Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audits: How Leaky Shower
Diverter Valves Waste Water and Money
A leaking shower diverter valve wastes water, increases utility bills and reduces shower performance. Moreover, the leak can waste energy when heated water flows directly down the drain.
Fortunately, a simple home energy audit helps homeowners identify these problems before costs add up.
In the original eHow.com article, Bobby Parker discussed shower diverter valves and referenced Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audits, one of my books by David S. Findley.
The message still matters today. Small plumbing problems create unnecessary expenses. However, simple repairs can make a meaningful difference.
What Does a Shower Diverter Valve Do?
A shower diverter valve directs water from the bathtub faucet to the showerhead. However, worn seals and damaged components can allow water to escape through the tub spout.
As a result, some water flows down the drain instead of reaching the showerhead.
Consequently, homeowners waste water every time they shower. They may also waste energy heating water they never use.
Furthermore, a faulty diverter can weaken the shower’s water flow. Therefore, homeowners should inspect the fixture when water continues flowing from the tub spout during a shower.
How a Home Energy Audit Helps
A do-it-yourself home energy audit helps homeowners find hidden sources of energy and water waste. Moreover, it identifies improvements that can reduce monthly household expenses.
For example, homeowners can inspect shower fixtures, check faucets for leaks and examine toilets for continuous water flow.
Additionally, they can evaluate lighting, insulation and air leaks around windows and doors.
These simple inspections reveal opportunities to improve efficiency.
Meanwhile, homeowners can prioritize inexpensive repairs before considering larger upgrades.
A faulty shower diverter often requires a relatively straightforward repair.
Therefore, replacing worn components may restore proper water flow without a major bathroom renovation.
Why Hot Water Conservation Matters
Heating water consumes energy. Consequently, every gallon of heated water that flows unnecessarily down the drain represents wasted resources.
Furthermore, water heaters must replace the hot water that households consume. Reducing unnecessary hot-water use can therefore reduce the energy required to maintain the household’s supply.
Homeowners can also install efficient showerheads and repair dripping faucets.
Additionally, regular plumbing maintenance helps prevent small problems from becoming expensive repairs.
Together, these improvements support a more efficient home.
Conclusion: Small Plumbing Repairs Create Lasting Savings
Saving energy doesn’t always require expensive equipment. Sometimes, homeowners simply need to repair a small plumbing problem.
For example, fixing a leaking shower diverter valve can reduce water waste and improve shower performance. Moreover, it can prevent unnecessary hot-water consumption.
A do-it-yourself home energy audit gives homeowners a practical starting point. Additionally, regular inspections help identify leaks before they increase utility bills.
Ultimately, small repairs can deliver benefits over time. Therefore, checking plumbing fixtures, repairing leaks and maintaining efficient household systems can help create a more comfortable, affordable and environmentally responsible home.
Sources — DIY Home Energy Audits and Shower Diverter Valves
1. U.S. Department of Energy — Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Assessments (love how they stole our book title!!)

2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — Fix a Leak Week 
3. U.S. Department of Energy — Reduce Hot Water Use for Energy Savings

