Repair a shower head

How to fix a leaking shower head?

Few things in life are more annoying than the incessant dripping of a leaky shower head. For some reason, the human brain can't rule out sound - the harder you try, the louder it seems to get. And in addition to the irritation it causes, a leaky shower can also be expensive over time, especially if the dripping comes from the hot water valve.

Leaking shower head? Think again

While it may seem like your dripping shower is the root of the problem, it's not. A leaking shower is usually due to a problem with the faucet valve stem and / or the valve cartridge. Your shower head is probably fine.

  • Repair a shower head
    Replacing the faucet valve stem and / or the valve cartridge can be difficult. We've included detailed instructions below for trying the job yourself. If the project seems too difficult, it is always smart to contact a professional plumber who knows exactly what needs to be done and how to do it correctly.
  • Before starting, turn off the water supply to the shower. There may be a shut-off valve in the bathroom or it may be necessary to shut off the main water for the whole house. Keep in mind that there will probably be water left in the shower pipes, so be prepared for a light shower when you start.
  • Place a towel on the bottom of the tub / shower, covering the drain. This will protect the surface from damage if you drop a tool and keep small parts out of the drain.

How to repair a wall faucet valve

Here's how to fix a dripping shower head by fixing recessed faucet valves in ten steps:

  1. Turn off the water supply to the tub / shower and cover the drain with a towel.
  2. If you have a two-valve system, determine which side is causing the shower leak. If the stem is hot and / or the drop is hot, it is likely the hot side.
  3. Remove the handle or knob. Then remove the bezels and sleeves covering the valve and valve body. Set them aside.
  4. Now that you can see the valve and valve body, unscrew the valve stem and / or cartridge from the valve body with an adjustable wrench. In some cases, you may need to use a cartridge tool designed specifically for the brand of your faucet.
  5. Take the valve stem and / or cartridge to a hardware store to purchase the appropriate replacement parts.
  6. All washers and / or O-rings as well as the valve seat must also be replaced. These items are generally included in the purchase of new valve stems or cartridges, but check to be sure.
  7. Before reassembling everything, use a solution of vinegar and water (equal parts) and an old toothbrush to remove mineral deposits from the area.
  8. Install the new valve stem and / or cartridge into the valve body according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  9. Reinstall the sleeve, base plate and handle.
  10. Turn the water back on and run the shower for 30 seconds. Turn off and observe to see if there is still a leak from the shower. If no dripping occurs, use putty around the entire base plate to fix it to the wall.

Still need help? Call a plumber near you

If you're still having trouble with a leaky shower, or if you're not comfortable handling the job yourself, contact your local 24-hour Plumber. Tired of a wet, sticky shower curtain getting in your way? Time to improve your shower experience. Contact your local plumber to talk about installing a new glass shower door.

Call 01384468654

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