How To Fix A Leaky Shower Head - Ace Hardware, by Ace Hardware on YouTube. 2 min 17 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 17 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Turn off the water at the shower valve, or at the main supply if the valve does not shut fully. Open the tap to release pressure.
Wrap painter's tape or a cloth around the shower arm and the base of the head so the pliers do not scratch the finish.
Grip the shower head with slip joint pliers and turn it counterclockwise to unscrew it from the shower arm.
Look inside the head for a rubber washer or O-ring. Replace it if it is cracked, flattened or missing.
Soak the head face in white vinegar for an hour if the holes are clogged with mineral scale, then scrub and rinse.
Clean the threads on the shower arm and remove old tape or debris with a cloth.
Wrap plumber's tape clockwise around the shower arm threads, two or three turns, then screw the head back on by hand.
Tighten gently with the pliers, no more than a quarter turn past hand tight.
Turn the water back on and check for drips at the joint and from the head face. Tighten slightly if water seeps at the threads.
Tips and common mistakes
Do not overtighten the head or you can crack the plastic or strip the threads.
If the drip continues after resealing, the problem is likely the shower valve cartridge, not the head.
Wrap tape clockwise only, or it will unwind as you screw the head on.
Replace a cracked or badly scaled head rather than repairing it.
Questions
Why does my shower head drip when the water is off?
Water left in the head drains out slowly, which is normal. A steady drip usually means a worn washer at the joint or a failing valve cartridge.
Do I need to shut off the main water supply?
Only if the shower valve does not stop the flow completely. Most jobs can be done with the shower tap closed.
Can I fix a slow-flowing shower head without replacing it?
Yes. Soaking the face in vinegar and clearing the holes often restores flow. Replace it if the internal screen is damaged.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
