How to Fix a Leaky Showerhead

Your father’s words are coming back to haunt you at night: “Don’t wastewater.” But what’s a homeowner to do when the showerhead keeps dripping even when the knobs are in the “off” position? Don’t panic. Michael’s Plumbing of Central Florida is here to walk you through the steps of a simple DIY project. And, if you’re not the DIY type, we can come to you to make sure your water stays put and your water bill remains low.

Step 1: Remove your showerhead

Grab a wrench to unscrew the showerhead. Wrap the showerhead with a thick cloth first to avoid damaging the finish. Turn the wrench counterclockwise (you may need a second towel to grip the showerhead if the fixture seems stuck).

Step 2: Check the inside and give it a good cleaning

Pull out your phone and take a picture of what it looks like before you take everything apart. You should see a screen, as well as rubber O-rings, a washer, and possibly other items. Check the O-rings to ensure they’re not brittle or broken. They need to form a tight seal to keep water from leaking. If they need replacing, take them with you to the hardware store to get a perfect match. Meanwhile, soak the showerhead (minus the removable rubber parts) in equal parts water and vinegar to eliminate the mineral deposits that build up inside. Rinse the entire head with hot water and use a stiff plastic brush to remove any remnants.

Step 3: Wrap your pipe threads

Reinforce the seal around the shower arm with thread-sealing tape, also called “Teflon tape.” Make sure the tape is going in the same direction as the threads.

Step 4: Reassemble the showerhead

Put everything back together, screw the showerhead onto the shower arm and turn on the water. If there’s no leak, congratulate yourself on a job well done! Grab your phone and refer to the picture you took earlier.

Step 5: Call in the pros as needed

We get it. Not everyone wants to take on home plumbing jobs. That’s why Michael’s Plumbing of Central Florida is just a phone call away. We can fix your leaky shower or set you up with a new fixture that lets you enjoy a luxurious spa-like experience every time you use it. Call Michael’s Plumbing of Central Florida now at 407-219-9772 to schedule an appointment or contact us online. You’ll be sleeping well in no time with a shower that doesn’t keep you awake with the drip, drip, dripping noise of wasted money down the drain!

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