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A malfunctioning shower head can be quite frustrating. Kseniya Ovchinnikova / Getty ImagesShower head leaking? It’s certainly annoying, but not something you can’t handle. Leaks in shower heads can happen at the connection to the shower arm or between the head and the swivel ball.
Discover how to stop that annoying dripping from your shower head.
Detach Your Shower Head
The first thing to do is remove the leaking shower head to accurately assess the problem. Often, issues arise from grit or sediment trapped inside the shower head, or from scale and mineral deposits building up.
Take off the shower head at the swivel ball and clean it thoroughly. Some parts may need scraping, while others should be soaked in white vinegar. (You can also use cleaning vinegar, but keep an eye on the soak to ensure the more acidic liquid doesn’t dissolve anything other than the grime.) This will enhance water flow and help you pinpoint the cause of the leak.
Inspect the Shower Arm
The shower arm is the pipe that connects the shower head to the water supply. Shower arms come in different lengths, designs, and materials like brass or stainless steel to prevent corrosion. Some shower arms are straight, while others have bends or curves to position the shower head in a specific angle.
Shower arms are crucial for directing hot and cold water from the water supply to the shower head, and they also impact the shower’s overall appearance and functionality. Fixing a leaking shower arm is a simple process that only requires a few steps.
What You’ll Need
Your local hardware store has everything you need to repair a leak at the shower arm connection:
- Adjustable wrenches or strap wrenches
- Plumbers' joint compound or tape
How to Fix a Shower Arm Leak
Follow these instructions if the connection between the shower head and arm is leaking.
- Use strap wrenches to unscrew the shower arm from the pipe. If you're using another wrench, make sure to tape the pipe to prevent scratches.
- Clean the threads of the shower arm, then coat them with plumbers' joint compound or wrap them with plumbers' joint tape.
- Reattach the shower head, tightening it by hand. Be sure to clean off any excess compound or tape.
If the leak is at the swivel part of your shower head, refer to the next section for further instructions.
Inspect Rubber Washers
A washer is a small, flat, often round piece of rubber or another flexible material that acts as a seal. Rubber washers are crucial for plumbing connections.
In your shower, washers can be found at the points where different parts connect, such as between the shower arm and head or between the arm and the water supply pipe. A rubber washer ensures a watertight seal to prevent leaks at these junctions.
With time, washers can deteriorate or get damaged, causing leaks. Replacing these worn-out washers is a simple and common maintenance task that can fix shower leaks. Take the old washers to the store to ensure you pick up the correct size.
Inspect the Shower Head Swivel
The swivel feature allows you to adjust the angle and direction of the water spray, providing greater flexibility and a customizable shower experience. This is especially useful for accommodating different user preferences and ensuring the water can be directed exactly where it’s needed.
The swivel mechanism is typically located between the shower head and the arm, allowing for horizontal rotation. Some shower heads also offer a vertical swivel, adding extra flexibility to adjust the height and angle of the spray. The extent of the swivel capability varies across different shower head models.
Swivel leaks can be easily repaired.
What You’ll Need
These are the tools you'll need to fix a leak at the shower head swivel:
- Adjustable wrenches
- Replacement O-ring or another sealing component
How to Fix a Leak at the Swivel
If the swivel is causing the leak in your shower head, follow these simple steps to fix it.
- Unscrew the shower head from the swivel-ball connection.
- Look for the O-ring (a ring that prevents water from leaking) or another seal. Replace it and screw the shower head back into position.
Buy a New Shower Head
Sometimes the simplest solution is to replace your shower head. Appliances wear out over time, and it’s often necessary to get a new one eventually.
Other Bathroom Leaks
There could be other leaks in your shower as well. For instance, a leak may be originating from your shower faucet. Issues with the faucet washer, shower valve, or shower cartridge can also impact the tub spout.
