Fix That Leaking Showerhead the Right Way
If a hot invigorating shower is one of life's simple pleasures, dealing with a leaking showerhead has to be one of life's most irritating frustrations. A showerhead that leaks can be more than a mere frustration, however, and the wasted water can lead to high energy bills and needless expense.
With this guide, you will be able to replace a worn-out and leaking showerhead with a brand-new model in only a short period of time. First, check the hot water heater. Sediment can build up on your hot water heater, reducing its efficiency and even shortening its life. Now is the time to check the water heater and remove built-up sediment as needed.
Most leaking showerheads will require only the simplest of tools to repair, often only a screwdriver and adjustable wrench in addition to a simple washer. All of these tools can be purchased very cheaply at the local hardware store or home improvement warehouse.
Before tackling the project, it is important to understand the most common sources of leaks. Showerheads often will begin to leak at the place where the showerhead itself screws on to the pipe in the shower. This connection can easily work its way loose, causing water to leak out the seam. If this is the source of the leak, then the solution can be as simple as removing the showerhead, replacing any worn-out washers and carefully threading the showerhead back on to the pipe.
Clogged showerheads are another common source of leaks, as hard water deposits and other minerals accumulate in the holes where water would otherwise flow. This causes the water to back up and results in a leaky showerhead.
If clogs are the source of the problem, a good cleaning may be all that is needed. Hard water deposits can often be removed with a good lime remover, and any rust stains can be removed with a good rust penetrating oil. It is a good idea to clean the showerhead several times to make sure that all of the deposits have been removed. After the showerhead has been thoroughly cleaned, it can be reattached to the pipe and tested. If the showerhead still leaks even after a good cleaning, it may need to be replaced with a new model.
A leaky shower head can end up costing you a bundle. Learn how to fix it right the first time and always keep the contact of a local plumber that handles leaking shower repairs.