Leaky Showerhead
#1
10-21-05, 04:59 PM
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: USA
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Leaky Showerhead
Hi,
Within the past few weeks my showerhead has developed the annoying 45 second drip. I've been searching the internet for some solutions. But, the ones that I found suggested the washer behind the shower head may need to be replaced or there is a lime buildup that may need to be cleaned. Now, the shower head is is about 2 years old and the leak isn't coming out of the threads so I'm having a hard time believing this is the case. I'm thinking its something behind the handles (I have 2 handles for the hot and cold).
Am I headed in the right direction?
Thanks,
Shawn
Within the past few weeks my showerhead has developed the annoying 45 second drip. I've been searching the internet for some solutions. But, the ones that I found suggested the washer behind the shower head may need to be replaced or there is a lime buildup that may need to be cleaned. Now, the shower head is is about 2 years old and the leak isn't coming out of the threads so I'm having a hard time believing this is the case. I'm thinking its something behind the handles (I have 2 handles for the hot and cold).
Am I headed in the right direction?
Thanks,
Shawn
#2
10-21-05, 05:34 PM
Member
Easiest way to be sure is to remove the showerhead and then see if the drip continues from the showerarm. Just for fun, soak the showerhead in a cup filled with vinegar while you are testing. This will remove deposits.
If it is a faucet handle, it would not stop in 45 seconds. Or at all. Good luck.
If it is a faucet handle, it would not stop in 45 seconds. Or at all. Good luck.
#3
10-22-05, 11:22 AM
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: USA
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Thanks for the info majakdragon. I have it soaking right now. I've had the showerhead off for about 4 hours now. I just happened to peak into the shower and I see a drip is still coming out with the showerhead off. Its just coming straight out the arm. Is that normal?
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
#4
10-22-05, 12:43 PM
Member
Nope, not normal. You may have to disassemble the faucet handles and change a bad washer(s). Normally there is a cap on the end of the handle that pops off with a screwdriver. Then you will see a screw that gets removed. Now the fun starts. Calcium deposits often lodge in between the stem and the handle, making it difficult to pull the handle off. May take some wiggling and perhaps even prying to remove the handle. (I have wrapped a rag around the handle and soaked it with vinegar to loosen the deposits). Once the handle is removed, there should be a nut on the stem. Loosen it until the threads disengage. Slip the handle back on and turn the whole stem out. There will be a washer on the end. It is held in place with a brass screw. I would take the whole stem with me to get a new washer. I don't like buying a washer assortment as you will probably never use the rest in the kit. Replace the washer and reverse procedure to reassemble. Might as well do both stems as long as you have the water off anyways. Good luck.
#5
10-23-05, 12:10 PM
Join Date: Feb 2001
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That was it. The washer on the hot water side was nearly gone. So, I repalced them both plus another washer that seemed to be failing and its like brand new!
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
