If the showerhead in the bathroom begins leaking, replacement is not the only option. A showerhead that is otherwise in good working order can be repaired at a much lower cost. The leak is often due to a damaged O-ring washer that can easily be replaced. Follow the steps below to repair your leaky showerhead quickly and inexpensively.
You will need:
• Roll of tape
• Pipe sealer (Teflon or dope)
• O-ring rubber washers
• Pipe wrench
• Scissors
Step 1: With the scissors, cut off a section of tape long enough to wrap around the showerhead pipe several times. Wrap the tape around the pipe to protect the chrome from being scratched by the pipe wrench. Turn the wrench in a counter-clockwise direction to loosen the showerhead. Unscrew the showerhead by turning it counterclockwise on the pipe threads.
Step 2: Look inside the showerhead to determine the problem. If the O-ring is brittle or damaged, it should be replaced. You can purchase an inexpensive package of assorted sized O-rings that will most likely contain the proper size. Remove the existing O-ring from the showerhead and select a new O-ring that matches its thickness and diameter.
Step 3: Push the new O-ring into the showerhead lip. Wrap the pipe sealer around the threads on the showerhead pipe. This ensures a tight seal.
Step 4: Reattach the showerhead to the pipe, hand-screwing it clockwise as far as possible without overtightening.
Step 5: Apply more tape to the outside of the showerhead pipe and tighten the showerhead with the wrench. Be careful not to overtighten because this could damage the pipe and fixings.
Step 6: Turn on the shower to test the water flow from the showerhead. Make sure that there are no leaks coming from the connection between the showerhead and the pipe.
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