Have you begun to notice that your shower head has a dripping issue long after you’ve turned it off? This becomes annoying to homeowners due to the sound of dripping water, but many don’t recognize it as the cost it is. It may even result in water damage if not contained.
At Whipple Service Champions, we can help with this and all similar plumbing repair areas. Here are some basic reasons why the showerhead might be leaking, plus what you can do about it.
Worn Seal
A standard showerhead contains both washers and O-rings, which are designed to provide a watertight seal so water doesn’t leak out. But like many seals, these can break or harden (if they’re rubber) over a long period of time and with lots of water passing through them.
If you find this is the issue, simply bring your broken seal to a hardware store and get a new one that matches it. If you aren’t sure which seal to get, ask a professional at the store. Then simply install the new seal.
Clogged Holes
Another common reason why showerheads become clogged is a simple buildup of mineral deposits in the holes of the head. This is most common in homes with hard water or water that contains several various minerals that have not been purified out of it.
When too many holes get clogged, water may start to leak at the base of the handle or pipe. To remove these mineral deposits, wrap a bag full of vinegar around the showerhead. Allow it to sit for several hours at least, or overnight. The following day, scrub it with a brush to make sure all residue is gone.
Handle Issues
In some other cases, the handle itself is the reason for the leak. This is most common in compression faucets. These use a separate handle for hot and cold water temperatures, and the seal behind these can break a bit more easily than other seals.
If this happens to you, determine which handle is causing the issue by feeling the temperature of the water. Then remove the proper handle, remove the nut, and replace the broken seal.
For more on the reasons why your showerhead might leak and what you can do to stop it, or to learn about any of our other plumbing repair services, speak to the pros at Whipple Service Champions today.
