Showerhead Leak: Here’s What To Do…

A showerhead that has water dripping from the pipeline or other places can be annoying. It’s a sure way to kill the mood for a shower. There can be multiple reasons that can cause a showerhead leak. Many people even have regular showerheads and handheld showerheads in their showers, which can create even more possibilities of a water leak.

The easiest solution to fix a showerhead leak can be to call a plumbing professional. You could also try doing it yourself by following these easy and simple steps…

Steps to fix the showerhead leak at home…

1. Turn off the water supply and unscrew it

It is critical to assess the cause of the leak before figuring out the next course of action. First, switch off the shower faucet and then remove the showerhead from the base. You will need a wrench to remove the head. Rotate the wrench clockwise to get it loose. Here is a great YouTube video on how to take off a showerhead.

Handheld showerheads that are attached to a second base should be removed by hand. Try removing the handheld showerhead with a towel to ensure a firm grip. Next, you will have to assess the pipe attached to the showerhead to see if there is a break. Additionally, look for a build-up of limescale or debris buildup.

2. Assessing and preparing the attached pipe

Ensure that you clean the plumbing pipe that is attached to the showerhead thoroughly as build-up can clog the showerhead and impact its functionality. A critical step to prevent future showerhead leaks while installing a new one is to wrap the thread on the pipe where the showerhead is attached in plumber’s tape. It is vital to wrap it in a clockwise motion around the thread, and gently press the tape into the thread using your fingers. If you’re doing it correctly, you should see the texture of the threads visible through the plumber’s tape.

3. Installation of the new showerhead

It is time to install the new showerhead after properly preparing and taping the pipe. Showerheads can vary, so the installation process can also be different. Some kinds of showerheads have a rubber washer that needs to be installed separately inside the threaded fitting. Other types of showerheads can, by design, fit in the narrow thread fitting.

Now, the showerhead has to be screwed back onto the main pipe fitting. Screw it back and make sure that the screws are tight. Then, turn the shower faucet on to check for water pressure and see if you’re leak is fixed! If the water is still leaking, you need to tighten the showerhead more or use more plumbing tape.

Pro-tip for secondary washers: A vital tip when replacing showerheads attached to secondary washers is to use your hands to tighten the showerhead and not wrench.

If you are still experiencing a showerhead leak in Orange County, give us a call today and we can guide you through your options! (949) 775-4682

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