A leaking showerhead is an annoying nuisance to listen to, but it can also be a pain to see on your water bill. That constant dripping might as well be the sound of money running down your drain.
There are a few potential causes for a leaking showerhead, and sometimes when you fix one cause, you will only return to find it leaking again later. This is why it is important to be aware of each of the potential causes to try and pick the most likely cause and work your way from there, so let’s take a look at each of them.
Degraded Seal
When your showerhead leaks, you will likely need to closely examine the showerhead. This will involve removing it, and the first thing you should do is take a close look at the seals. These are one of the most common causes of a leaking showerhead.
As a showerhead ages, its O-rings can harden, and washers wear down, leading to an annoying leak. Luckily these are easy to replace. Once the showerhead is off, it is easy to take it apart and remove the seals to take with you to the store and find a replacement.
Clogged Showerhead
Over time a showerhead can build up mineral deposits that clog the water holes in the showerhead. This can cause pressure to build and water to escape through other parts of the showerhead, such as the handle, faceplate, or pipe.
A good solution to remove the clog is to fill a plastic bag with vinegar and tie it around the showerhead overnight. In the morning, remove the bag and use a fine bristled brush to scrub any remaining mineral deposits out of the showerhead.
Busted Handle
A final cause can stem not from the showerhead itself but from the handles. This typically occurs when the hot and cold water are controlled by different handles. When this is the case, each handle has its own seal behind it, and when these are degrading, water can leak through your showerhead. Both handles will need to be removed in order to determine which seals are broken and find a matching replacement.
Final Thoughts
There are a few possible causes for a leaking showerhead, and luckily no single cause is too hard to solve. So, if one of these solutions doesn’t work, simply move onto the next one and keep trying. If you continue to have a leak that you just can’t solve or simply don’t have the time to, contact a licensed plumber. This will not only save you a nuisance but by stopping that leak, some money on your next water bill too!
Contact Us
If you are having trouble solving your leaking showerhead or need assistance with any other plumbing problems, contact J Griffin Heating & Plumbing. With more than 30 years of experience helping homeowners diagnose and solve their plumbing issues, our licensed plumber can quickly solve your leaking showerhead as well as any other concerns you may have. Call us at 781-520-1212 and connect with us on Facebook.