A leaking shower valve results in water dripping from the showerhead. The most common leaks caused are worn seals, corrosion, or corrosive water deposits clogging parts. Over time, rubber O-rings and gaskets that seal connections between moving metal parts wear out, resulting in water drip. Not to worry, we have got you covered.
You can follow the steps below to fix and replace a leaky shower head and faucet. However, if you are unsure about what needs to be done, contact a professional to avoid damages. Eco Pro Plumbing provides the best plumbing repair service in Cambridge at an affordable price.
Ways to fix a Showerhead
1. Turn off the water supply.
Turn off the water supply to the entire house and keep a towel nearby. Even after your water main is turned off, there may still be some water in the pipe that might leak.
2. Remove and look for a plastic washer.
Remove the showerhead by unscrewing it with your hands from the pipe. Unscrew the head using pliers or a crescent wrench if the head is tight. Check the showerhead’s threads for a minor plastic washer or rubber O-ring. The wear and tear on this component often cause a showerhead to leak. It dries out and becomes rigid over time, reducing its capacity to hold water. Replace it if it appears worn or damaged.
3. Clean the showerhead
Because you have the showerhead removed, use this time to clean it, mainly if you’ve observed a decrease in water flow. Mineral deposits or silt left by hard water can sometimes be seen on the interior of the showerhead or at the pipe stem (where the pipe connects to the showerhead). The deposits can substantially impact water pressure and flow and lead to a leaking showerhead.
4. Fix it with a tape
If the washer or O-ring appears to be in good condition or changed, the next step is to cover the threads on the pipe stem with Teflon tape. However, please don’t go overboard with it. Wrap a thin strip around the pipe stem’s lines at the tip.
5. Put the showerhead back in place.
Reattach the showerhead by hand-tightening it until you cannot turn it anymore. Using pliers, give it a final turn. Do not twist too hard, or the showerhead or pipe may break.
6. Turn the water on
Turn on the water again and run your shower for a few seconds. After that, please turn it off. Wait a few minutes, and check if there is still a drip or leak.
Ways to Fix a Shower Faucet
If the problem persists after repairing the showerhead, you may have a leak in the shower faucet. The leak is usually caused by a worn-out washer on the shower stem, which quickly changed. To do it yourself, follow these instructions.
Step 1: Turn off the water.
As you did with the showerhead, you must turn off the water first to the shower from the main water supply. After that, open the faucet and let the water drain. Keep a towel on, ready to mop up any water that may leak from the pipes once the faucet is turned off.
Step 2: Remove the faucet
You will need to replace both valves if your system has two knobs. To remove the knobs or handles from the shower faucet:
- Use a screwdriver and crescent wrench.
- Take it off and set it aside.
- Please take out the nuts and set them aside.
- Unscrew the larger of the two screws; only one has to be unscrewed to access the shower stem.
- Unscrew the shower stem in a counterclockwise motion to remove it.
Step 3: Change the washers
The shower stem is compatible with a variety of washers. It would help if you replaced them all while the faucet is disassembled to ensure that you cover all of your bases. There should be a rubber washer at the tail of the stem, and it’s called a seat washer. At the Centre of the branch are the packing washers.
Step 4: Reassemble the Faucet
Remove any mineral deposits you detect on the pipes using a scrub brush. Replace the showerhead. Replace the knobs and screw in the valves. After you’ve reattached the faucet faceplate or escutcheons, use caulk to seal the area where they meet the shower wall.
Steps to Replace a Shower Faucet
If neither changing the showerhead nor fixing the faucet has stopped the drip, it may be time to replace the faucet with a new one. While this job is more complicated, it is often the only option to fix a broken shower. While various faucets require different replacement procedures, the following is an essential guide for the most standard faucets. It is advised to seek professional assistance if you are not equipped with the right tools. Contact eco pro plumbing and get your faucet fixed by the best plumbing companies in Cambridge.
Step 1: Find a Replacement
Shower faucets are available in a variety of designs and sizes. Because not all are interchangeable, you must identify the appropriate replacement. Although there are broad principles (included in this project), it is critical to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that everything is connected correctly. Take precise measurements of the faucet’s holes and bring the old one with you to choose the proper replacement.
Step 2: Remove the Old Faucet
One can often access the interior workings of the tub through an access panel on the wall opposite the shower faucet. If it doesn’t, you will need to cut through the opposite wall to remove the old faucet and install the new one. Cut a 12″ square or rectangular hole into the wall directly opposite the spout using a keyhole saw.
Use a pipe wrench to unscrew the nuts holding the tap to the shower fixture. Remove the faucet entirely from the water pipes. Avoid twisting or turning the lines when removing the old faucet to avoid potential complications.
Step 3: Install the new faucet
When installing the new faucet assembly, align it with the shower pipe and tighten it down with the pipe wrench. You must follow the manufacturer’s instructions on connecting the new faucet properly.
Step 4: Turn on the water supply.
Reconnect the water line at the main and inspect for leaks. If you find any, tighten the nuts and screws to ensure everything is tight and secure. You can follow the manufacturer’s directions. If you’ve pulled every connection and still have leaks, unplug the faucet and start over to ensure everything is done correctly.
Step 5: Patch the Wall
Without the access panel, we discussed in step 2, you now have a reasonably large hole opposite your shower. You need not worry, as patching the wall and then repainting would do the trick.
