Why Is My Shower Leaking and How to Fix It?

by Luke Tries Effects work on Waterproofing, Sealing, Grouting,

The problem of leaking showers is pervasive in every household, and one more thing that becomes common with it is ‘the annoyance’. This regular dripping water creates an annoying sound, and if not repaired instantly, it can become a reason for the wastage of a considerable amount of water. The repair process starts with detecting the issue, and there are several reasons why this problem could occur. For example – showers can leak from the head, the mixer valve, the hose or the tray. No matter the reason behind this problem, it becomes essential to diagnose it without delays.

Reasons Why a Shower Could Leak

Your first step after leak detection is to call leaking shower experts. They will examine the entire area to find out the source of the leakage.

Leaking Shower Head

A very common reason, as mentioned above, behind leaking showers is the leaking shower head. The good thing is that it can be fixed without replacing the entire unit. The leaking shower expert will take the following steps to repair this part of your shower.

The first step is determining whether the shower head is leaking or the shower arm. In case the arm is leaking, the problem is there in the joint that connects the arm to the hose. In this situation, the solution is simple as leaking shower experts will just screw the parts together tighter.

• Shut off the water supply to the shower head

• Check any moving parts are tightly screwed/secured

• Remove the showerhead

• Inspect the shower head for any signs of corrosion or damage

• Use plumber’s tape to wrap the threads of the shower arm

• Reinstall the shower head to the shower arm

Test the Showerhead

If the leakage persists even after this, the only solution is to replace the shower head, but again the experts will check the mixer valve first.

Leaking Mixer Valve

In most cases, you will find a shower mixer valve installed in conventional stand-up showers. But modern-day bath showers are also fitted with this valve, but a diverter valve instead.

How To Fix A Shower Mixer Valve?

As a part of shower repair services, the leaking shower experts will first shut off the water supply to the shower area. Then, the second step could involve removing the handle from the valve by removing the screws that secure it. This will reveal the valve stem and the O-RING, and if the O-RING is damaged or worn, they will replace it immediately. However, if the O-RING is in good condition, they will simply clean the dirt and debris. They will also apply a layer of plumber’s grease and create a water-tight seal.

If the leakage still persists, then the problem is definitely in the mixer valve, and there is no other solution than to replace it. In most cases, the leakage from the mixer valve occurs for the following reasons.

• Worn Seals

• Worn O-Rings

• Worn Or Broken Threads

• Debris, Dirt Or Lime Scale Build-Up

Shower Tray Area

The role of the shower tray is to collect water from the shower and direct it towards the drain, and if the leakage is present there, it could be very irritating and also get tough to detect. The leakage under the drain is mostly a plumbing issue, and apart from leaking shower experts, you will also need a shower plumber for this.

How To Fix A Leaking Shower Tray

The shower plumber will first identify the source of the leak and check the joints around the tray.

The second step includes sealing the joint using a filler or a caulking gun. They will apply the sealant around the joints of the shower tray, and holes or cracks present there. They will ensure that the entire area is clean and dry before initiating the joint sealing process.

In some situations, they will also have to remove the entire shower tray, if it is noticed that the drips are coming through this sealing.