4 Ways to Fix a Leaking Shower Head
Is the sound of your leaky shower head keeping you up at night?
When the entire house is silent, all you can hear is that unmistakable sound of water dripping onto the bathroom tile. Not only that, but the leaking shower head is also the reason for your water bill being so high.
But what if you don’t want to replace your entire shower head? Thankfully, you don’t need to do a complete bathroom renovation to fix it. Depending on what the problem is, you might even be able to fix it yourself.
If you want to sleep peacefully and save money on your water bills, try these tricks to fix a leaking shower head.
Why is Your Shower Head Leaking?
Depending on when your shower head begins leaking can help you narrow down what the problem might be. For example, if it continually drips once the shower is turned off, then the issue could be larger than the head itself.
If your shower leaks immediately once it’s off but eventually stops, then it’s usually a problem related specifically to the head. In these instances, you should be able to fix it yourself. However, it’s worth discussing with a plumber as they are the experts when it comes to diagnosing issues with leaks and finding the best long-term solutions for you.
How to Fix a Leaking Shower Head
There could be several reasons why your shower is leaking. But these are the four most common causes and the solutions to stop water from getting wasted.
- Clean out the Shower Head
You should always start by trying to clean out the shower head first. It’s the least invasive and doesn’t require you to take a single tool out of your toolbox.
Simply unscrew the shower head and remove the face plate. Get a bowl of white vinegar, then submerge the faceplate and shower head into it. Leave it for eight hours so that it can dissolve any build up in the holes of the shower head.
Remove it and rinse thoroughly so that any remaining obstacles are cleared out. Wipe down with a cloth and use a toothpick if you notice anything stuck inside the holes. Reattach and test to see if the leak has stopped.
- Replace the Washer
An old washer is often the culprit of any leak inside a house. On a shower head, it is often referred to as the O ring. It’s located in the shower head and also in the taps.
To replace the washer, you’ll want to turn off the water supply first. Remove the shower head and look for a nut. Unscrew it by hand and then replace the washer beneath it. Make sure that it’s exactly the same size otherwise it won’t fix anything.
Reattach the shower head, turn on the water supply, and see if the leak has stopped. If it hasn’t, then you might need to replace the washers on the taps. Turn off the water supply again. Unscrew the fixtures and then the bolt attaching them. Replace the washer and reassemble the parts. Turn the water supply back on and cross your fingers that the leak has stopped.
- Change the Cartridge Valve
It’s not uncommon for cartridge valves to become damaged over time. Even though they’ll either be gold or silver in colour, they still have a lifespan and need replacing.
You’ll need to turn off the water supply first before attempting to remove the cartridge valve. Take off the tap head next and then detach the handle underneath it.
If you see a nut, then you should be able to remove it with some pliers. If you don’t see one, then you’re best to call a plumber as it will require some specialised tools to replace the cartridge valve.
Change out the cartridge valve with an identical model. Reassemble the tap and turn the water supply back on. Now you can test the shower for any leaks.
- Replace the Shower Head
If all else fails, then you’re best to stop wasting your time searching for a problem and replacing your shower head. The problem might be some tiny little part within it that it’s either impossible to fix or replace.
There are several options to choose from when it comes to replacing a shower head. However, you’ll need to ensure that it connects seamlessly to your existing plumbing set up. If you want to look at changing your shower head, then speak to a plumber first to get a full understanding of your options.
Call in the Professionals to Fix a Leaking Shower Head
A leaking shower head is not only an annoying problem, it’s also an expensive one. Every drip that comes from it is another addition to your water bill. If left unattended, it can also lead to potentially more significant plumbing problems.
Any time you have a leak in your house, you should contact All Day Plumbing. We’re available 24/7 and are experts when it comes to diagnosing why you have a leak as well as how you should fix it. Book an appointment today if you want to stop any leaks and start saving on your water bills.