Leaving plumbing issues unresolved can lead to a considerable waste of water and a significantly higher water bill. This is why homeowners need to have some plumbing know-how to handle minor complications with their plumbing fixtures. The more you know about DIY repairs, the more money you’ll save in the long term.
Repairing Your Handheld Shower Head
Handheld showerheads or detachable showerheads offer more flexibility since they can double as massagers in different settings. Unlike traditional fixed models, you can take them off their holder and target specific parts of your body. It’s a more comfortable showering experience than turning your shower on and off when necessary.
Unfortunately, the added features of a handheld showerhead may appear more intimidating to repair. Thankfully, any leaks occurring from it may be easily fixable if you know how to locate and treat the compromised component.
In this article, we’ll share a five-step guide to perform DIY repairs for a handheld shower.
Step #1: Gather Your Tools
First, gather your tools and prepare your shower area for repairs. Depending on the issue, you may need to bring an adjustable wrench, plumber’s tape, sealant, and other tools. It’s also best to wear gloves, goggles, and comfortable clothing since you might get wet, and your hands could get slippery when unprotected.
Step #2: Loosen the Showerhead from the Hose
Using your adjustable wrench, loosen the compression nuts from the hose. With the showerhead in one hand, rotate the fitting counterclockwise. You may use a rag and wrap the handle if the nut doesn’t budge immediately.
Step #3: Check for Damage
If you recently repaired your showerhead, you need to remove any hardened plumber tape around the threads. Afterwards, inspect the house in and out for signs of damage. The issue could be a broken gasket, worn out washers, or frozen threaded flanges. These are just some of the potential causes of shower leaks. Replacing these compromised parts should be an easy solution.
Step #4: Remove Debris
After replacing the broken components, your next goal is to prevent leaks in the future. Using a white vinegar solution, soak the showerhead and its different components on it for 30 minutes. This will soften any deposits of hard water stuck on your showerhead’s parts. Scrub off any remaining debris using a nail brush and rinse the components thoroughly with running water.
Step #5: Reinforce Your Showerhead
If you want to avoid future leaks, you can apply Teflon tape on the handle’s male thread. Remember to apply it clockwise and reduce slack by pulling the tape before cutting. Doing so will press the threads together and keep them in place once you reattach the showerhead back to the hose. Afterwards, take all the different components back together and screw them tightly in place.
Conclusion
While having basic knowledge of plumbing repair is advantageous, that doesn’t mean you should rely on your basic skills for all occasions. Sometimes, your plumbing problems are more complicated than they seem. This is why it’s vital to have an accurate assessment of your plumbing situation.
If you’re no longer sure what’s causing your showerhead’s leaks, it’s important to call experts immediately. Since they have years of experience with different plumbing problems, they can accurately and expertly solve your plumbing concerns and prevent further damage.
If you need plumbing services in Newcastle, we can help. Our plumbing experts at Muscardin Plumbing can perform different services, from toilet repairs to full-on bathroom renovations. Call us at 0412 960 810 today!