How To Fix A Leaking Shower Head (It’s Easy!)
If your shower head is leaking, there are multiple ways that may fix it without having to replace it. The dripping may not be too much of an inconvenience for you, but you will notice issues with a higher water bill in the long run. Usually this is an easy fix that you can do yourself with little to no problem. Even if you can’t find a solution, replacing the shower head is always an option. Before you replace the shower head, there are many different reasons why your shower head might be dripping.
Remove the Shower Head
The first step to fix a leaking shower head is to remove the shower head from your shower. To do this, turn the head or the nut attaching it counter clockwise. Do this until it comes loose and you’re able to remove it. If it is too tight and won’t budge, let it soak in vinegar overnight to help loosen any debris or minerals. Then you can use pliers or a wrench to carefully remove it from the wall.
Soak it in Vinegar
If you don’t need to soak the shower head in vinegar to remove it, we recommend doing it after you remove it from the wall. This will remove mineral buildup that could be clogging the shower head. Having this clean will make it easier for you to examine the shower head for any issues it may have.
Worn Down Washer
The first thing to look into when your shower head is leaking is the seal between the shower head and the shower arm. If this seal becomes worn, it may crack or wear down enough that it no longer does its job properly. Washers create a watertight seal that prevents water from making its way through the connection between the head and the arm. Turn your shower head over and look into where it connects to the arm. You should see a black ring placed inside. That is the washer that may need to be replaced.
Even the slightest wear and tear would allow water to drip through. These naturally wear overtime, so it is normal to have to replace them as time goes on. Replacing it is easy. All you have to do is remove it from the shower head and put a new one in the same spot. When buying a new washer, we recommend taking the old one to the store with you to make sure you purchase the exact size. Luckily, these are very inexpensive so it is a cheap and easy repair to make.
Pipe Thread Tape Needs Replaced
If the washer is not your shower head to leak, replace the pipe thread tape on the shower arm where the shower head connects. This will wear down over time, and can result in leaks. To remove the old thread from the stem, slowly peel it off the best that you can. Once you are able to remove as much as you can, use a brush to remove the rest of the thread that is left behind. Now that it is completely removed, wrap new thread around the stem where the shower head and stem connect.
Replace the Shower Head
If you are still having trouble with your shower head leaking, it might be time to replace it. Every appliance has a life span, so it’s not uncommon to have to replace the whole shower head. There are many different options you can choose from when you are determining the type of shower head you want.
Other Possible Causes
Sometimes the leaks may not be a result of something wrong with your shower head. The issue could be coming from your faucet itself. There are many things that could go wrong with your tub faucet that could cause leaks;
- Faucet washer
- Shower cartridge
- Shower valve
Any of these items will eventually go back and need replaced. Only resort to getting these fixed if none of the above options fix the problem. These repairs can be much more difficult to do on your own compared to the others. If you need a plumbing repair, we recommend calling a plumber to diagnose the issue and make these repairs for you.
Final Thoughts
A leaking shower head can cause more issues than just being an annoyance. It will result in a higher water bill and will waste water while you aren’t even using it. Fortunately there are many ways to fix this, and most of them are easy to do yourself.
Call 1-Tom-Plumber
Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need any plumbing, drain cleaning, or excavation service. 1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.
