3 Ways to Stop Your Shower Head Leaking

For some of us, finding a shower head leaking might seem like a fairly small problem. However, it certainly doesn't take long for that fairly small problem to blow out into a rather large one.

A leaky shower head can cause numerous problems, ranging from wasting water (which inevitably drives up your water bill) to causing unwanted damp and even water damage to your bathroom. Needless to say, leaky shower heads are something you don’t want to ignore.

Thankfully there is some good news. Many common causes of a leaking shower head, which we’ll discuss in greater detail, are fairly easy to fix with a bit of DIY. But if the problem is more complicated you need to know when to call a plumber. By acting fast you can stop leaks from turning into costly repairs and keep your bathroom in top condition.

So… Why Do I Have a Leaking Shower Head?

As it happens, there are several reasons why you might be wrangling with a leaking shower head. Luckily, many of these issues are easy to spot and fix. Here are a few typical reasons why your shower head might be dripping:

• Worn washers: The rubber washer inside the shower head or shower arm wears out over time, resulting in leaking water.
• Mineral build up: Hard water leaves mineral deposits inside the shower head, blocking water flow and causing showerhead leaks.
• Faulty shower cartridge: A worn out or faulty cartridge in the shower valve can cause a dripping showerhead.
• Loose connections: The connections between the shower head and the threaded end of the shower arm come loose over time and leak.

To fix a leaking shower head and keep your bathroom leak-free, finding the cause is the first critical step. It will also help you determine the most appropriate DIY fix to help stop your shower head leaking.

DIY Fix #1: Clean and Remove Mineral Deposits

If your shower head is leaking due to mineral deposits left behind from hard water, a simple cleaning might do the trick. Mineral build-up can restrict the water flow and result in a leaking showerhead. Luckily you can fix this with items you probably already have at home.

Unscrew the shower head from the shower arm and soak it in a bowl of white vinegar for about an hour. This will dissolve the mineral build up. After soaking, use an old toothbrush to scrub away any remaining debris or stubborn deposits. Once you’ve cleaned it up, thoroughly rinse the shower head in cold water and screw it back onto the threaded end. This should restore water flow and stop your leaky showerhead issue.

DIY Fix #2: Replace Worn Out Washers and O-rings

Of course, the culprit behind your leaky shower head may be its rubber washers and O-rings. So if mineral deposits aren’t the problem, it’s well worth checking these.

O-rings and rubber washers in the shower act as a kind of seal between the shower head and the hose; that seal effectively prevents leaks from occurring. However, as they’re relatively small parts, they can wear out over time which allows the leaks to occur.

To fix this, find the water shutoff valves and turn off the water supply. Then unscrew the shower head from the arm and inspect the washers and O-rings for signs of wear or damage. If they look worn or cracked you’ll need to pop down to your local hardware store to replace them. Remove the old ones, fit the new ones in and reattach the shower head. This should stop the leak and prevent further water waste.

DIY Fix #3: Replace Faulty Shower Cartridge

Now, this one may be a little more complicated than the previous two. You might even decide that you’d rather let a licensed plumber complete the job for you. But we’ll take a look nevertheless.

A faulty cartridge in the shower valve can often be behind persistent water leaks from your shower head. If the previous two approaches haven’t fixed the problem for you, hopefully the third time will be the charm!

The first step to fix a leaking shower head in this instance is to turn off the water supply using the water shut off valves. Then remove the shower tap handle to access the cartridge. Depending on the type of taps you have, you may need either a spanner or screwdriver. Once you can access the cartridge, pull it out and take it to your nearest hardware store to find an exact replacement. Installing the new cartridge should stop the leak and restore water flow.

As I said earlier, this one may be a little more complicated. Don’t hesitate, therefore to call a licensed plumber to avoid damaging the plumbing system.

When To Call a Plumber

Basic DIY fixes, like those we’ve just explored, can fix many leaking showerhead issues. However, if you’ve tried them all and the leak persists, it’s time to call in a professional.

Leaks in the walls or issues with plumbing systems can cause serious water damage if you don’t handle them properly. An experienced and licensed plumber can inspect the shower valve, shower arm and water supply to find the root of the problem. If you see leaks around the shower taps, the problem might be more complex than a dripping shower head.

For peace of mind and to avoid costly repairs call a professional.

Maintenance Tips to Prevent Your Shower Head Dripping

Preventing future leaking shower head issues is easier than you think. A little regular maintenance can go a long way in keeping your shower in top shape. Here are some simple tips to help you avoid leaks and the need for a new showerhead:

• Clean regularly: Soak your shower head in white vinegar every few months to prevent mineral build up.
• Check washers and O-rings: Check the rubber washer and O-ring for wear and tear. Replace them before they wear out to prevent leaks.
• Use Teflon tape: When reattaching the shower head or shower arm, wrap Teflon tape around the threaded end to create a watertight seal.
• Turn off taps properly: Make sure you completely turn off the shower taps after each use to prevent drips.

By following these simple steps you can keep your shower head leak free and prolong its life.

Keep Your Shower Leak-free and Save Water

A leaking shower head may seem like a small issue but ignoring it can lead to wasted water, higher bills and even water damage in your bathroom. Luckily you can fix many of the common causes, like worn washers, mineral build up or a faulty shower cartridge, with a little DIY knowledge. But when leaks persist or the problem involves more complex parts of your plumbing system it’s always best to call a licensed plumber.

By doing small repairs and regular maintenance you can keep your shower in top shape and save water and money in the long run.

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