ShareThisQ: Dear Ed, I know you help many readers solve their plumbing and home improvement problems, but do you ever explain things to the curious? Thankfully everything in my house is working fine, I just want to know how a kitchen faucet diverter valve works. How does the diverter automatically switch the water from the faucet spout to the spray head when you push the button? -- Jay, Tennessee.A: Hi Jay,You're lucky not to have any home problems at this time, and I stress the words "at this time." Homes are complicated machines and sooner or later something will require attention. I'm not saying this to scare you, it's just a segue into your question. Learning about potential problems before they happen and being ready to deal with them is the key to home improvement.Your question on how kitchen faucet diverters work is one of those little things that can save you big money. Basically it's an internal spring-loaded movable piston. In the normal position the water flows to the spout, and in the diverted position the valve closes the flow of water to the spout and diverts it to the spray.What triggers it to open and close? When you push the spray button and open the hose line, a pressure drop is created in the faucet body and the piston is pulled back and this stops the flow to the spout. Then when you release the button to close the spray line, the pressure is equalized in the faucet body and the spring loaded piston springs back to the normal position. It's that simple! Common signs of a broken diverter are when there is no switch between faucet spout and spray flow, low water pressure to the spout and/or spray or even constant dripping of the spray head. Most kitchen faucets do have easy to follow diverter replacement kits available. So, if your diverter ever does fail, you may want to save some money and "go with the flow" by repairing your faucet instead of replacing it! Q: Hello Mr. Del Grande,Our windows seem to have a lot of moisture on the inside built up on them constantly. We have been told that it's because our home is too humid. How can this be? We run a dehumidifier 24/7. What else can we do to solve this problem? -- Ann, WisconsinA: Ann,I can tell from where you live that your house is probably well-insulated and sealed up for the winter. A house that is "too tight" can trap a lot of moisture and may get very wet because of lack of fresh air flow.Dehumidifiers will help, but you also need to get some fresh air into your home. Try to run your bathroom fans whenever you use the bathroom, even if you're not showering. Also, make sure your bathroom fans vent outside, not to the attic. This may be all you need. If not you will need to consult an HVAC contractor who can install air exchange system that should solve your problem. Wet home interiors and windows may lead to mold and other moisture related issues. My advice is for you to solve this problem right away so you can make a fresh start in your home!(Master Contractor/Plumber Ed Del Grande is known internationally as the author of the book "Ed Del Grande's House Call" and for hosting TV shows on Scripps Networks and HGTVPro.com. For information visit eddelgrande.com or write eddelgrande(at)hgtvpro.com. Always consult local contractors and codes. For more stories visit scrippsnews.com)
Diverting issues ... wet windows
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