When it comes to plumbing problems, it is important to let an expert to provide
solutions. However, this should not be the case all the time. If you have a simple leaking shower head concern, you can have it done on your own without having to call the plumber. By having the right materials and tools, combined with the right steps, you can get your plumbing problem out of the way.
Fix a Leaking Shower Head
Step 1:
Turn off the shower valve or the main water valve. Next, open the shower faucet to remove the remaining water.
Step 2:
With a wrench, loosen the shower head by placing the wrench on the shower head and rotating it counter-clockwise. Once it is loose, you can now use your hands to remove the shower head completely. Take note that if the shower head is shiny and new, a rag should be placed to cover it when you use the wrench so as not to scratch it.
Step 3:
Get the Teflon tape and cut about eight inches. With one end of the tape on your hand, place the other end on the thread of the shower head and cover it with the tape, clockwise. Ensure to cover all the threads with Teflon but also be careful not to fold the tape.
Step 4:
Reinstall the shower head by threading it back to the shower arm, clockwise. Rotate it several times to tighten it but do not force it so as not to break it.
Step 5:
Turn on the water valve to check if the leak is gone. If it is not, you can tighten the shower head a little more.
Step 6:
If there is still leak from the threads of the shower head, you might want to add more Teflon tape.
Sediment Build Up
Another cause of a leaking shower head can be sediment build up on the shower head. The holes in the shower head might be clogged mineral deposits and this can be resolved by following these steps:
Step 1:
Turn off the main water line and turn on the shower faucet to let the remaining water flow.
Step 2:
Remove the face plate of the shower head so you can clean and remove the mineral deposits and lime buildup. If you can unscrew the face plate, do so. If this is not possible, you need to remove the entire shower head from the fixture. Normally, this can be done without having to use pliers but if there are screws, you need to unscrew them to remove the face plate.
Step 3:
Remove the remaining lime and mineral deposits using a small nail or a toothpick by sticking it into the holes of the face plate. After, clean the face plate thoroughly with water and soap.
Step 4:
Reinstall the face plate and check if the clogging and leak are already fixed. Turn on the main water supply and see to it that the shower faucet is off. If leak is gone, you have already fixed the problem.
