DIY Tips On How To Fix A Leaky Shower Head : 8 Quick Tips

A leaking shower head is annoying because it disturbs you with its dip dip sound. Secondly, if your shower heads leak, there is continuous wastage of water. If your shower head leaks almost every four seconds, you waste nearly 750 gallons of water.

You have to pay hefty bills if society charges you for water. Again water leakage from the shower is worse for your bathroom walls. It can promote various microorganisms like mold, bacteria, and algae on the walls. Excess water can also create structural issues in your bathroom, which can be pretty expensive to repair.

So, you need to fix the leaky shower head as soon as possible. There are many possible reasons behind leaking shower heads. You have to detect the cause and solve it accordingly. You can easily fix this issue, and there is no need to call a plumber for this reason. 

The article discusses various steps on how to fix a leaky shower head. So, keep reading this article to know how you can fix a leaky showerhead and save water.

How To Fix A Leaky Shower Head: 8 Quick Tips

There are various possible reasons why your shower head is leaking. For instance, your shower head can leak when lime or minerals are deposited inside the hole with time. If this is the case, you must clean the shower head properly.

Damaged inner seals can also be the reason for leaking shower heads. The rubber washer is a seal between the shower head and the hose. The seal prevents water from leaking. But the seal gets worn out with time, and thus shower head leaks.

How To Fix A Leaky Shower Head

Thirdly if you have fitted the shower head incorrectly, there can be a leaky shower head. Again problems in the diverter valve and cartridge valve also cause leaky shower heads.

We have discussed steps on how to fix a leaky shower head. Let’s look at them below.

1. Close The Water Supply

You are going to inspect the shower head. So first, you need to close the water supply. You can do this in two ways, i.e., by closing the main water supply or the shut-off valve of your bathroom.

Try to close the water supply of your bathroom; otherwise, it will disturb the entire water supply of your house.

2. Remove The Shower Head For Cleaning Purposes

Now your next step is to remove the shower head. Sometimes the holes on the shower head are deposited by lime or other minerals, which causes leaking. You need to remove these deposits from the hole. So you have to clean the showerhead thoroughly.

But to clean the shower head, you need first to remove the shower head. You need to look for screws surrounding the shower head and then remove the screws. Twist the showerhead in a clockwise direction once you remove the screws.

If you cannot rotate the shower head with your hands, put a damp towel over it. Then use pliers to remove the showerhead. Try to be gentle in this process, as it can badly damage your shower head or angle shower arm.

3. Soak The Showerhead in Vinegar

Now take a big container and soak the showerhead with white vinegar. Make sure that the showerhead will completely dissolve in vinegar. You can add some salt to the vinegar. Allow the showerhead to soak in vinegar for almost eight hours.

4. Clean The Showerhead

You need to clean the showerhead after dissolving eight hours in vinegar. Soaking for eight hours helps dissolve the minerals and lime from the showerhead. 

Now take a toothpick or nail and try to put it inside the hole of the showerhead. It helps in removing all the extra dirt and minerals. Now take a soft bristle brush and scrub it all over the showerhead.

The Air compressor will also help in removing debris from the showerhead.

5. Check The Seal

You will find a rubber washer between the shower head and the hose. Check it thoroughly, and if it is cracked or damaged, replace it with a new one.

6. Fix The Showerhead In Its Position

Now fix the showerhead back in its position and then turn on the water supply. Now check whether your shower head is leaking. If your shower heads leaks because of mineral deposits in the hole, it would most probably stop leaking. But if there is another issue and it continues leaking, then there may be a problem with the valve.

7. Clean Diverter Valve

Do you have a shower-tub combination in your bathroom? If yes, a diverter valve must divert water between the tub faucet and shower head. But the valve gets weak with time because of sediment deposition.

Remember, if the diverter valve is weak, you will also have a water leak shower head. Try to fix the diverter valve or replace it with a new one.

While changing the diverter valve, you must first close the water supply. You will need tools to remove the diverter valve, like a screwdriver and a 12mm Allen key.

You have to find out the screw on the faucet handle. The screw will be present either exposed or hidden inside the cap. First, remove the cap with a small knife and then remove the screws so that the diverter valve is completely visible.

Now your next job is to take out the diverter valve. Separate the valve from the hexagonal nut assembly.

Now wrap a vinegar-dipped rug over the diverter valve for a few minutes. It will help in removing the sediments.

Clean the diverter valve with a soft bristle brush and put it back in place. Now check whether your shower head is leaking or not. If t is leaking because of sediments in the diverter valve, the issue will be resolved. But if still, your shower head is leaking, then there can be an issue with the cartridge valve.

8. Clean Cartridge Valve

The main work of the cartridge valve is to change the temperature of the water. If your shower head is leaking, there can be an issue with the cartridge valve. So, to remove the valve, you have first to shut off the water supply.

Next, you have to find out the faucet handle screw. It is usually exposed or located inside the faucet cap. Loosen the screw to remove the faucet handle.

But if the faucet handle is too tight, take the help of a hair dryer or handle puller to remove it.

Now take a small screwdriver and open the screws of the cartridge clip. You will see the cartridge stem after removing the handle washer.

Now remove the cartridge valve and replace it with a new one. You can now install the shower head and check whether it’s leaking. You need to take the help of a professional if your shower head is still leaking.

FAQ : 8 DIY Tips On How To Fix A Leaky Shower Head

Q1. Why does the rain shower head drip hours after I turn it off?

Ans : The rain shower head may drip because the holes get clogged with limescale deposits and minerals. You can take out the shower head and soak it in vinegar solution for a few hours to remove all the sediments. Then install the shower head back in its place.
Again the seal can get worn out with time which may be the reason for the dripping shower head. Replace the seal if required.

Q2. How much does it cost to fix a leaky showerhead?

Ans : If you want to replace a shower head, it will cost you between $100 and $250.The cost depends mainly on the head type.

Q3.  Can a dripping shower head cause damage?

Ans : Yes, a dripping showerhead can cause damage. It can promote mold, bacteria, and other microorganisms from growing on the bathroom walls.

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