How to Repair a Leaking Shower

We perfectly understand your trouble. A leaking shower is a great nuisance, and the dripping of water can keep you awake all night. Additionally, it leads to an unpredictable increase in your utility bills.

The basic thing is to know what is causing the leak. We have compiled easy tips to help you handle a leaking shower repair, whether it is a faulty shower head or a valve.

1. Gather appropriate tools and materials

The first thing you need to do is have suitable materials and tools. It would be best if you did not force any equipment when removing or putting back the shower head. Remember not to extremely tighten the shower as it can result in damage immensely. Here are some of the tools and materials needed.

2. Turn off the water

You cannot stop the leakage without switching off the water supply. Consider placing an old towel or a piece of a large rag on the shower floor tiles.

If you accidentally drop a tool, the floor will be protected against damage. Ensure that you carefully cover the shower drain. This eliminated the tiny parts of the shower head getting lost.

3. Remove the shower and Inspect

Use your hands to unscrew the shower head from the pipe. You may experience some hardship if the head hasn't been removed for some time. In that case, use your wrench or pliers to detach it. Inside the shower head, check if there are threads.

The tearing and wearing of the material usually lead to a leaking shower, and its ability to hold the water becomes rigid. Therefore, if the head appears damaged or worn, replace it immediately. 

4. Clean up the shower head

To fix the water damage and shower head's decreased flow, thoroughly clean the tray out. Eliminate all the remains of the mineral deposits on the shower tray. Hard water usually blocks the pipe stem and the shower head. Thus, leading to a leaking shower or damaging the pressure and flow of water.

Alternatively, you can use this DIY to unblock the shower tray. You can use a pan or a tiny cooking pot. Mix vinegar and water, then boil them.

Afterwards, remove the liquid and put it in the shower head for at least 20 minutes. Use an old toothbrush to scrub in every nook and cranny. Rinse well till there are no remains of the deposits.

5. Use Tape

Your O-ring or washer needs to be taped. Use tape to cover the threads on the pipe stem. The stem uses a thin strip of threads at the pipe's head. However, avoid overdoing the whole process.

6. Fasten the Shower

Replace the shower faucet

The shower stem washer may be worn out, causing a leak in the faucet. You can follow these tips to replace the shower faucet by yourself. 

1. Turn off the water supply

Go to the main water supply and cut it off. Make sure you are working on a dry surface. Otherwise, you may get an injury by falling or slipping on the wet floor.

Unfasten the faucet and drain out all the water. Use a towel to dry out the water that still comes out from the pipe after disconnecting the faucet.

2. Remove the parts of the faucet

Depending on which faucet you have, the removal will vary. We have a two-knob and a one-knob faucet, and you must replace the two valves if you have a two-knob system faucet.

Detach them by using a crescent wrench and a screwdriver. Take out the guard and put it aside. You will spot two nuts.

You will only need to disconnect one of them to reach the shower stem, which is the large nut. Then take off the shower stem in a counterclockwise motion.

Get another shower faucet

If you attempt to fix a leaky shower head and the faucet bore no fruits, it's about time you buy a new one. This is a permanent solution to dry up your drip, and we recommend getting a licensed plumber. Regardless, using this general guideline, you can also replace the faucet. 

1. Get an ideal replacement

There are multiple sizes and styles of shower faucets. However, not all of them are replaceable, and thus, you must acquire a suitable replacement.

Observe the manufacturer's instructions to guarantee everything is done accurately. We recommend carrying the old faucet when getting a replacement. 

2. Take out the old faucet

3. Fix new faucet

Align the new faucet perfectly with the shower pipe. Use a pipe wrench to grip the pipe. Adhere to the guidelines of the manufacturer to hook the new faucet accurately.

4. Turn on the water

5. Repair the wall

The hole you drilled in the wall opposite the shower needs to be patched. This only applies if your house doesn't have an access panel. 

Always remember to check the manufacturer's manual if you have any doubt. All the showers' plumbing repairs work in the same manner. However, the shower heads, faucets, and shower valve styles are different in how they are attached.