There are few bathroom problems as irritating as having a leaky shower head. It creates lower water pressure and makes getting a shower difficult. Not to mention that a leaky shower head can cost you money as it wastes water. Plus, of course, it’s not exactly great for the environment.
So, if you’ve got a leaky shower head, you’ll want to read our quick tutorial on how to fix a leaky shower head.
Two Methods for Fixing a Leaky Shower Head
There are a few ways that you can go about fixing a leaky shower head. The two basic methods are fairly simple and require few supplies. Try these first, before calling a professional who’ll throw a hefty bill at you.
Unclog the Shower Head
Leaky shower heads can happen because of clogged shower head holes. And one of the most common causes of shower heads being clogged is a buildup of mineral and lime deposits.
The first method you can try for remedying this problem is unclogging the shower head holes.
1. Turn Off the Water
Turn off the water supply to the house. If you have a shut off valve for the bathroom only, turn that off instead, if you’d prefer to keep water running to the rest of the house while your work.
2. Remove the Faceplate
Next, you’re going to remove either the faceplate of the shower head, or the entire showerhead, depending on the model. Some models may require you to remove screws in order to remove the shower head. Other models allow you to simply rotate the faceplate counter-clockwise, or simply pull it off the wall.
3. Get a Bucket
Now, you’ll need to get a bucket or tub large enough to soak your shower head and faceplate in.
Fill the bucket with a mixture of white vinegar and coarse salt. Be sure that there’s enough solution to completely immerse both items.
Leave the shower head and faceplate soaking for a minimum of eight hours.
4. Manually Remove Any Leftover Deposits
After you’ve removed the shower faceplate and/or head from the solution, you need to manually remove any leftover deposits.
You can use a toothpick or a nail to push into each of the holes to push out any leftover gunk and debris. Now, use a stiff brush to finish the job.
5. Reattach the Faceplate
Finally, you’ll reattach the faceplate and shower head to the shower wall. After it’s firmly attached, turn the water supply back on to the bathroom or house.
Turn the shower on and see if the shower head is still leaking.
If the leak is gone you are done, but if not, read on and try another method for fixing the leak.
Replacing a Worn Rubber Washer
Another method for how to fix a leaky shower head is to replace a worn rubber washer. Through time and use the washer, also known as the “O ring”, will begin to crack. Water will seep through this and the only way to stop the leak is to replace the washer.
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
Before removing the shower head or faceplate, you first need to turn off the water supply to the bathroom.
2. Take Apart the Shower Head
Regardless of the brand of shower head, there will be a collar nut that is connected to the shower arm. You need to use a wrench to loosen the collar nut to separate the shower head and arm. Look at the inside and locate the rubber washer.
3. Find the Rubber Washer(s)
Next, you need to look at both the shower head and shower faucet. Either of those could contain one or more rubber washers that may need to be replaced.
4. Look Over the Washers
Look at the washers and decided which ones are still in good shape, and which are cracked, stretched, or otherwise no longer useful. Keep the washers that need to be replaced to make sure you match the correct size.
5. Find Your Replacement Washers
You can pick up replacement washers at any hardware store. Just bring in the ones that need replacing. A store associate can help you find the correct replacements, if you need help.
6. Replace the Washers
Now, you’re ready to put the washers back in and return everything to normal. Turn the water back on, and verify that the leaks have stopped.
Fix That Shower Head
Instead of letting that shower drip through the night, keeping you awake, and wasting water and energy, you can easily try one of these two methods of how to fix a leaky shower head. Neither method takes long, and one or both usually prove to be the solution.
If you find that these options don’t do it, you’ll need to call a professional.
KEYWORD: how to fix a leaky shower head
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