Showerhead leaks can be the result of one or more combination of issues. The most common problem occurs when you have just installed a new showerhead but failed to use Teflon tape or pipe thread compound when threading your shower onto the gooseneck pipe that protrudes out of your bathroom wall. Here the leak occurs at the joint where the showerhead connects to the gooseneck pipe coming out of your wall. A leak may also occur when your showerhead gets clogged from calcium build up or you may need to replace your showerhead washers. All in all fixing a leaky showerhead is pretty basic. All that is normally required is a few fundamental plumbing tools and materials like Teflon tape, thread compound, an adjustable wrench, a screwdriver and maybe a new washer.

If your showerhead is fairly new, unscrewing and reapplying Teflon tape in a clockwise direction to your male showerhead threads will normally solve a joint leak problem but if this doesn’t help then try applying a pipe thread compound instead for better results. You can purchase pipe thread compound from any home hardware store. For best results make sure your pipe threads are completely dry before applying the thread compound to your shower head pipe and don’t be shy put lots on to get a nice solid bond. Tighten the fittings with a wrench to solve your shower leak problem. And just think you saved yourself a bundle by doing it yourself instead of having to call in the local plumber.

Now if your shower head still leaks when diagnosing plumbing problems in your bathroom, it’s important to ascertain the exact cause for the leak. Check to make sure it’s not a clogged shower head that’s causing the problem. When this occurs it inhibits the flow of water causing water to be forced out of minute openings in the joints. The solution to this problem is to remove the showerhead and clean it out by soaking it in a solution of vinegar or a more commercial product like C.L.R. A good technique to remember is when you are removing the showerhead, wrap tape around it to prevent scratching by your pliers.

Be sure the problem is not in the ball joint that is part of the actual shower head because the shower head fixture may be defective and needs to be replaced. Or if your shower is fairly old, the rubber part of the washer in your shower head can become weak and worn out from age resulting in a leak. This is a quick fix with a trip to your local hardware store to purchase a brand new washer. Just be sure to bring along the old one to get the correct size. And take note of the placement of the parts so that you can put them back in the correct order. Also the application of a heatproof lubricant to the ball joint will aid in the unhindered flexibility and movement of your shower head. Just be thankful you don’t have a burst water pipe, but if you do here is a temporary solution.

Thirsty for more information then read this article on how to replace your washroom faucet. Learn more about different types of showerheads

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