How to Fix a Leaking Shower Head Faucet

Repairing shower head leaks isn't complicated.

Most of the time, a leaking shower faucet is the result of a worn or damaged washer. Even though there are many types of shower heads, the washer replacement process is similar for all of them. If you have a few basic tools, you can complete this project without hiring a professional plumber.

Things You'll Need

• Pliers
• Socket wrench
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Washer
• Plumber's putty

Instructions

1. Turn off the water supply to the shower at the shutoff valves. These should be near the bathroom or in the basement close to the water heater.

2. Lift up the faucet handle to flush out water remaining in the lines.

3. Remove the nut on the escutcheon plate on the wall with pliers and lift the plate off the wall. Pull off the faucet stem from the wall with a socket wrench. Loosen the screws on the wall with a flat-head screwdriver and grab the washer with your fingers. Pull it off the shower stem.

4. Install the new washer where the worn one was. Replace the screws on the faucet stem and add a small amount of plumber's putty at the base of the escutcheon plate behind the shower faucet. Reconnect the shower faucet stem and handle in the reverse order you removed them.

5. Restore the water supply and test the shower head.

Tips & Warnings

• If the holes in the shower head are plugged, remove the faceplate by loosening the screws with a flat-head screwdriver. Soak the faceplate in a bowl of white vinegar for eight hours. Insert a toothpick through the holes in the shower head. Scrub the faceplate with a stiff brush and replace the faceplate. Screw the unit back into the wall.

References

• Home Addition Plus: How to Fix a Leaking Showerhead Faucet
• How to Repair the Shower Faucet: Check Shutoff Valve

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish