Plumbing Blogs Sydney

5 Ways To Fix A Leaking Showerhead

A dripping showerhead is more than just an annoyance — it's a sign pointing to potential problems in your bathroom. From the constant, irritating sound that disrupts your peace to the unnecessary hike in water bills and the eventual water damage it could cause, the effects of a leaking showerhead can ripple through your household.

So how do you turn the tide on this issue? Identifying the signs early and knowing how to fix a leaky showerhead can save you from these troubles.

In this post, we’ll guide you through the various ways to regain control and silence that drip for good.

How to fix a dripping showerhead

Fixing a leaking showerhead doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the right approach, you can tackle this issue efficiently and ensure your bathroom remains a serene retreat. Here are five straightforward solutions to fix your leaky shower woes. 

• Replace the washer or O-ring

Inside the showerhead or the handle, rubber O-rings or washers can deteriorate over time, leading to leaks. Their degradation breaks the watertight seal, allowing water to escape. To fix this: 

1. Turn off the water supply to your shower to prevent any accidents.
2. Unscrew the showerhead from the hose or wall mount.
3. Locate the washer or O-ring inside the showerhead or at the base of the handle and carefully remove it.
4. Take the old washer or O-ring to a hardware store to find a matching replacement.
5. Install the new washer or O-ring, reassemble the showerhead and turn the water back on. This simple swap can often stop the leak.

• Clean the showerhead

Mineral deposits from hard water can build up in your showerhead, obstructing water flow. This pressure build-up can force water out through unintended paths, causing leaks. To clean it: 

1. Remove the showerhead from its mounting.
2. Soak it in a bowl of white vinegar for several hours or overnight to dissolve the mineral buildup.
3. Use a small brush to scrub away any remaining deposits.
4. Rinse, reattach the showerhead and check if the leak has stopped.

• Apply plumber’s tape to the thread

If the leak originates from the thread where the showerhead attaches to the pipe, applying plumber’s tape (also known as Teflon tape) can create a more secure seal. This is how you can fix this problem: 

1. Remove the showerhead and clean the threads of the pipe stem to remove any old tape or debris.
2. Wrap the plumber’s tape around the threads in a clockwise direction, making sure it’s snug but not overlapped too thickly.
3. Reattach the showerhead and test for leaks.

• Replace faulty valve or cartridge

The valve or cartridge inside the handle that controls water flow can wear out or malfunction. This can lead to a continuous drip or leak from the showerhead. This fix is a bit more involved:

1. Shut off the water supply.
2. Remove the handle and trim from the shower valve to access the cartridge.
3. Take note of the make and model and purchase a compatible replacement.
4. Install the new cartridge, reassemble the handle and restore the water supply. Testing the shower now should lead to a leak-free experience.

• Check and replace the diverter valve

In showers that can switch between the tub faucet and the showerhead, a faulty diverter valve can be the culprit. This valve directs water to the showerhead and can wear out or get stuck. To fix this: 

1. Locate the diverter valve. It’s usually part of the tub faucet or mounted on the wall.
2. Turn off the water supply before attempting to remove the valve.
3. Once removed, inspect it for signs of wear or damage. It may be necessary to take the valve to a hardware store to find a suitable replacement.
4. Install the new diverter valve, turn the water supply back on and check if the leak persists.

Proximity Plumbing has your back!

All in all, tackling a leaky showerhead can often be a straightforward fix with the right approach. However, if these tips don't resolve your issue, remember that Proximity Plumbing is here to help. Our team specialises in professional plumbing services, ensuring you access to swift and efficient solutions for your plumbing needs.

Don't let a leaking shower disrupt your home — reach out to our experts for prompt assistance. Explore our emergency plumbing services in Sydney, or learn more about our water leak detection capabilities. Ready to fix your leaky shower or need professional guidance? Contact us today and let Proximity Plumbing restore the comfort and functionality of your bathroom.

How To Find An Underground Water Leak

If you see a mysterious increase in your water bill, spot unexplained damp patches in your yard or hear the sound of running water where it shouldn't be, you might be dealing with an underground water leak. Unlike visible leaks, these sneaky water leaks can wreak havoc beneath the surface, causing structural damage.

Why Do Pipes Burst

Why Do Pipes Burst?

What causes pipes to burst? There are a number of potential reasons why pipes inside a home can experience too much stress and break open, causing major flooding and damage problems for homeowners. But there are four chief causes of burst pipes:

What To Do In A Plumbing Emergency: 6 Pro Tips

It’s a story we see week in and week out – a plumbing emergency when you least expect it. We’ve seen a blocked toilet when you’re hosting Christmas Lunch and a burst flexible hose in the middle of the night!

When this happens, it’s tempting (and only natural) to pick up the phone, look on Google for a 24-hour Plumber Near You and call the first Sydney Emergency Plumber who answers.

Plumbing Quotes: Big Vs Small Plumbing Companies

Why Are Bigger Plumbing Companies Are More Expensive Than Smaller Plumbing Companies?

Just like most things in life, in plumbing, you get what you pay for. If your plumbing quotes appears too good to be true, the chances are that it might be! When deciding to hire a bigger plumbing company or a smaller, one-man contractor there are some things to consider.
At Proximity Plumbing, we are not the cheapest plumber in the eastern suburbs, we’re also not the most expensive. We are the most dedicated and happily boast over 300 real, community-based 5-star reviews from customers.

What Is A Plumbing Emergency

DEFINING A PLUMBING EMERGENCY

Learn When To Call A Sydney Emergency Plumber And How To Choose The Best Emergency Plumber Now.

It’s a story we see week in and week out – a plumbing emergency when you least expect it. We’ve seen a blocked toilet when you’re hosting Christmas Lunch and a burst flexible hose in the middle of the night!

When this happens, it’s tempting (and only natural) to pick up the phone, look on Google for a 24-hour Plumber Near You and call the first Sydney Emergency Plumber who answers.

Whilst you may get lucky and score a genuine plumber who fixes your issue and has your plumbing up and running in no time – you could also end up calling a plumber who will cause more harm than good or leave you with additional hassles and stress.

How long until I need to replace my hot water system?

Isn’t it relaxing to step into a warm bath or shower after having a long, hectic day? But how often do you appreciate the instant access you have to hot water? Almost never, right? 

Given the fact that an estimated 3 billion people around the world currently need access to basic handwashing facilities at home, a hot water heater is definitely a luxury we take for granted in Australia! 

Does Insurance Cover A Burst Flexi Hose?

Flexi hoses can cost as little as ten dollars yet 4 out of 5 households in Australia have damaged, over-pressured or perished Flexi hoses.
This means there are many Australian households that could experience a burst Flexi hose and subsequent flooding or water damage from that burst hose at any moment. And when that happens, you’ll want to know if your insurance covers our damage.

In this article we will cover: 

1. What Is A “Flexi” Hose?
2. What Happens When A Flexi Hose bursts?
3. How Do You Check Your Flexi Hoses?
4. Do Flexi Hoses Need To Be Replaced?
5. Does Home Insurance Cover A Burst Flexi Hose?