3 Common Causes for a Leaking Shower Head

There can be at least 3 common causes for a leaking shower head. A shower head can leak as it ages over time, signaling that a new shower head needs to be installed. It can also leak because of a crack or a defect in the shower head. This can also be fixed by replacing it with a new shower head unless the crack in the shower head can be patched with plumber's putty. Another common cause of a leaking shower head is improper installation.

These common problems, when identified, can be easy to identify using a flashlight and running water through the shower head to determine where the leak exists. Any do-it-yourselfer can fix a leaking shower head, so this type of repair should not require you to call a plumber or professional in order to fix the problem. You need to address the problem of a leaking shower head in order to ward off a larger problem such as water damage to the interior walls of your bathroom.

Aging Shower Head

If you are living in an older house with many of the original fixtures in place, chances are that the shower may be in need of some updating or renovation. If you notice that the shower head has begun to develop a leak, it is probably time to replace the shower head with a new one. The old shower head may be beyond repair and should be removed in place of a newer shower head. 

This may be a signal to renovate or remodel your bathroom in order to update it to current trends.

Cracked in the Shower Head

If the shower head leak can be noticed you might see a crack that has developed. This can be identified by slowly running water through the shower head and shining a light on the shower head in order to pinpoint the crack. You may also need to remove the shower head from the shower and carefully inspect the inside in order to determine where the leak is. Plumber's putty can be used to seal the crack if it is not too big in order to stop any further leaks from happening.

If the crack inside the shower head is a large one, you should toss it out and replace it with a new shower head.

Faulty Installation of the the Shower Head

When a shower head is installed to the shower, white plumber's tape is used to form a bond between the shower head and the shower pipe. The tape prevents water from spilling back or leaking and is very useful in this type of installation. If you notice that the leak is emanating from the place where the shower head is attached, remove the shower head and the white tape that covers the thread. Replace the old tape with new white plumber's tape and reattach the shower head.