There is nothing more annoying that the sound of a leaky shower. That ever-constant drip, even after you have turned shower knobs as tight as they will go, has the potential to drive even the most patient person up the wall. And while sometimes a professional, like S&J Plumbing and Gasfitting, is required, there are times when you may be able to fix the issue yourself. Especially if the issue comes down to just a dirty showerhead which is one of the most common occurrences of a leaky shower head.
So let’s clean, tighten or replace your showerhead!
When a shower begins to leak, the most probable place the issue could be is in the showerhead itself. Over time, showerheads get blocked with calcium buildup or other types of sediment, so having it cleaned can create a tighter seal. Below are some steps to cleaning your showerhead.
1. Remove and Inspect the showerhead – It is important to ensure that the taps are turned off as tightly as they can before you remove the showerhead for cleaning. The last thing you want is to be soaked head to toe from a burst of water. Most shower heads can be removed by hand (twisting motion), but if they require the use of a wrench, be careful not to thread the bolt. Once the shower head has been removed, inspect the O-rings and the screen, and ensure that neither are damaged or blocked with calcium or some other sediment.
2. Clean the showerhead – If there is some form of sediment build up within the showerhead, you should look at cleaning it thoroughly. Best home remedy for this is submerging the showerhead in a container of white vinegar for a minimum of one hour. Vinegar is great for removing stubborn dirt and grime; just be sure to rinse the showerhead thorough afterwards.
3. Wrap the Threads and Replace the Showerhead – To ensure a nice, tight seal, it is best practice to wrap the threads with some type of water sealant tape. Always wrap in the direction of the threads and layer the tape to ensure no gaps are missed. Once the threads are wrapped, place the showerhead back on the pipe extensions and tighten by hand to begin with. If needed, use a wrench to tighten completely.
4. Test for leaks – Once the showerhead is back on, turn the shower on for a few seconds and then turn it back off. You should be able to see if the shower is still leaking pretty quickly.
Shower still leaking?
If your shower is still leaking, it might be time to bring in a plumbing professional. The team at S&J Plumbing and Gasfitting have over 20 years’ experience and have seen every issue you could imagine when it comes to leaky showers. From quick fixes to more complex jobs, they can handle any issue. Contact us today and we can ensure your next shower is a peaceful one.