All You Need to Know About Shower Leaks

Let’s look at the types of shower leaks and how to prevent them.

Types of Shower Leaks

• Faucet Leaks

These leaks happen around the shower faucet or valve and can result from worn-out seals, loose connections, or damaged components. While faucet leaks may seem insignificant, they can send thousands of gallons of water down the drain. According to the EPA, a leaky faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water over a year’s time. Furthermore, accumulated moisture from a faucet leak can create a conducive environment for mold and mildew growth in the vicinity of the faucet. This can lead to health concerns and additional cleaning efforts. If you have a leaky faucet in your shower, do not put it off, thinking the problem will go away on its own. Reach out to a trusted bathroom plumbing service for professional leak detection and faucet repair or replacement.

• Showerhead Leaks

Leaks at the showerhead may occur due to loose connections or damaged showerhead components, such as a cracked faceplate or worn-out rubber gaskets. The constant ‘drip, drip, drip’ can be irritating, not to mention the gallons of water being wasted. Luckily, fixing a leaking showerhead is pretty straightforward if you’re an avid do-it-yourselfer.

Steps To Fix a Showerhead Leak

• Step 1: Turn off the water supply to the shower. You can do this by turning the water shut-off valve located on the water pipe leading to the showerhead.
• Step 2: Use an adjustable wrench or pliers to carefully loosen and remove the showerhead from the shower arm. Turn it counterclockwise to unscrew it. Be cautious not to use excessive force, as it can damage the shower arm.
• Step 3: Check the threads on both the showerhead and the shower arm for any visible damage or debris. This is one of the areas where the shower could be leaking. Use an old toothbrush or wire brush to clean the threads thoroughly.
• Step 4: Wrap Teflon tape clockwise around the threads of the shower arm. Ensure that you wrap it tightly, overlapping each wrap by about half. This tape creates a watertight seal.
• Step 5:  Screw the showerhead back onto the shower arm, turning it clockwise. Use your wrench or pliers to tighten it snugly, but avoid over-tightening, as it can damage the showerhead or the pipe.
• Step 6: Turn the water supply back on and allow the showerhead to run. Check for any leaks around the connection between the showerhead and the shower arm. If you see any leaks, try tightening it a bit more.

If tightening doesn't resolve the leak, you may need to replace the washers inside the showerhead. This job is best left to a skilled and experienced plumber who specializes in bathroom plumbing.

Piping Leaks

Hidden leaks within the plumbing behind the shower walls can result in water damage, often indicated by water stains or dampness on adjacent walls. Piping leaks often go undetected until they inevitably worsen and cause major damage. You should watch out for signs of hidden leaks in your shower and call a nearby plumbing service for water leak repair.

What You Can Do To Prevent Shower Leaks

• Ensure that your shower is initially installed correctly by a qualified plumber. A proper installation is the foundation for preventing leaks.
• Ensure your bathroom has proper ventilation to reduce humidity levels.
• Have a leak detection expert inspect your showerhead for leaks and replace any worn-out washers or gaskets.
• Keep your shower clean to prevent the buildup of soap scum, which can weaken caulking and grout.
• Conduct routine inspections of your shower area and address any issues promptly.

Trust Mr. Rooter Plumbing for All of Your Bathroom Plumbing Needs

Have a shower leak that needs to be fixed? The team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing has got your back. We are a professional plumbing company that you can count on for all of your bathroom plumbing needs, including leak detection, showerhead repair, faucet repair, and more.