How To Fix a Shower Head

Close up image of water flowing from a shower head. — A faulty shower head can be annoying. Kseniya Ovchinnikova / Getty Images

Shower heads are subject to several problems. Leaks can occur where the head connects to the shower arm or between the shower head body and the swivel ball.

If the shower head arm connection leaks:

Step 1: Unscrew shower arm from pipe with strap wrenches. If you use different wrench, tape pipe to avoid scratching it.

Step 2: Clean arm threads and coat them with plumbers' joint compound or wrap plumbers' joint tape around them.

Step 3: Screw head back on and hand-tighten it. Remove any excess compound or tape.

If your issue lies with a leak at the swivel part of your shower head, check out the next section.

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Fixing Leak at Swivel

Sometimes a leak occurs at the shower head's swivel. If this is the case for you, follow these helpful instructions:

Step 1: Unscrew shower head from swivel-ball ring.

Step 2: Find O-ring (a ring that prevents water from oozing out) or similar seal inside. Replace it, and screw shower head back into place.

Problems with a shower head can also be

caused by grit or sediment lodged in the shower head or by a buildup of scale or mineral deposits. The solution is to remove the shower head at the swivel ball and start cleaning.

It may be necessary to soak some parts in vinegar and scrape others, but be careful not to scratch or gouge anything. If the shower head is of the adjustable-spray type, examine all of the moving parts carefully for signs of excessive wear. If the adjustment handle binds or does not work smoothly, or if the internal cam is fouled up, usually the only solution is to replace the entire head.

Don't let a leaky shower head cause you to just run out and buy a new one. The helpful tips in this article will help you make the repair in no time.

Not what you're looking for? Try these:

Plumbing: Tackling plumbing problems in the home can be quite daunting. Don't dismay -- the plumbing tips detailed in this article are sure to help, even if helping means advice on when to call a plumber.
How to Fix Sinks, Tubs, and Drains: Plumbing issues related to sinks, tubs, and drains, can be fixed by the average homeowner...if you have some tips under your belt to help you identify and fix the problem. Find such tips in this article.
Plumbing Troubleshooting: Sometimes figuring out what's wrong with your toilet, drain, or other plumbing-related area is half the battle. Find helpful troubleshooting tips here.
Plumbing Tools: You may already have many of the tools necessary for most plumbing jobs because they are the same tools used for other do-it-yourself projects. Find out about special plumbing tools, such as pipe wrenches, in this article.