A dripping shower head can be annoying both because of the sound it makes and because of the impact on your water bill. The good news is that fixing this kind of drip does not always require calling out a plumber. With a few simple steps, you may be able to stop the leak yourself. Let’s dive in!
Clean the Shower Head
Over time, minerals can build up in your shower head, causing leaks. To clean out the minerals, take off the shower head and soak it in white vinegar. If you are concerned that the vinegar may corrode some of the rubber or metal parts, consider removing these parts and soaking just the problematic areas. After the shower head has soaked for a few hours, use a toothbrush to scrub away the minerals.
Replace the O-Ring and Washer
If the shower head continues to drip, you may need to replace its o-ring and washer. Take the shower head off and locate these small components. Bring them to the store with you, or find them online by searching for your specific shower head, to make sure you get the right replacements parts. Simply replace the parts and re-install the shower head.
Replace the Plumber’s Tape
If the shower head still continues to drip, the issue might be with the plumber’s tape that goes on the threaded connection between the shower head and the source pipe. Plumber’s tape is a PTFE tape that helps create a watertight seal at the connection. Since replacing the tape requires removing the shower head, it is best to do it at the same time as trying the above fixes. Simply wrap the threads of the pipe with the tape in a clockwise direction, ensuring a tight and even wrap, and then screw the shower head back onto the pipe.
With these tips, you should be able to easily fix a dripping shower head. And if the problem persists, consider contacting a plumber for a more involved fix.