If you have a leaking shower head and want to fix it, you are in the right place. This article will illustrate all possible aspects of a leaking shower and the methods you can use to fix it. Seeing your dripping showerhead water is unwanted, annoying, and frustrating because it also causes a dent in your savings.
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The simplest method to fix the dripping shower head is to call a plumber and wait for him. The second method is to fix it yourself by following the guidelines we will provide in this article. The prior method is better for beginners, but the latter makes you self-sufficient in dealing with minor plumbing issues.
Common Problems in the Context of Leaking Showers
Misconception about a Leaking Shower Head
When we discuss a leaking showerhead, we must understand what is happening with the showerhead. Sometimes, the shower does not spray water properly, or the water stream weakens gradually with time.
This is not what you call a leaking shower head, but this issue is due to sediment build-up in the holes of the shower head, creating a hindrance in the way of the water stream. After a few days, you can resolve this issue by removing and cleaning the shower head.
Shower Head Leaking When Water is Off
A shower head can leak water, but how do you know about it? When you turn off the valve, the water stream should stop falling after a few seconds, but sometimes water droplets keep dripping from the pores.
This is what you call a leaking shower, and you need to fix it immediately after detection, or else be ready to trim a good amount from your savings. Luckily, it is not as difficult as it may seem to be. You will find that it is not that tough when you go through the instructions described in the later sections.
Shower Head Leaking at Wall
Detecting a showerhead leaking at the wall is problematic because it requires some good spying characteristics. One of the tell-tale indications of a water leak from a shower valve behind the wall is water stains. You may notice dried water stains on the ceiling below the shower. Shower valve leaks behind the wall are lethargic but consistent and dangerous. Usually, a pinhole leaks from a faulty valve or dislodged soldering from the water connection points.
Fixing a Leaking Shower
This section will enhance your knowledge about fixing the leaking issue of showerheads.
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
Turning off the water supply is always the first step to initiating plumbing work. Therefore, if you suspect a shower head is leaking, turn off the water supply valve to that bathroom. If there is no dedicated valve for that bathroom, turn off the whole house’s water supply.
2. Remove the Showerhead
It would help if you started by removing the showerhead faceplate. In a typical dismantling, look for screws around the shower head faceplate or the shower head itself to unscrew. Once you undo the screws, you can easily twist and remove the showerhead.
3. Soak the Showerhead in White Vinegar
Once you remove the showerhead, you need to remove the sediment build-ups in the showerhead. You need to soak the showerhead in white vinegar for about seven hours. Soaking the showerhead will almost remove all the sediments and unwanted build-ups. If you find anything after soaking, you can manually remove it.
4. Check the Washers
Rubber washers usually wear out, and water seeps through the cracks of the washers. Replacing this washer will resolve the issue. If you have a single-faucet shower, you will find the washer inside the showerhead. If you have a compression or double faucet shower, you will find the washer in the faucet. In this case, you also need to determine which faucet is the cause of the leaking.
Shower Head Leaking at Swivel
The following steps will help you replace the rubber washer in the showerhead:
- Loosen the collar nut to isolate the showerhead from the shower arm.
- The swivel ball of a showerhead is a metal fixture that attaches directly to the showerhead. Look downside the swivel ball to locate the rubber washer.
- Once you locate the rubber washer, replace it with a new one of the same size.
- Reassemble the showerhead and test the procedure.
Replacing the Washers inside the Faucets
- You will find a screw on the faucet valve. Depending on your faucet style, this screw may be in plain sight or hidden behind a cover cap.
- Remove the handle.
- Once the handle is off, use a deep socket to remove the faucet stem by unscrewing the hex nut. You’ll need to use the deep socket to unscrew the hex nut.
- You will find the rubber washer and need to replace the rubber washer in the assembly.
- Reattach the showerhead and test the system.
5. Turn On the Water Supply
You can turn on the water supply if the shower works well after testing.
Conclusion
A leaking shower head is none less than a headache. You need to react promptly to this issue before it gets bigger. Therefore, basic plumbing knowledge the problem will help you in fixing minor plumbing issues without having to waste much money.