How to Troubleshoot a Dripping or Leaking Shower

A dripping shower can be annoying, unsanitary and costly. It's important to identify the cause of the dripping and have it fixed as soon as possible. If a dripping shower is left unchecked, it can lead to water damage, mold and mildew build-up, and water waste.

How do I know if I have a problem with my shower

Look and listen. This may sound overly simple, but in many cases this is how you will detect the first signs of a problem with your shower.

How to troubleshoot and fix a dripping or leaking shower:

1. Inspect the showerhead for any visible signs of damage or wear. Often, a showerhead that has been in use for a long time will accumulate mineral deposits, which can lead to clogging and water leakage.
2. Check the showerhead for any loose fittings or connections. A loose showerhead can lead to water leakage and should be tightened or replaced as soon as possible.
3. Inspect the shower valve for any signs of damage or wear. A faulty shower valve can lead to water leakage, and should be repaired or replaced if necessary.
4. Check the shower piping for any signs of corrosion or damage. Corroded or damaged pipes can lead to water leakage and should be replaced if necessary. You probably can't do this yourself as the pipes will often be in the walls. You'll need to listen and try to hear running water. If you hear running water and your shower head is not leaking, you should call a plumber immediately as you may have a leak in the pipes within the wall. Also look at the floor or the wall for any signs of water damage.

If all of the above steps are unsuccessful in identifying the cause of the dripping, then a more extensive plumbing inspection may be necessary. In this case, you need to call a plumber who may need to access the shower wall or floor to identify and repair the source of the leak or use a sophisticated leak detector.

As a homeowner, you can take a few steps to ensure their showers are functioning correctly:

• Regularly inspect the showerhead, shower valve, and shower piping for any signs of damage or wear.
• Replace the showerhead, shower valve, and shower piping as needed.
• Check for any loose fittings or connections, and tighten or replace them as necessary.
• Clean the showerhead regularly to remove any built-up mineral deposits.

If a homeowner notices any signs of water leakage in their shower, that you can't fix by changing the showerhead, you should contact a plumber as soon as possible. A plumber can identify the cause of the leak and take the necessary steps to repair it.