Vent, Valve & Volt
Shower drips when off, or the tub spout runs with the shower on

This is normal

Normal: a pencil-thin stream from the spout

A small, pencil-thin stream from the tub spout while the shower runs is expected. Nothing needs fixing.

Why this happens

Delta says it is normal for a small, pencil-thin stream of water to keep flowing from the tub spout when the shower is in operation. The diverter redirects most of the water up to the showerhead but does not seal completely. Only excessive flow means the diverter is worn.

What to do

  1. Leave it as is.
  2. If the stream gets noticeably heavier over time, come back and choose the heavy-flow answer.
  3. If the spout or showerhead also drips with the handle off, that is a separate problem: go back and choose the dripping answer.

If it still worries you, tell the plumber

  • If it gets worse: how heavy the stream is with the shower on.
  • Whether the diverter is a knob on the spout or a middle handle.

Build the full list: what to tell the plumber.

Start this troubleshooter over

References (every fact above comes from one of these pages)
  1. Delta: Diverter tub spout

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