What Are The Best Ways To Fix A Leaky Shower Head?

Your shower head has started leaking and dripping water, what is the easiest way to repair this? There could be a few different things wrong.  We will start with the most likely problem that could be causing your shower head to leak. We will show you why your leaking shower head or not functioning properly when water supplying to it. If your shower head is leaking all the time, then see the bottom of this page for ways to fix that specific issue.

Inspect Your Shower

Lime deposits and hard water cause clogs and are a common reason a shower head will leak when water supplying to it. If the shower head water nozzles are clogged up from hard water deposits (Calcium and Lime) the water forced to come out somewhere else. In addition, check for shower faucet, cartridge puller, faucet handles and diverter valve. Usually from the area where the shower head screws on to the water pipe coming out of the wall. If this is the case when you turn on the shower, then it needs a good cleaning. Shut off the water, get a wrench and unscrew the shower head until removed.

Gather Materials and Equipments

Get a glass bowl and fill it with white vinegar. (Lime-Away and CLR work too) Put the shower head into the bowl and let soak for at least 2 hours in hot water. Vinegar is the safest to use when doing this. If you use CLR or Lime-Away it can strip the metal finish off of the shower head so use caution.

If your shower head is all plastic, then you can use any hard water remover without worry. Pour some of the lime-away or vinegar into the shower head also. If the vinegar did not fully remove the lime and mineral deposits, then you can use a toothpick to remove the gunk in the shower nozzle holes if needed.

Prepare Cleaning Solution

While the shower head is soaking in the cleaning solution, add some fresh plumbers tape (white teflon tape) to the shower pipe fitting in the shower. This will help to make a “seal” so no water sprays out in this area. Once the shower head is clean (and after teflon tape is applied to the shower fixture arm) reinstall the shower head and test for leaks. Lastly check the single handle and replacement cartridge.

Another reason for leakage is a worn or bad rubber O ring or rubber washer. To check to see if this is causing your problem, remove the shower head and look inside for the O-ring. If it looks cracked, ripped or distorted, you will need to get a new one at a plumbing or home improvement store. Replace the washer by inserting it into the shower head. To fix a leaking shower, simply turn off the water supply of the shower and shower valve.

Check Installation

Once everything is clean and serviceable, put new teflon tape on the shower fixture arm and reinstall the shower head. Once reinstalled, do a test for leaks or dripping water. Make sure you tighten the shower head onto the shower fixture arm tightly. If it is still leaking try tightening it more. If it’s not working, then call a plumber.

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