Fix a Leaking Shower Head

A leaking shower head is one of those problems that feels minor until you realize you're wasting water every single day. That slow drip from the nozzle or the constant seep at the connection point can waste hundreds of gallons a month. The good news is that a shower head leak almost always comes from one of two places: mineral deposits clogging the spray holes, or a worn-out washer inside the connection fitting. Both fixes take less than an hour and cost almost nothing. You don't need a plumber, and you probably have the tools already.

1. Inspect the leak location. Turn on the shower and watch where the water is coming from. If water sprays unevenly or leaks from the nozzle openings, it's mineral buildup. If water drips or streams from where the head connects to the arm, it's a seal problem. Mark the location mentally—it tells you whether you're cleaning or replacing.
2. Clean the aerator with vinegar. Unscrew the shower head counterclockwise by hand. Submerge it in a container of white vinegar for 30 minutes to dissolve mineral deposits. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the nozzle face gently, then rinse thoroughly under running water. Screw it back on and test.
3. Turn off the water supply. Before you take anything apart further, turn the water off at the main valve or the shower's supply shutoff if one exists. Turn on the shower to release any remaining pressure in the line.
4. Unscrew the shower head completely. Using an adjustable wrench or pipe wrench, grip the shower arm (the pipe coming out of the wall) with one wrench to hold it steady. With your other wrench, turn the shower head counterclockwise to unscrew it. Work slowly to avoid stripping the threads.
5. Replace the washer and O-ring. Look inside the shower head connection where it screws onto the arm. You'll see a small rubber washer or O-ring. Remove it (it may be stuck; use a small flathead screwdriver gently if needed) and replace it with a new one of the same size. These come in packs at any hardware store for a few dollars.
6. Apply plumber's tape and reassemble. Wrap the threaded end of the shower arm with plumber's thread tape (also called PTFE tape or Teflon tape) in a clockwise direction, overlapping each wrap by half. Three to four wraps is enough. Screw the shower head back on by hand first, then tighten gently with the wrench.
7. Turn the water back on and test. Turn the main water supply back on. Let water run through the shower for 30 seconds, then check the connection and nozzle for leaks. Run it for another minute to make sure the fix is solid.