can I install a diverter if I have a concealed shower setup?

You can install a diverter if you have a concealed shower by replacing the wall plate or adding a valve. Concealed showers hide the plumbing behind the wall, which requires a specific adapter to connect the hand shower wand to the internal pipe. This setup works if the existing shower arm or outlet supports a diverter connection.

Thread size and trim kit requirements

A shower diverter for handheld use often requires a specific thread size to match the concealed system. If the wall plate lacks a threaded outlet, you must replace the trim kit to expose a connection point. Trim is the visible metal plate and handle assembly that covers the internal shower valve. Some concealed systems use a dedicated valve that switches water flow without a physical diverter piece.

Connecting a diverter to hidden plumbing

To fix a concealed setup, you must identify the outlet size behind the wall plate. A hand held shower diverter valve connects directly to the internal plumbing to split the water flow. You can swap the existing shower head for a handheld shower head with diverter valve to bypass the need for external pipe modifications.

Adjusting a handheld setup for a thermostatic mixer

You can add a handheld shower and diverter to a thermostatic shower mixer by installing a shower head to handheld diverter between the wall outlet and the shower head. This setup allows the thermostatic mixer to regulate the water temperature while the diverter switches the flow between the fixed head and the hand shower wand.

Pressure drops and temperature stability

A thermostatic shower mixer maintains a constant temperature by reacting to pressure and temperature changes. A thermostatic shower mixer is a valve that maintains a constant water temperature by automatically adjusting flow. If the diverter valve creates a significant pressure drop, the mixer might struggle to stabilize the heat. Users should learn how to change a shower diverter to ensure it allows for high flow rates and keeps the thermostatic valve functioning correctly.

Modifying the flow for a thermostatic shower mixer

Install a handheld shower head diverter valve that maintains high flow volume. A diverter with a large internal diameter helps the thermostatic shower mixer sense pressure changes quickly. This prevents the water temperature from fluctuating when you switch between the fixed head and the hand held shower nozzle.

Install a handheld shower with diverter onto your existing fixed head

Upgrading your shower setup requires confirming your current plumbing compatibility and selecting the correct hardware before beginning the physical installation.

Installation process

1. Identify your current shower arm and pipe diameter. Measure the threaded end of your existing shower arm. A standard 1/2 inch connection is typical for most residential plumbing.
2. Select a diverter kit compatible with your pipe size. Choose a handheld shower with diverter that matches your measured diameter. Ensure the kit includes both the diverter valve and the handheld hose.
3. Verify the installation requirements with a plumber. Ask a plumber if your wall plumbing can support the additional weight of a handheld unit. They will confirm if your current setup is structurally sound.
4. Compare the diverter flow rate against your water pressure. Check the flow rate on the product specifications. A high flow rate is good for pressure, but a low flow rate is better for water conservation.
5. Purchase the hardware and complete the installation. Buy the selected components and attach the diverter to the shower arm. Success is achieved when water flows from both the head and the handheld wand.

Frequently asked questions