Homeowner decision guide
Reviewed and updated September 22, 2026
When water continues flowing from the tub spout while the shower is selected, the flow-diversion mechanism is the first component to identify. Some tub spouts use a lift rod, gate and washer to redirect water; Moen documents that arrangement for its diverter-gate kit. A different shower may divert water inside the wall, so the visible symptom is not enough to choose a repair part.
Describe whether the tub spout keeps a steady stream, only drips, or releases water after the shower is turned off. These are different observations. Do not confuse this problem with water rising to the showerhead while filling the tub, and do not assume replacing the showerhead will correct a spout-side diversion issue.
The decision path is national guidance. The exact property, product, utility, jurisdiction and provider coverage can change the next step.
Choose a state to make the geographic boundary explicit.
A ZIP code may help screen service availability; it does not establish a local rule, price or provider commitment.
Use the sections that match what you can safely observe. They add context without diagnosing the property from a distance.
Why does water keep coming from the tub spout while the shower is running?
Stop using the fixture if water appears behind the wall, reaches the ceiling below, or cannot be kept within the tub. Do not pull harder on a jammed diverter or dismantle plumbing with the supply on.
Why does water keep coming from the tub spout while the shower is running?
Photograph the spout and control. Ask whether the model has a serviceable gate assembly or requires a compatible replacement spout. The decision should include the connection type and condition, not just whether a replacement looks similar.
Why does water keep coming from the tub spout while the shower is running?
Tell the plumber which control selects the shower and whether other outlets are involved. Ask them to identify the diverter valve before opening the wall. Keep the main temperature-control valve and the outlet-selection valve separate in the repair description.
Why does water keep coming from the tub spout while the shower is running?
Record how the fixture behaves during showering versus afterward. Ask manufacturer support whether the observed drain-down is expected for that model. A description of timing can prevent an unnecessary repair, but continued water with every control off still needs a leak evaluation.
Why does water keep coming from the tub spout while the shower is running?
Take a short video from outside the tub showing the selected outlet and unwanted flow.
Record whether the problem is new or has existed since installation.
Save the product model, installation invoice and prior repair details.
Note any dampness outside the tub without removing access panels or finishes.
Why does water keep coming from the tub spout while the shower is running?
A plumber can distinguish a spout assembly from an in-wall diverter problem and check the connection.
The manufacturer can confirm compatible spouts or service kits for the identified model.
Why does water keep coming from the tub spout while the shower is running?
Where does this fixture divert the water: at the spout or inside the wall?
What evidence supports replacing the gate, the spout or the valve?
Will the repair include checking for water escaping behind the finished surface?
Why does water keep coming from the tub spout while the shower is running?
The illustrated Moen construction is not universal.
A remote video cannot establish the condition of concealed connections.
No amount of residual flow is declared acceptable for every product.
Why does water keep coming from the tub spout while the shower is running?
Shower Valve Losing Temperature Control
A P-Trap or Slip Joint Is Leaking Under the Sink
Hidden Moisture in a Ceiling Cavity After a Leak Stops
Stop using the fixture if water appears behind the wall, reaches the ceiling below, or cannot be kept within the tub. Do not pull harder on a jammed diverter or dismantle plumbing with the supply on.
Notice next: Stop using the fixture if water appears behind the wall, reaches the ceiling below, or cannot be kept within the tub. Do not pull harder on a jammed diverter or dismantle plumbing with the supply on.
Photograph the spout and control. Ask whether the model has a serviceable gate assembly or requires a compatible replacement spout. The decision should include the connection type and condition, not just whether a replacement looks similar.
Notice next: Photograph the spout and control. Ask whether the model has a serviceable gate assembly or requires a compatible replacement spout. The decision should include the connection type and condition, not just whether a replacement looks similar.
Tell the plumber which control selects the shower and whether other outlets are involved. Ask them to identify the diverter valve before opening the wall. Keep the main temperature-control valve and the outlet-selection valve separate in the repair description.
Notice next: Tell the plumber which control selects the shower and whether other outlets are involved. Ask them to identify the diverter valve before opening the wall. Keep the main temperature-control valve and the outlet-selection valve separate in.
Record how the fixture behaves during showering versus afterward. Ask manufacturer support whether the observed drain-down is expected for that model. A description of timing can prevent an unnecessary repair, but continued water with every control off still needs a leak evaluation.
Notice next: Record how the fixture behaves during showering versus afterward. Ask manufacturer support whether the observed drain-down is expected for that model. A description of timing can prevent an unnecessary repair, but continued water with.
Use safe, visible observations and existing records only.
These observations organize the next conversation; they do not diagnose the property or authorize work.
When water continues flowing from the tub spout while the shower is selected, the flow-diversion mechanism is the first component to identify. Some tub spouts use a lift rod, gate and washer to redirect water; Moen documents that arrangement for its diverter-gate kit. A different shower may divert water inside the wall, so the visible symptom is not enough to choose a repair part. Describe whether the tub spout keeps a steady stream, only drips, or releases water after the shower is turned off. These are different observations. Do not confuse this problem with water rising to the showerhead while filling the tub, and do not assume replacing the showerhead will correct a spout-side diversion issue.
Stop using the fixture if water appears behind the wall, reaches the ceiling below, or cannot be kept within the tub. Do not pull harder on a jammed diverter or dismantle plumbing with the supply on. Photograph the spout and control. Ask whether the model has a serviceable gate assembly or requires a compatible replacement spout. The decision should include the connection type and condition, not just whether a replacement looks similar. Tell the plumber which control selects the shower and whether other outlets are involved. Ask them to identify the diverter valve before opening the wall. Keep the main temperature-control valve and the outlet-selection valve separate in.
This national guide cannot diagnose the property, verify a provider, or confirm address-specific availability. Permits, adopted codes, licenses, property responsibility and product instructions must be confirmed for the actual location and scope.
This national guide cannot diagnose the property, verify a provider, or confirm address-specific availability.
Permits, adopted codes, licenses, property responsibility and product instructions must be confirmed for the actual location and scope.
A symptom or photograph does not prove the concealed condition, exact cause or final repair scope.