Tired of listening to that slow drip coming from your leaky showerhead? Not only is a leak annoying, but it also wastes several gallons of water per week.
To stop the leak, you’ll need to first determine the cause. Learn more about the most common reasons behind a leaky showerhead and what you can do to fix it.
Quick Takeaways
- Many shower leaks don’t come from the showerhead, but from a worn internal component.
- The most common causes of shower leaks include issues with seals, grout, plumbing connections and cartridges.
- A leaking shower can lead to gallons of wasted water and cause hidden structural damage.
- Some leaks are easy to fix, while others need the guidance of a professional plumber.
- Early diagnosis can help you avoid more costly repairs in the future.
Why Is My Shower Leaking?
There are several potential causes behind a leaky showerhead, including issues with the internal parts and the actual plumbing. To properly identify the reason, you’ll need to figure out where the leak is occurring and when it happens.
Common Reasons a Shower Leaks
The majority of shower leaks will fall into a handful of categories (and it may not always be from your showerhead). These categories include loose or leaky connections, damaged seals or O-rings and high water pressure. Here’s a closer look at the most common culprits.
1. Worn or Faulty Shower Cartridge
A shower cartridge uses a system of barriers and holes to mix your hot and cold water while regulating flow. A worn or faulty shower cartridge can lead to a leaky showerhead because it can no longer create a watertight seal. This allows water to bypass the valve, even if it’s turned off.
2. Damaged O-Rings or Seals
O-rings and seals act as “gatekeepers” of your water flow and create a watertight barrier between the connecting parts in your shower. When they become damaged, the water can seep through any gaps, leading to a slow drip or continuous leak.
3. Loose or Leaking Showerhead Connection
When water is under pressure, it finds tiny gaps where the showerhead meets the pipe and escapes. Even if the showerhead itself isn’t faulty, a drip can still occur at the joint if the seal isn’t watertight due to mineral buildup or a loose fitting.
4. Cracked or Deteriorating Grout and Caulk
When grout and caulk deteriorate over time, the waterproof barrier they create is compromised. This breakdown creates areas for water to seep behind your shower walls and floor. At this point, water can then escape from the tiled area and travel to other parts of your bathroom, including your floors and walls.
5. High Water Pressure
High water pressure can over-stress your internal seals, washers and O-rings. This forces them past their limits and stresses your shower components, leading to leaks.
6. Leaking Pipes Behind the Wall
Leaking pipes behind your wall allow water to bypass the valve seals or escape from another compromised area of the fixture (like the shower arm’s connection to the pipe inside the wall). Some indicators of this type of leak include ceiling stains, mold or wall damage.
How To Tell Where the Shower Leak Is Coming From
Knowing where your shower leak is coming from is the first step towards adequately addressing it. There are several ways to figure out the source of your leak. First, you must distinguish between drainage-system leaks, structural leaks or supply-side leaks.
The “Bucket Test”
A bucket test can help you determine if you have a leak in your supply pipes or your drain system. Fill a large bucket from another water source. Then, pour that water down the shower drain. If you notice a leak downstairs on the ceiling below your shower, then your problem lies in your drain pipes.
The “Flood Test”
If you think your shower base or pan is the problem, you can conduct a “flood test” to confirm your suspicions. Plug your shower drain and then fill your tub with a couple of inches of water, marking the water level. Then, wait 24 hours. If the water level drops, then your shower pan or the waterproof membrane has failed.
Look for Any Visual Clues
Musty smells, discoloration on the ceiling below your shower and loose tiles are all indicators that you have a leak. You should also take a look at the walls and flooring in the room next to the shower for any warping or mold presence.
Can You Fix a Leaking Shower Yourself?
It is possible to fix some shower leaks on your own. However, some situations require a plumber’s expertise. To determine whether you can tackle your shower leak yourself, you must first find the source of your problem.
When a Shower Leak Becomes a Plumbing Emergency
A shower leak becomes a plumbing emergency when it threatens your home’s structural integrity, creates health hazards or results from a catastrophic system failure (such as a burst pipe).
Here are some immediate red flags to look for:
- Your ceiling is sagging or is starting to collapse.
- Water is coming into contact with electrical components.
- You experience sudden water gushing from a wall or rapid pooling.
- Foul-smelling water and sewage are surfacing in your shower drain.
If you have a gas-powered water heater and notice gas or sulfur smells (like rotten eggs), this is a life-threatening emergency. Evacuate your property immediately and call the professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shower Leaks
Why does my shower leak when it’s turned off?
A persistent, non-stop drip indicates the presence of a leak. It could be caused by the shower valve or other various issues, including damaged O-rings, mineral buildup or high water pressure.
Is a leaking shower expensive to fix?
It depends on the reasons behind the leak. Whether you have a simple fixture drip or a major pipe failure will determine the cost of the fix.
Can a shower leak cause mold or water damage?
Yes, if not quickly addressed, a shower leak may cause severe mold growth and structural water damage.
How do plumbers diagnose hidden shower leaks?
A plumber uses various non-invasive diagnostic tests to pinpoint the site of a hidden shower leak. This technology allows them to avoid unnecessary steps like immediately tearing out drywall or tile.
Should I turn off the water if my shower is leaking?
While you don’t always need to shut off your home’s entire water supply for a minor shower drip, it is necessary in some situations.
Call on Our Punctual Plumbers To Fix Your Shower Leak
Here at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we take pride in our services. Our team of punctual plumbers approaches every job with care to make sure we get things right from start to finish.
If you’re dealing with a leaky shower, call us today. We can quickly diagnose your problem and provide you with effective solutions that you can count on.