How To Fix A Leaking Shower Head

Has the shower head in your bathroom started to leak suddenly? We know how frustrating this problem can be.

Besides, a leaking shower head is a cause of water wastage. You might have heard of the saying how little drops make an ocean? Well, that is what happens when your shower starts to leak.

All that wasted water could be used somewhere helpful, but it just goes down the drain. Luckily, we know how to fix leaking showers to simplify your life.

That is what we have brought to you in this brief guide. Thus, if you are facing a similar problem, we believe you will find this one helpful.

So, let’s not waste any more time and dive right in!

What Causes A Shower Head To Leak?

Before we begin, you should know exactly what causes a leaky showerhead. When a shower head leaks, it usually means that the fixture has become loose. In some cases, it can indicate a problem with the faucet valve, which controls the flow of water to the shower head.

Either way, you can fix the problem the DIY way. You can start by examining and fixing the shower head, which we have addressed first. Then, you can move on to the faucet valve if required. In a subsequent section, we learned how to fix a shower tap or replace a shower valve.

Tools You’ll Need

First, you must gather all the tools and equipment before you get your hands dirty. So, here is a list of all the necessary items.

• Towels and rags
• Wrench set
• Pliers
• Screwdrivers
• A utility knife
• A bowl or a pan
• A scrubbing brush
• Vinegar
• Sealing tape
• Caulk
• A caulking gun
• A replacement faucet
• Washers

Once you have gathered the above-listed items, you can proceed with the job.

How To Fix A Shower Head Drip?

Several things could cause a leak in your shower, especially the shower heads. Depending on where the water is dripping from can also determine the source of the issue, making it much easier to fix. Sometimes, the dripping shower head or faucet is even when the water is not in use.

Step 1: Turn Off The Water And Remove The Shower Head

Turn off the water supply from the mains first so there is no water wastage, and you can work without getting wet.

After that, remove the shower head by slowly unscrewing it from the pipes. Typically, it can be done with bare hands, but if the head is stuck tightly, unscrew it with wrenches or pliers.

Keep a towel or a bucket below the leaky showerhead, as there may be water in the pipe, even after shutting off the mains. And that water will spill from the shower head once you remove it.

Taking these precautions will help you avoid making a mess.

Step 2: Inspect And Clean The Shower Head

After the shower head is removed, you need to scrutinize it. A washer will be inside, so you must check if it is intact. If not, you need to replace it with a new one.

It would be best to clean the shower head by dipping it in a vinegar-filled bowl. Let it soak for a few hours, then rinse it with warm water.

Step 3: Clean And Wrap The Threads

While the shower head is soaking in vinegar, you can focus on the screw threads on the shower arm. First, brush off any dirt or grime from the thread. Then, you will need to wrap the threads with Teflon sealing tape.

Be sure to apply two or three loops of the tape. But don’t overdo it, or you will have difficulty with the next step.

Step 4: Reattach The Shower Head

After cleaning the shower head and wrapping the tapes, it is time to reattach the shower head. Gently screw the shower head back on the shower arm. Keep turning it until it becomes tight. However, avoid tightening it too much; otherwise, it may break the head. Then, turn on the water mains, and your shower will return to business!

How To Fix The Shower Faucet?

If your shower still leaks after fixing the shower head, it indicates that the faucet is at fault. In that case, you can fix the faucet using the process described below.

Step 1: Turn Off The Water And Dislodge The Faucet

As before, you must turn off the mains water supply and remove the shower handle. Carefully remove any screws from the faucet handle using a screwdriver. Once that’s done, you must remove the plate covering the faucet valve. Remove the nuts holding the plate, and carefully pry it open with a utility knife or screwdriver.

Step 2: Examine And Fix The Faucet Valve

Examine the faucet valve carefully once it has been exposed. You can replace damaged washers with new ones if you notice any damage. If you see minor cracks or ruptures, seal them with caulk.

You must replace the entire faucet valve if the damage is too extensive. To do that, loosen the valve joints with a wrench. Then, take out the old valve and replace it with a new one. Subsequently, tighten the valve joints to ensure there’s no leakage.

Step 3: Reassemble The Faucet Handle

Reattach the covering plate and faucet handle by tightening the screws. Again, do not tighten them too much, or they might break. Then turn the mains back on, and you are done!

Preventing Future Leaks

Once you’ve finally solved your leaky showerhead problem, you’ll want to prevent it from happening again. Here are some useful tips for keeping your shower head drip-free long-term:

• Clean the shower head regularly. Mineral deposits from hard water can build up and wear down gaskets.
• Avoid knocking or dropping the shower head. The impact can loosen connections.
• Check for worn parts like washers and gaskets. Replace them early on to avoid leaks.
• Use pipe sealant or plumber’s putty on all threaded connections. This will protect you from moisture damage.
• Ensure shower arm brackets are firmly secured. Loose connections can develop drips.
• Hand-tighten shower heads after cleaning. Over-tightening with tools can cause damage.
• Use a water filter if you have hard water issues. This will minimize mineral deposits.
• Inspect for leaks and drips regularly. Address any minor issues before they worsen.
• Know when to call a pro. Some leak causes may require a plumber’s expertise.

Following these prevention tips and acting quickly when you notice drips can go a long way towards shower head leak protection. No one wants to deal with this annoying issue repeatedly!

Leaking Shower Head Fixed

And that’s how you can stop a shower head from leaking. It seems pretty simple after going through the process.

So, grab your gear and get started with the repair! If you follow the instructions we have provided here, you can fix your entire shower head or faucet body in no time.

On that note, we would like to give you one final piece of advice before we go. You should always check the fittings once you are done to ensure no more problems. In the long run, it will save you a lot of trouble. If the problem still exists, immediately call a professional to handle the issue for you. The Melbourne plumbers at WP Plumbing can assist you with your leaking shower head, so be sure to contact us!

That said, it’s time for us to go now. Farewell, everyone!