How to Fix a Showerhead

A troublesome showerhead can leave water spraying out in too many directions or none at all. Leaking can be another problem, but this doesn't necessarily mean that you need a new showerhead. While showerheads do eventually wear out, try these ways to fix your current showerhead for a more enjoyable shower now.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Adjustable wrenches or locking-jaw pliers
• Teflon tape
• Replacement O-ring or other seal for swivel leaks

1. Assess the location of the problem. Check for connection leaks between the showerhead and arm or at the swivel. Wild spraying or reduced flow of water usually indicates a showerhead clogged with sediment or mineral deposits.

2. Protect the shower arm by placing a cloth or duct tape on the jaws of your wrench or pliers before you start fixing.

3. Hold the shower arm in place with a wrench or pliers while turning the connection for the showerhead counterclockwise with another wrench or pliers. Remove the showerhead.

4. Examine the showerhead for grime and mineral deposits. Rinse out any sediment, before soaking the showerhead for several hours in vinegar or a lime and calcium remover to remove mineral deposits. You may also have to do some careful scraping.

5. Rinse the showerhead under warm running water. Use a straight pin to remove leftover grime from holes in the showerhead by poking the pin through the holes.

6. Clean pipe threads where the shower arm connects with the showerhead. Wrap Teflon tape clockwise around the pipe threads in the shower arm. Screw your showerhead back in place.

7. Fix a leak at the showerhead swivel by removing the head from the swivel-ball and replacing the O-ring.