How to Troubleshoot a Shower Head Leak

Shower heads that leak often only need minor repairs to stop the leak. Troubleshooting a shower head leak requires taking the shower head off the arm and eliminating possibilities. Shower leaks are often due to poor seals or clogged nozzles. Few parts on the shower head are replaceable. If the simple troubleshooting and repairs do not solve the problem, it might be time for a new shower head.

Things You'll Need

• Adjustable wrench
• Stiff brush
• Needle nose pliers
• Replacement O-ring
• Toothpick
• Plumber's tape

Instructions

1. Hold the shower arm with your hand close to the wall. Turn the shower connector counterclockwise with an adjustable wrench until you can turn it by hand. Continue turning the connector until the shower head comes off the shower arm.

2. Clean the threads on the shower arm with a stiff brush to remove old plumber's tape. Often leaks around the connection are due to tape that has corroded and no longer seals the threads.

3. Reach inside the shower head connector with a pair of needle nose pliers and pull out the O-ring. Inspect the O-ring for cracks or splits. Take the O-ring to a hardware store for a replacement if damage is visible. Insert the new O-ring into the body of the connector, ensuring there are no twists.

4. Insert the tip of a toothpick into the nozzles on the shower head. Sometimes what appears to be leaks is actually a nozzle that has become partially closed due to sediment. The toothpick breaks through the sediment so next time water runs through the shower, the sediment will flush out of the nozzle.

5. Wrap new plumber's tape around the threads of the shower arm in a clockwise direction. You only need three complete wraps. Thread the shower head connector onto the shower arm until you can no longer turn it by hand.

6. Grab the shower arm with one hand and turn the connector another ¾-turn with the adjustable wrench. Operate the shower and check for leaks. If these steps do not eliminate the leaks, replace the shower head.

References

• Ask The Builder: Shower Head Leaks