Shower Repair: What Can I Do About A Leaking Showerhead?
Water dripping incessantly is a kind of torture. The constant tempo of the never-ending water droplets hitting the tiles is enough to drive anyone mad! If you’ve ever had a troubled night’s sleep because of a leaking showerhead then you understand. A shower repair can mean more to your sanity than you may realize.
Let’s take a look at some of the important issues around a leaking showerhead, shall we?
Why Is My Showerhead Leaking?
A leaking showerhead is quite a common bathroom plumbing problem. There are many ways in which a showerhead can develop a drip. As with all plumbing systems, there are many washers, seals, and O-rings that keep plumbing joints watertight. Over time, these seals become worn out and fail. When they no longer seal properly, water finds its way out through these gaps. The result is of course a leak, or worse yet, a drip!
Water Leaks Cause Damage in More Ways Than One
Let’s have a look at some of the damage that shower leaks create.
Water Stains
The term water stain might sound odd but it’s a thing. Over time as the leak develops, minerals begin to oxidize as they come into contact with the air. If your faucets contain iron, rust stains called patina form on the tiles underneath the leak which can be very difficult to get off. It’s best to call someone from Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric to fix it before it gets out of control.
Limescale
Limescale is one of the results of a consistent supply of “hard water,” something we’re no strangers to in South Florida, as we have some of the hardest water in the country!
Hard water gets its name from the idea of it being “hard to wash things in”. Soaps tend to not lather as much in hard water. As a result, you will tend to use up more soap to get your desired amount of lather.
The main reason for limescale build-up is the mineral calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Water evaporates leaving this mineral behind. It forms a hard and chalky substance that looks unsightly on your bathroom fixtures. In the case of your showerhead, it can clog up the holes where the water comes out. The water pressure can be lowered or even completely blocked. This pressure build-up also causes damage to the washers in your plumbing, contributing to other leaks!
Dry Rot
Leaks over time can cause dry rot to develop. The problem is that a leak may be happening inside the wall behind the faucet and showerhead. As this water continues to seep into the drywall mold will grow there. The mold causes weakness in the drywall making it susceptible to damage.
Where Do the Leaks Develop?
A shower repair can end up costing you more than you bargained for if you attempt it yourself. Leaks most often develop because of a failed O-ring or washer. Showerheads have an O-ring where they attach to the pipes. A threaded part screws into the showerhead and the pipe is sealed off by the O-ring. As the O-ring deteriorates over time, water begins to leak out the top.
Sometimes the leak develops because of a worn washer in the faucet valve. Even after closing both faucets fully, water continues to drip out of the showerhead. This marks the beginning of the torture. The constant dripping is enough of a reason to call Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric to restore peace in your home!
Why You Should Call a Plumber
Attempting shower repairs yourself can be a costly exercise. Often, issues that seem simple on the surface are more complex. Pipe maintenance may be required as well as some minor touch-ups to the shower walls themselves. Leaks that are left unattended will result in wasted water and money literally going down the drain. For peace of mind, you should consult a licensed plumber to deal with those painful drips and leaks.
Don’t Let a Shower Repair Become a Shower Regret
There are many pitfalls to attempting any plumbing repairs yourself, shower repairs are not excluded. Don’t waste your own time and money. Contact Art Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Electric for any questions you may have about your home’s plumbing needs. We’ve been serving South Florida reliably since 1983! For more information or to schedule an inspection of your plumbing, 1-800-475-1504, today!
