Tools and Materials
Materials
Vinegar
- Plumbers Tape
Product costs, availability and item numbers may vary online or by market.
What Causes Showers to Leak?
A leaking shower head is often the result of a mineral build-up or a worn-out gasket. Water, especially if it's hard, contains many minerals including calcium, magnesium, lime and silica. If you see white or off-white lines around your faucets or in your bathtub or sink, it's likely mineral buildup. These same deposits can clog the small holes of your shower head, causing it to leak from another point and shower head dripping. A worn-out gasket can also produce a leaking shower head because it can no longer seal the arm properly.
Can a Leaking Shower Head Be Repaired?
A leaky shower head is frustrating, but in many cases, it can be easy to fix without the help of a plumber. Keep reading to find out how you can resolve simple leaks in the shower with a few simple steps.
How Do I Get My Shower to Stop Dripping?
To start with, there is a simple fix if your shower is leaking from the shower head. Place a couple of cups of white vinegar in a plastic storage bag and attach it around your shower head. Allow it to soak in the vinegar for a couple of hours and them scrub it to remove the mineral buildup.
When water mineral buildup clogs the small holes of the shower head, it may force water to leak out between the arm and the head. Replacing the gasket can also repair a leaking faucet in the shower. See the steps below for a more detailed explanation and get your shower working like new.
Step 1: Remove the Shower Head
To begin your shower head leak fix, unscrew the shower head with a wrench, using a cloth to keep the wrench from damaging the finish on the fixture. If the shower head doesn’t turn easily, wrap the shower arm with another cloth and carefully hold the arm in place with a pair of pliers while you turn the shower head.
Looking for an even simpler way on how to fix a dripping shower head? See our bathroom cleaning guide for information on how to clean the shower head without removing it.
Step 2: Soak the Shower Head
Soak the shower head in water and vinegar, which will remove mineral buildup. For brass, gold or nickel finishes, soak it for 30 minutes. Other materials can soak for several hours.
Step 3: Scrub the Shower Head
After soaking, clean the shower head under hot water with a stiff plastic brush.
Step 4: Replace the Gasket
Worn gaskets can also allow water to drip. Replace the gasket with a matching one if necessary.
Bring your current gasket with you when you purchase a replacement so you can match the size and type.
Step 5: Wrap the Shower Arm Threads
Wrap the shower arm with plumbers (or thread seal) tape.
Step 6: Replace the Shower Head
Using the wrench and cloth again, fasten the shower head back into place. If necessary, secure the shower arm as in Step 1 above. Your leaky shower head repair should be complete.
If the shower head itself is broken, or you're just ready for an upgrade, check out our tips on replacing a shower head.
Conclusion
A leaking shower head is usually caused by mineral build-up or a worn-out gasket. If you have a leaky faucet, you don't need a plumber to fix it. To get started, you'll need a wrench, scrub brush, cleaning cloth, gasket, vinegar and some plumber's tape. In six simple steps, we can show you how to solve this issue.
Step 1: Remove the Shower Head
Step 2: Soak the Shower Head
Step 3: Scrub the Shower Head
Step 4: Replace the Gasket
Step 5: Wrap the Shower Arm Threads
Step 6: Replace the Shower Head