Why Is My Shower Head Leaking?

Is your shower head leaking? If you’re like most homeowners, the shower is one of the most-used fixtures in your home. So when it starts to leak, especially if the drip is from the hot water valve, it can be really frustrating. But don’t worry – we’re here to help! In this post, we’ll share some tips on how to find and fix a shower leak. Keep reading for more info!

What Is A Leak?

A leak is a hole or crack in the shower head that allows water to escape. Over time, the hole can become bigger and the drip can become more constant. If left unchecked, a leaky shower head can waste hundreds of gallons of water each year!

Why Is Your Shower Head Leaking?

There are a few different reasons why your shower head might be leaking. One of the most common is simply due to wear and tear – over time, the washer, gasket, or the valve body in your shower head can degrade, causing water to leak out.

Also, Shower faucets that leak are due to faulty faucet valve cartridge inserts, which control the flow and mixing of hot and cold water through the faucet body and into the shower head or tub spout.

Another common reason for a dripping shower head is improper installation – if your shower head wasn’t installed correctly, it’s more likely to develop leaks down the road.

If you’re not sure what’s causing your shower head to leak, start by taking a close look at the fixture itself. Are there any cracks or damage? Is it loose? If so, that could be the source of your problem.

Here are some common signs:

• Water stains on the ceiling or walls
• Mold or mildew around the shower
• Water pooled on the floor around the shower

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take a closer look at your shower head. Once you’ve identified the issue, you can take steps to fix it yourself or call a professional for help.

How To Fix A Leaking Shower Head

Below is a step by step guide on how to fix a leaky shower head:

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

Check that the shower faucet handle is fully in the OFF position. There should be no water flowing from the shower head. Remove the shower head by turning it counter-clockwise off of the threaded end of the shower arm with your hands. Use a wet cloth to grip the shower head if you need help. It’s occasionally necessary to utilize channel-lock pliers to remove a shower head in rare cases, but this generally indicates an extremely old and rusted shower head that should be replaced.

Note: When removing your shower head, make sure not to lose your O-ring or rubber washer.

Step 2: Inspect And Clean The Entire Shower Head

Inspect the shower head for any mineral deposits that have built up over time, which can also cause a leak. If there is any build-up, soak the shower head in vinegar for 30 minutes to loosen the deposits. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away any remaining residue. Rinse off the vinegar with warm water and reattach the shower head.

Step 3: Wrap Pipe Threads With Teflon Tape

If your shower head is still leaking, it’s likely due to a bad seal. To fix this, wrap the pipe threads with Teflon tape before screwing on the shower head. This will create a watertight seal and stop the leak.

4: Replace Washers And Gaskets

If you’ve tried all of the above steps and your shower head is still leaking, it’s time to replace the washers and gaskets. You’ll need a faucet washer kit for this – you can get one at your local hardware store.

To replace your washers and gaskets, remove the old washers and gaskets from the shower head. Be sure to take note of their orientation so you can install the new ones in the same way. Next, insert the new washers and

Step 5: Reattach The Shower Head

Once you’ve replaced the washers and gaskets, it’s time to reattach the shower head. First, apply a small amount of plumber’s putty to the threads. This will help create a seal and stop leaks. Next, screw on the shower head and hand-tighten it until snug. Finally, use an adjustable wrench to tighten the connection one more time.

Step 6: Test For Leaks

Now it’s time to test your work. Turn on the shower and check for leaks. If everything looks good, you’re all done!

If your shower head is still leaking, there may be a more serious issue at play. In this case, it’s best to call a professional plumber for help.

Need A Plumber In Maryland? Contact Us!

At MD Sewer and Plumbing, we offer commercial plumbing services with years of expertise. Since 1985, we have provided dependable sewer and plumbing services in Pasadena, Glen Burnie, Linthicum, Annapolis, Baltimore, and the surrounding areas.

Our services include plumbing, water lines, pipeline video inspections, sewer drain cleaning, sump pumps, hot water heaters, remodeling, and other plumbing needs, plumbing repairs, or emergency services. All at an affordable price!

Give us a service call today at 410-255-9300 or get a quote online to request our services.

Conclusion

A dripping shower head is more than just a nuisance – it’s also a waste of water and money. By taking the time to fix your leaky shower head, you can save yourself money on your water bill and avoid costly repairs down the road. With this guide in hand, you have all the information you need to fix your shower head.

Do you have any other tips on how to fix a leaky shower head? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to check out our other plumbing blog posts for more helpful information. Thanks for reading!​