Leaking showers most often urge you to make an immediate call to the local plumber. This is because the problem of shower leaks is often considered too complex by you to handle yourself. But this is not the case. The shower leaks can be fixed by even a novice provided that he possesses the correct logic and a wise supervision. Here are some tips that make you a do-it-yourself plumber as far as fixing your shower leaks is concerned.
Before you do anything else make sure all the tools that would be required in the project are available. These include a Teflon tape roll, a pipe wrench or crescent wrench and a washer( plastic or rubber O-ring).
The leaks are most likely to be located at the join between the shower head and the pipe. Remove the shower head by hand or use wrench of respective size if it is a screwed one.
Once the shower head is detached take a look into the shower head to locate the place where the head screws into the pipe. A plastic or rubber O-ring washer would be located there. If the washer leaves a black goo on your fingers then it is time to replace it. Match the size of the washer with a new one to replace it effectively. Just push the new washer into the assembly such that it is placed flat inside the fixture.
After fixing the washer check the threads on the stem. They require a regular tightening operation since they're susceptible to constant loosening. Wrap a Teflon tape (two wraps only) around the threading to tighten the arrangement making sure that tape is wrapped in the same direction as that of the thread flow. Only the area of the pipe where the thread runs should be wrapped and not the smooth pipe area.
Once the washer and the threads are tightened remount the shower head on the pipe. Hand-tight the fixture as over tightening may damage the threads or the screws. Turn on the water to notice any water leaks or drips from the shower head.
If no leaks are observed then the task is rendered successful. However a reduced water dripping makes way for another inspection of the threading . You can replace the Teflon tape from the pipe to wrap it again(with three wraps this time). Also tighten the head with an extra half turn.
By this time the problem should have been solved but if it doesn't then the services of a plumber have to be availed as the leaks might have to do with the shower's water-control valve. - 30517
Before you do anything else make sure all the tools that would be required in the project are available. These include a Teflon tape roll, a pipe wrench or crescent wrench and a washer( plastic or rubber O-ring).
The leaks are most likely to be located at the join between the shower head and the pipe. Remove the shower head by hand or use wrench of respective size if it is a screwed one.
Once the shower head is detached take a look into the shower head to locate the place where the head screws into the pipe. A plastic or rubber O-ring washer would be located there. If the washer leaves a black goo on your fingers then it is time to replace it. Match the size of the washer with a new one to replace it effectively. Just push the new washer into the assembly such that it is placed flat inside the fixture.
After fixing the washer check the threads on the stem. They require a regular tightening operation since they're susceptible to constant loosening. Wrap a Teflon tape (two wraps only) around the threading to tighten the arrangement making sure that tape is wrapped in the same direction as that of the thread flow. Only the area of the pipe where the thread runs should be wrapped and not the smooth pipe area.
Once the washer and the threads are tightened remount the shower head on the pipe. Hand-tight the fixture as over tightening may damage the threads or the screws. Turn on the water to notice any water leaks or drips from the shower head.
If no leaks are observed then the task is rendered successful. However a reduced water dripping makes way for another inspection of the threading . You can replace the Teflon tape from the pipe to wrap it again(with three wraps this time). Also tighten the head with an extra half turn.
By this time the problem should have been solved but if it doesn't then the services of a plumber have to be availed as the leaks might have to do with the shower's water-control valve. - 30517
About the Author:
Scott Rodgers is a noted writer who has been providing great guidance on plumbing works all over the country. His unique knowledge has, in fact, sparked significant rise in revenue for talented plumbers across the nation, from Winter Park Plumbers to West Palm Beach Plumbers.
