How to Repair a Leaking Shower Head: 5 Steps

A dripping showerhead can be more than just an annoyance; it wastes significant amounts of water and even leads to water damage over time. The good news is, whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or prefer professional help, fixing a leaky showerhead is entirely doable. The issue might stem from the showerhead itself or from a faulty faucet cartridge, which controls water flow.

In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of showerhead leaks, discuss whether a leaking showerhead can be repaired, and explain when sealing is appropriate. You’ll also learn practical steps to stop your shower from dripping, when it’s time to call a plumber, and tips for maintaining your showerhead to keep it functioning at its best.

What Causes Shower Head Leaks?

A leaking shower is often the result of mineral buildup or a worn-out gasket. If you have hard water containing minerals like calcium, magnesium, lime, or silica, you might notice white or off-white deposits around your faucets. These mineral deposits can clog the small holes in the showerhead, causing water to leak from unexpected points and leading to a persistent drip.

Another common culprit is a damaged gasket. When the gasket wears out, it can no longer create a proper seal between the shower arm and head, resulting in leaks. Additional factors that may contribute include the expansion and contraction of pipes and fixtures as water cools post-shower, lingering water trapped in the showerhead, excess pipe pressure, the type of valve used, or a deteriorated shower washer. Addressing these issues can help eliminate leaks and restore your shower to proper working order.

Should You Seal a Leaking Shower Head?

Sealing a leaking shower is essential to stop the leak and prevent issues like mold or water damage. To address the problem effectively, it’s best to contact a professional promptly. They can ensure there’s no hidden water damage behind the walls, giving you peace of mind and protecting your home.

How Can I Get My Shower Head to Stop Leaking?

To fix a dripping shower head, start by addressing any mineral buildup that may be causing the issue. Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and securely attach it around the shower head, ensuring the head is fully submerged. Let it soak for a few hours to dissolve the buildup, then scrub the shower head thoroughly to remove any remaining residue. Mineral deposits can cause water to leak between the shower arm and head, so this step is essential.

If the dripping persists, consider replacing the gasket, as a worn or damaged gasket is often the culprit behind a leaking faucet. Follow these steps to repair your showerhead and restore it to proper working condition:

• Remove the showerhead: To remove the shower head, use a wrench, but place a cloth between the wrench and the fixture to protect its finish. If the showerhead is difficult to unscrew, wrap the shower arm with a cloth for extra grip, then use pliers to hold the arm steady while you turn the showerhead. Once removed, soak the shower head in a mixture of water and vinegar to dissolve mineral buildup. For finishes like brass, gold, or nickel, limit the soaking time to 30 minutes to avoid damage. For other materials, soaking for several hours is safe and more effective.
• Scrub the showerhead: Once you’ve soaked the showerhead, scrub it under hot water with a plastic brush.
• Get the gasket replaced: A worn gasket can cause water to drip from the showerhead. Make sure to replace the gasket if it is worn out or damaged.
• Wrap the shower arm threads: The shower arm should be wrapped with plumber’s tape.
• Replace the showerhead: Using a wrench and a cloth, carefully fasten the showerhead back into place. If necessary, ensure the shower arm is securely tightened as well. Once done, your task is complete.

When Should You Call a Plumber?

While fixing a leaking showerhead can be an easy DIY project, there may be instances when it is best to call a professional. You should call a plumber to fix your showerhead if you experience the following:

• Water dripping from the wall and the showerhead fixture
• Difficulty reattaching the showerhead to the shower arm
• Inability to detach the showerhead from the shower arm

Calling a plumber to address issues that you cannot fix yourself will help prevent further damage.

How to Maintain Your Shower Head

Regular maintenance is essential to keep your showerhead functioning properly, extending its lifespan, and helping to manage your utility bills. Make it a habit to clean your showerhead routinely by submerging it in a vinegar solution and scrubbing it with a toothbrush. This simple practice can prevent leaks, which not only waste water but could also lead to costly repairs and potential water damage in your home.

Professional Water Damage Restoration

A dripping showerhead is more than just a minor inconvenience, it’s a warning sign of potential water waste and long-term damage. Fortunately, with a bit of knowledge and the right tools, most showerhead leaks can be resolved quickly, whether caused by mineral buildup, worn gaskets, or deeper plumbing issues. Regular cleaning and maintenance go a long way in preventing leaks, but when in doubt or if problems persist, don’t hesitate to call a professional. Taking prompt action ensures your shower remains efficient, your water bills stay manageable, and your home stays protected from hidden water damage.

If you have experienced water damage in your bathroom due to a leaking showerhead, it is important to address the damage quickly. Leaking water can spread through porous materials like drywall, which can lead to structural damage and cause mold to appear behind walls and ceilings. Calling a water damage restoration professional immediately will help limit the damage as these professionals can address property damage and mold growth caused by leaks.

Using advanced drying equipment, technicians can thoroughly dry the affected areas and materials and restore structural damage caused by the water. They can also remove mold growth using effective remediation techniques and equipment to restore your bathroom to safe conditions.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.