A leaky shower head can be a real pain, not to mention a waste of water. If your shower head is leaking, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem.
Why Is My Shower Head Leaking?
One of the most common reasons why shower heads leak is because the rubber washer inside the head is old and needs to be replaced.
Over time, these washers can become hard and brittle, and they are no longer able to create a seal against the water pressure. Another reason for a leaking shower head is a build-up of mineral deposits inside the head, which can also prevent a proper seal from being formed.
If you have hard water, this is likely the cause of your leaky shower head.
To fix it, simply remove the head and soak it in vinegar overnight. This will dissolve the mineral deposits and allow you to screw the head back on tightly.
Fixing a Laeky Shower Head
To fix a leaky shower head, first identify the source of the leak. If the leak is coming from the shower head itself, you may be able to simply tighten the shower head. If the leak is coming from the connection between the shower head and the water supply, you will need to replace the washer or O-ring.
To do this, turn off the water supply and remove the shower head. Then, remove the washer or O-ring and replace it with a new one. Finally, reattach the shower head and turn on the water supply.
How to Fix a Leaky Shower Head
To fix a leaky shower head, you will need to:
1. Turn off the water to the shower
To turn off the water to the shower, you will need to locate the main water shut-off valve for your home and turn it to the “off” position. Once the water is shut off, you can then go into the shower and turn off the water at the shower valve.
2. Remove the shower head from the arm
To remove the shower head, start by unscrewing the large nut that holds it in place. This is usually located at the base of the shower head. Once the nut is unscrewed, you should be able to pull the shower head off easily.
If there is any resistance, try wiggling it back and forth until it comes loose.
3. Inspect the shower head for any damage or debris
Shower heads can become clogged with mineral deposits from hard water, as well as soap scum and hair. These deposits can reduce water flow and affect the quality of your shower.
Inspect your shower head regularly and clean it as needed to remove any debris and keep it functioning properly.
4. Clean the shower head with a vinegar solution
You can clean your shower head with white vinegar to remove any built-up mineral deposits.
Simply fill a plastic bag with vinegar and tie it around the shower head, making sure that the vinegar is in contact with all of the deposit-covered surfaces.
Let it sit for an hour, then remove the bag and brush away the loosened deposits with an old toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly with water and enjoy your newly clean shower head!
5. Replace the washer on the shower head
To do this, you’ll need to remove the shower head and disassemble it. Once you have the washer in hand, simply take it to your local hardware store to find an identical replacement.
Be sure to turn off the water before removing the shower head, and always use caution when working with plumbing.
6. Reattach the shower head to the arm and turn on the water
Reattach the shower head and turn on the water. Be sure the shower head is firmly in place before turning on the water. If the shower head is not properly attached, water may leak from behind the shower head and cause damage to the wall or floor.
Related: Best Shower Head on Amazon (Best Seller)
