What Is a Diverter Valve?

Whether you set up your tools yourself or hire someone else to do it, it’s easy to get confused about what goes where and what each part does. The new “gadgets” attached to your water systems can be even more confusing.

Case in point: the diverter valve.

If you’ve been reading up on home improvement blogs, you may have seen this device on different irrigation systems. But what is a diverter valve, exactly? And what does it do?

Well, we’ve got the answers right here. Read on to learn all about diverter valves!

What Does a Diverter Valve Do?

A diverter valve is a device used to control the flow of water, gas, steam, or other fluid. It diverts the flow of fluid from one location to another. It is normally used when it’s necessary to divert the flow of a certain liquid from one area to another.

For example, in a plumbing system, a diverter valve is used to direct the water from the main supply line to a showerhead, sprayer, and other outlets.

Diverter valves are also used in heating systems to switch between hot water tanks, boilers, and heat pumps. In air conditioning systems, the valve can be used to divert the flow of air from one set of ducts to another. The diverter valve can be manual or automatic, depending on the system.

In general, diverter valves are used to control and optimize the flow of liquids and gases in various applications.

Benefits of Installing a Diverter Valve

One of the main benefits of installing a diverter valve is the ability to control and direct water flow where it is needed most. It can be used to provide hot and cold water to different outlets in the home.

Diverter valves also make it easy to control the pressure of the water flow and can make a huge difference if you’re trying to optimize the hot water supply. Additionally, diverter valves allow you to divert water to other parts of the plumbing system or away from the main line if a problem arises.

Installing a diverter valve can be an efficient solution for a shower, sink, or toilet. It’s an inexpensive way to make a huge difference when it comes to plumbing performance.

Different Diverter Valve Types

There are a variety of types of diverters or service valves, each with its own specific traits to suit certain applications. A two-way diverter valve has two inlets and one outlet, whereas a three-way diverter is designed with two inlets and two outlets.

Multi-way diverter valves have multiple inlets and multiple outlets. Pressure diverter valves work by introducing or diverting a pressurized stream of fluid. Likewise, there are also spring-loaded diverter valves that operate at predetermined pressures.

Gravity-fed diverter valves rely on gravity to form a fluid seal and open or close at specific levels. Finally, air-operated diverter valves are used to divert liquid or gas flow using air or pneumatic pressure.

Explore and Discover a Diverter Valve

The diverter valve is a useful, reliable plumbing tool. It allows you to easily adjust or divert the flow of water from one location to another.

Knowing how it works and how to operate it properly can go a long way in ensuring proper water flow in your home. For more information about diverter valves, contact a local plumbing professional.