Ask The Plumber

My Showerhead Keeps Leaking, Even When Both Water Faucets Are Off. What Can I Do?

If your showerhead is leaking, even with the faucets off, you know that this can be annoying as well as expensive.

For most showerheads, you will need to replace the washer. There are usually two sources that are the cause of a leaky showerhead. First, the pipe that connects to the showerhead may be the cause of the leak.

Second, it could be that the holes in the showerhead are clogged.

Either way, you’ll want to begin by unscrewing the showerhead and removing it from the shower. Make sure to protect the part of the showerhead that connects to the pipe. You will need to remove the face of the showerhead so that you can change the washer. Once you have replaced the washer, reassemble the showerhead and screw it back in.

• If your showerhead is clogged, you’ll want to remove the faceplate and then soak the showerhead in a solution of vinegar for roughly twelve hours. The vinegar will dissolve the mineral deposits that are the source of the clog. After the showerhead has soaked, you can easily remove any remaining deposits by brushing out the showerhead plate, or even picking them out with a pin.

If after you have taken these steps, you still have a leaking showerhead, you should call a plumber.