Any kind of leak in the home should be taken seriously. Whether it’s a slow drip or a big outpour, leaks of any type can lead to wasted resources, high energy bills, and other potential problems, like mold growth. Showerheads are prone to annoying leaks. But the good news is that there are many things you can do to try and fix the issue, at least temporarily. Keep in mind, though, that showerhead leaks need to be targeted at the source, which is why, even if you apply a temporary fix, you should still call on a reputable plumber as soon as possible.
Think Back to The Installation Process
First things first, when you notice a showerhead leak, even a small one, try and remember when and how your showerhead was installed. If you attempted a do-it-yourself installation, no matter how careful you were, go back and re-read the instructions if available. If you can’t find them, you can look online. No matter what, it may be worth it to try and reinstall your showerhead as carefully and correctly as possible. Then, give it a test to see if the leak is resolved.
Testing can be as simple as letting your shower run for a few minutes, turning it off, and waiting to see if leaking will start again. If it does, consider calling on skilled caldwell plumbing professionals. And, in the future, always leave these types of jobs up to experts. While something like a showerhead installation may seem simple at first, these tasks can be surprisingly complex and difficult. In fact, even if your re-installation goes well, it’s still a good idea to have professional plumbers take a look and offer suggestions to keep the leak from coming back.
Clean The Showerhead with Care
If re-installing your showerhead doesn’t work or if you’re not up to the challenge, consider a careful cleaning of the showerhead itself. Cleaning is an especially good idea if the showerhead appears visibly clogged or if it tends to leak, rather than flow, when you try to turn it on. Work to carefully clear out each of the showerhead’s holes before attempting to turn your showerhead on again.
Before you clean, however, be sure to thoroughly research what your showerhead is made of, and which cleaners are safe for use. Often, simple, less abrasive cleaning agents, such as baking soda, can prove to be effective but less-damaging cleaning agents. You could also consider having your showerhead professionally cleaned to see if that fixes the problem.
Opt For a Quality Replacement
If re-installing and/or cleaning don’t yield any desirable results, then there is one last thing you can try. This last resort option is to replace the showerhead. It may be that your old showerhead is simply old and damaged or that you accidentally chose an unreliable showerhead. In any case, do some research, choose a well-made shower head, preferably one with a warranty, and either install it according to the manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional do the job for you.
Showerhead leaks are never a fun thing to deal with. But, if you find yourself facing one, at least you have some troubleshooting solutions you can try. Remember, too, that if nothing works, or if you just want to deal with your leak in the best possible way, calling on professional plumbers is always a smart choice.
