Does the sound of a leaking shower head keep you awake at night? If the sounds isn't enough to bother you and drive you straight to the plumbing store, maybe the knowledge that a leaky shower head drip can add up to hundreds of gallons of wasted water. This in turn means that you will see an increase in your water bill. Many people doing know that fixing a leaky shower head is a very simple do-it-yourself job. There is no need to hire a plumber, as long as you can use a wrench or pliers and possibly a screwdriver, you can fix this annoying leak yourself.
If you have a leaking shower head you will first want to know what is causing the leak. If the shower head is old and rusty, cracked, or just falling apart, it can be a simple task to replace it. This could be a blessing in disguise, as the newer shower heads available have a lot more to offer than the older versions. If your shower head is leaking because it has become loose, then a wrench may fix the problem in a matter of minutes. But what if you don't know what's causing the leak? You'll want to know what's causing the problem before you attempt to fix it. There are easy steps to fixing a leaky shower head. So grab a wrench and take a good look at your shower head.
There are two places that are most common causes for shower head leaks. One is where the shower head screws into the main pipe at the wall. The other is a constant drip coming straight from the shower head nozzle. To begin removal of your shower head, begin by wrapping your shower head with a thin towel. This will protect the finish of your shower head from becoming scratched by the wrench or pliers. Now take your pliers and unscrew the shower head from the wall. Inside you will find a washer. This is the most common cause of leaks at the base of the shower head. Remove the washer and replace it with a new one. Often a washer will wear out, causing cracks in the washer and letting water pass through to areas it shouldn't. This is one cause for leaking shower heads. To make the seal even tighter, you can add plumbers tape around the threads before screwing the shower head back in place. This will make for a stronger seal, keeping your shower head leak free.
Clogged shower head holes can also be the cause of shower head leaking. Once your shower head is removed from the wall, use a screwdriver to remove the faceplate. Lime and other minerals often clog up the holes over times. Soaking your showerhead in white vinegar for at least 8 hours will get rid of these natural deposits. Once done soaking, scrub the showerhead faceplate with a stiff brush and screw it back into place. Most showerheads will stop leaking after performing these two routine fixes. If for some reason your showerhead is still leaking, there is still no need to call in a plumber. Purchasing a new shower head will ensure no leaking with it's tight fitting, new washer, and clean faceplate holes. Try purchasing a self cleaning shower head and you can't go wrong with a shower head that offers a life time warranty.