Disturbed by the constant drip sound from your shower during your serene morning moments? Such minor leaks not only waste water but can also spike your utility bills. At Make It Drain Plumbing & Rooter, we recognize and empathize with this issue. Continue reading to learn how to pinpoint and mend your dripping shower head.
What Causes My Shower Head to Drip?
Let’s first delve into the reasons behind a leaky shower head. Possible causes range from blocked shower head openings, deteriorated washers, a malfunctioning switch valve, to a defective control valve. Pinpointing the root cause is pivotal to addressing the issue. Fortunately, with some perseverance and fundamental tools, many of these concerns can be resolved without resorting to professional plumbing services.
Mastering the Unclogging of the Shower Head
Blocked shower heads are frequently the culprits behind drips. Over time, mineral residue and sediments from hard water accumulate, leading to leaks even when the shower is turned off. Here’s a method to effectively unclog your shower head:
- Detachment: Turn the shower head counter-clockwise to remove it from its fitting. If stubborn, a wrench might come in handy – ensure you wrap a cloth around the shower head to protect its finish.
- Cleaning: Submerge the shower head in white vinegar for several hours. This will dissolve mineral buildup.
- Scrubbing: After its vinegar bath, use a soft-bristled brush, like an old toothbrush, to dislodge any lingering deposits. Following this, give it a good rinse.
- Reattachment: Reconnect the shower head to its fitting, making sure it’s securely in place.
See if the dripping persists. If it does, the root of the problem might be elsewhere and it might be time to call local plumbers.
Washer Wear and Tear: Time to Swap Out
If declogging doesn’t halt the drip, deteriorated washers might be to blame. These tiny rubber pieces ensure watertight connections in your shower, but they degrade over time. Here’s the swap out process:
- Finding the Washer: Typically, it’s nestled where the shower head connects to its mounting. Unscrewing the shower head should reveal it.
- Swapping Process: Use a suitable tool, maybe a screwdriver, to gently extract the aged washer. Install a fresh, matching one in its place.
- Reconnecting: Refasten the shower head.
Inspect for leaks post-washer replacement. If the drip continues, you might be looking at intricate issues, potentially with the switch or control valve.
Regulating the Flow: Switch Valve Replacement
The switch valve is vital, rerouting water from the tap to the shower head. A malfunction here can lead to leaks. Here’s the swap guide:
- Extraction: First, detach your faucet handle. This may require a screwdriver. Directly beneath, you’ll find the switch valve.
- Replacement: Discard the damaged switch valve and introduce an identical new one.
- Reassembly: Reattach the faucet handle.
Should the leak continue post this procedure, the control valve might be the final suspect.
Nipping the Drip: Substituting a Faulty Control Valve
This valve balances your shower’s water flow and temperature. A flaw here can result in a dripping shower head. Here’s the replacement process:
- Extraction: Initiate by taking off the shower handle, similar to the switch valve replacement. The control valve is generally situated right behind.
- Switch-out: Dislodge the faulty control valve and introduce its twin.
- Reassembly: Put everything back in its rightful place and re-examine for leaks.
In Need of Expert Plumbing Solutions for Your Drip?
Persistent leaks can be more than just a minor inconvenience. They escalate utility costs, waste resources, and if overlooked, might damage property. If your plumbing fixtures are dripping and you’re on the hunt for skilled plumbers to quickly fix the problem, reach out to Make It Drain Plumbing & Rooter.
