Does your shower head continue to drip even after the water has been shut off? You may ask, why is my shower head leaking? Not only can the constant drip of a shower head become increasingly annoying to hear, but it will cost you money each month when you pay your water bill. There are multiple reasons your shower head could leak when it’s both in use and not in use that Five Star Plumbing, the #1 plumbers in Harford County can look at today.
The Holes are Clogged
The water holes in a shower head can become clogged with mineral deposits. When a handful of these passages become blocked, water can leak out of the faceplate or at the base of the handle or pipe. To remove these mineral deposits, wrap a plastic bag filled with vinegar around the shower head and let it sit overnight. The next day, scrub the shower head with a small brush to remove any leftover residue.
The Seal is Worn
Within a shower head, there are washers and O-rings that exist to create watertight seals to ensure there are no leaks between connections. However, these seals can break over time (or harden if they’re made from rubber). Take apart your shower head, bring the broken seal to the store, and purchase an exact match. (Nothing is worse than taking multiple trips to the store because you bought the wrong size part.) You can then install the new seal for a leak-free shower head!
The Handles Are to Blame
Some showers have compression faucets; when there is a separate cold and hot handle to control water temperature. Often, the seal behind these faucets can go badly and will cause the shower head to leak water. First, find out which handle is making the shower head leak by feeling if the water is warm or cold. You can then take off the respective handle, remove the nut, and replace the defective washer seal.
Need Help From An Experienced Plumber?
Five Star Plumbing Services is locally owned and operated, being in business since 1991. Our core values include responsiveness, honesty, and integrity. Our technician will provide you with a flat rate fee up front so you know exactly what to expect. No hidden fees. We service residents in both Harford County and Baltimore County.