A leaky shower head can lead to unnecessary water wastage, which raises your utility bills and strains the environment. Constant dampness can promote mold and mildew growth, posing potential health risks. Over time, the continuous water leakage may also cause structural damage to walls and flooring, leading to costly repairs.
Hence, fixing a leaky shower head as soon as possible is critical. This article explains how you can fix a leaky shower head yourself.
How to Fix a Leaky Shower Head?
Materials Required
- Wrench or Pliers
- Teflon Tape (Plumber’s Tape)
- New shower head (if necessary)
- Bucket and sponge or towels
- Distilled White Vinegar (for possible mineral buildup removal)
Time Required: Approximately 1-2 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Instructions
- Turn off the water supply to the shower. This will prevent any potential water spills during the repair process.
- Place a towel or bucket underneath the shower head to catch any drips.
- Use the wrench or pliers to unscrew the shower head from the shower arm. Usually, it can be unscrewed by turning it counterclockwise. Be careful not to damage the finish on the shower head or shower arm.
- Once the shower head is removed, check for any mineral buildup causing the leak. If buildup is present, soak the shower head in a bowl of white vinegar for about an hour and then use an old toothbrush to scrub away any remaining deposits.
- After cleaning or if no buildup was present, inspect the threads on the shower arm and the shower head for any damage. If they’re damaged, you’ll need to replace the shower head.
- If there’s no damage, wrap the threads on the shower arm with Teflon tape. Wrap it in the same direction the shower head will be screwed on (usually clockwise).
- Reattach the shower head by screwing it back onto the shower arm. Use your hand to screw it on as much as possible, then use the wrench or pliers to tighten it further. Be careful not to overtighten, as it can damage the threads.
- Once the shower head is reattached, turn the water supply back on and test your shower. If it’s no longer leaking, then your repair is successful.
Remember, if the leak persists or the problem seems beyond your capabilities, it’s always best to consult a professional plumber.
How to Fix a Leaky Shower Faucet?
Materials Required
- Screwdriver (usually Phillips-head, but could be flat-head, depending on your faucet model)
- Adjustable wrench
- Replacement cartridge or washers and seals (specific to your faucet model)
- Plumber’s grease
Time Required: 1-2 hours
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Instructions
- Start by turning off the water supply to the shower to prevent flooding. This is typically done via a valve in the bathroom or the basement.
- Remove the shower handle. This usually involves removing a screw in the center of the handle, sometimes hidden under a cap that you’ll need to gently pry off with the screwdriver.
- Once the handle is off, you’ll see a nut that secures the stem. Use the adjustable wrench to unscrew this nut.
- After removing the stem, inspect it for any damage. Look particularly at the washer at the end of the stem. If it’s damaged or worn out, this is likely the cause of your leak.
- If you need to replace the entire cartridge, take the old cartridge to a hardware store to make sure you buy the correct replacement. If you just need to replace the washer, ensure you get one of the same size.
- Before replacing the washer or cartridge, apply some of the plumber’s grease to the replacement parts. This will help ensure a good seal and make the parts easier to fit together.
- Install the new washer or cartridge, then screw the stem back into the faucet. Tighten the nut with your wrench.
- Reinstall the handle, making sure to tighten the screw securely.
- Turn the water supply back on and test your shower. If the faucet no longer leaks, then your repair is successful.
Remember, if you still see a leak or the task seems beyond your capabilities, it’s always best to consult a professional plumber. The above steps should work for most traditional faucets, but some models might require additional steps or specialized tools. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions if available.
How to Replace a Faucet Cartridge?
Materials Required
- Replacement cartridge (specific to your shower faucet model)
- Adjustable wrench or pliers
- Screwdriver (usually Phillips-head, but could be flat-head, depending on your faucet model)
- Plumber’s grease
- White vinegar and a small brush for cleaning, if needed
Time Required: 1-2 hours
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Instructions
- Begin by turning off the water supply to your shower. You may need to shut off the water to the whole house if there isn’t a dedicated shut-off valve for the shower.
- Remove the shower handle. This typically involves removing a cap on the handle to reveal a screw. Unscrew this, and the handle should lift off.
- Once the handle is removed, you’ll see a trim plate (escutcheon). Remove this as well, usually by unscrewing it from the wall.
- You’ll now see the cartridge held in place by a retaining nut or clip. Use your wrench or pliers to remove this.
- Once the retaining nut or clip is removed, pull out the cartridge. If it’s stuck, gently wiggle it back and forth to loosen it.
- With the old cartridge out, inspect the inside of the valve for any mineral buildup. Clean it with white vinegar and a brush if there is a buildup.
- Apply the plumber’s grease to the new cartridge. This will help it operate smoothly and ensure a good seal.
- Insert the new cartridge into the valve, making sure to align it correctly. Usually, the cartridge will have a notch or arrow that indicates which direction it should face.
- Replace the retaining nut or clip, then replace the trim plate and handle.
- Turn the water supply back on and test your shower. If the water temperature is balanced and there’s no leakage, you’ve successfully replaced your shower faucet cartridge.
Remember, if the process seems daunting or you run into complications, hiring a professional plumber is best. Always double-check that the replacement cartridge matches your specific shower faucet model.
Reasons a Shower Head Leaks
Worn-Out Rubber Washer: The rubber washer inside the shower head can deteriorate over time, leading to leaks. This washer creates a water-tight seal, and when it wears out, water can slip through.
Damaged Threads: The threads on either the shower arm or the shower head can become damaged, making it difficult for them to form a proper seal, causing a leak.
Mineral Buildup: Over time, mineral deposits from the water can build up inside the shower head, causing it to leak. This buildup can block normal water flow, forcing water to leak out from other parts of the shower head.
Incorrect Installation: If the shower head isn’t properly installed, it may leak. This could be due to insufficient tightening, improper alignment, or lack of plumber’s tape on the threads.
Faulty Diverter Valve: The diverter valve can be faulty if you have a shower-bathtub combo. This valve directs the water either to the shower head or the tub faucet, and if it’s not functioning correctly, it can cause the shower head to drip even when it’s not in use.
High Water Pressure: Unusually high water pressure can also cause a shower head to leak. When the pressure is too high, it can force water out through small openings, like a loosened connection or a slight crack in the shower head.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sediment buildup make my Shower Head leak?
Yes, sediment or mineral buildup can indeed make your shower head leak. Minerals in the water can accumulate over time, obstructing the normal water flow and forcing it to escape from unintended areas of the shower head. Regular cleaning can help prevent such buildup and associated leakage.
How often should I replace my Shower Head?
There isn’t a definitive rule about how often to replace your shower head. It mainly depends on its quality, how well it’s maintained, and your local water quality. If you notice consistent issues like reduced water pressure, leakage, or rust, it’s likely time to replace it. As a general guideline, considering replacement every 6-8 years can help maintain optimal function.
Is it safe to use a leaking Shower Head?
While a leaking shower head isn’t usually a direct safety hazard, it can lead to problems. The constant dampness can encourage mold and mildew growth, which pose potential health risks. Additionally, if the water leakage is substantial, it could cause structural damage to your home over time. It’s best to repair or replace a leaking shower head promptly.