Dripping shower head?

 

Do you have a dripping shower head? This could be something as simple as a rubber washer to something more serious such as a faulty cartridge.

How to Fix a Leaking Shower Head

If the “drip, drip, drip” sound is a familiar nightmare keeping you up at night, it’s high time to fix it. The trickle noise will not only ring in your ears but can also drive you out of control.

No matter how minor the drip, if you leave it for too long, eventually it will add to your monthly bills on not to mention the annoying stains caused by scale.

Plus, if you don’t fix the source of the problem on time, it can turn into an expensive nightmare with a huge cost in plumbing repair and water damage. That’s why a leaky the showerhead should be replaced as soon as possible.

Fixing a dripping shower head is a quick home maintenance task. Yet, to find the source of the problem is 70% of the job, while the fixing takes only a few minutes. With these tips and a little bit of common sense, you will fix it in no time.

Here’s what you need to know.

How Long Should Shower Sealant Last?

A lot of this can be down to how often it is used, the quality of the sealant, and how well it is maintained. A poor-quality sealant won’t usually last as long and may need to be resealed once or twice a year. A good sealant could last ten years, although it is often closer to five.

If your sealant becomes mouldy and you cannot clean it all off, it will need to be replaced quickly to avoid health issues, and you may need to consider a dehumidifier or ventilation system.

While it is down to individual situations, we can estimate that the sealant will last around three years – based on the average between poor and decent quality sealants.

Why Is Your Shower Head Leaking?

Most showers have a simple water cycling process. Water is running from a faucet hidden in the wall to the showerhead where it springs out. As the water travels from one point to another, the signs of a leak may differ from where the actual leak is.

So, the reason behind your leaky showerhead may be:

• The showerhead alone
• A mixture of issues in the shower and the other features.

Finding the reason for the leak is the first essential step to diagnose and fix. Before we go into the practical details, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is it a persistent leak after you turn the faucet off? Does it grow worse? If your shower head won’t stop dripping when off, you most probably have a valve problem. Some common signs can be wet shower stall, mould, and droplets staining your walls. Not to mention, it can cause flooding if left unattended for a longer period. Here, consider calling out a Fantastic plumber as it’s a serious repair.

• Does water keep dripping for a few minutes after you shut off the faucet? If you are in this situation, the issue is usually in the showerhead alone (in the joints), and you can fix it on your own.

How to Stop A Leaking Shower Head?

Here, we will go through the five most common showerhead problems, plus what you can do to stop the worries:

Replace Worn-Out Seals
Showerhead parts like O-ring and washer, like most things in life, are subject to wear and tear.  Most often, they break, crack, harden, or split. This deteriorates the watertight seal between the showerhead metal connections. So, there is a higher chance of leaks forming around the threads.

If you seek an adjustable and flexible shower, those with swivel connections are a good fit for your bathroom. The only problem is that with the years the seal behind the swivel assembly wears out.

But no matter your shower type, with time and use the copious amounts of water passing through the shower hardware, you finally get into this situation: water squirts or puddles of droplets on the floor which can lead to injuries the least. Slip and fall accidents are among the top cause and improving the safety for elders is a simple as installing grab bar or rails.

If you suspect a worn-out seal, replace the rubber washer in your faucet. Provided that you have a faucet washer kit, the installation of the new seal is straightforward. Here’s how:

• Step One: Get new seals that match the shower configuration. If you have any doubts when shopping, we recommend bringing the broken seal to your local hardware store, consult with your online customer representative, or turn to your plumber.
• Step Two: Shut off the water supply.
• Step Three: Disassemble the showerhead and then replace the defective parts.
• To avoid hassle and nerves, it’s best to replace the rubber washers together with all other seals.
  

Take Care of Your Shower Handle Issues

It should come as a surprise, but often the handle itself can be a reason for a leaky shower head. It is a typical problem for the compression faucets with two separate handles: one for hot and one for cold water.

The problem is that the seal behind them is much more vulnerable to breaks. It wears and cracks more often than the other types of faucets. When the rubber washer or seal wears out, the tap drools or drip from time to time.

If you experience the same problem, here’s what you can do:

• Step One: Bring your hand below the faucet and feel the temperature of the droplets.
• Step Two: When you find out the faulty handle, remove it and replace the seal, or washer with a new one.
  

Unclog Showerhead Holes

Clogged showerhead holes are a common and often overlooked leak-causing problem. Over time, it’s normal hard water, grime, mineral deposits, and rust to cling the tiny nozzles. This clog restricts the water from flowing normally and can be a cause for water seeping through the base of the handle or pipe. As the drainage is slow, the water often keeps on dropping for a while. It’s not so harmful, though.

Also, you may stand under the shower and feel a weaker waterspout. The reasons behind this might be not only the clogged shower holes. Your pipes could be too old and corroded or that shower head could be attached too tightly.

There’s something you can do on your own. Before you take drastic measures, try to clean out the build-up onto your stuck shower head. All you need to do are these simple steps:

• Step One: Turn off the water supply and close the valve by turning it clockwise.
• Step Two: Try to remove the showerhead by hand or use a pair of pliers or crescent spanner and loosen the nut.
• Step Three: Inspect the disassembled shower head and soak it in a bowl with vinegar to soften the sediments. For best results, let it in around 24h.
• Step Four: If there are signs of rust and mineral build-up, apply lime, calcium, or rust remover to the showerhead. Allow the showerhead to sit for a few hours.
• Step Five: Press and scrub out the remaining particles/detergent with a suitable pin, toothpick, or wire brush. Make sure that there is no residual on the showerhead. Then, rinse it under running water.
• Step Six: Make sure the faceplate is clean before you reassemble it.
• Step Seven: Stretch a plumber’s or Teflon tape around the shower arm’s threads. Wrap clockwise 2 or 3 layers of it to prevent future leaks. Re-attach your crystal clean shower head to the shower arm.
• Step Eight: Turn on the faucet, check the water flow and joints for leaks. You should fix the leak.

If cleaning doesn’t help, it might be time to buy and install a new showerhead.

Replace the Defective Cartridge Valve

When your shower is leaking all day long, and the problem is getting worse day by day, check the cartridge valve. The primary function of this shower element is to control the mixing of cold and hot water flow. Like the other shower parts, it can wear out or crack. As this piece of hardware comes in many styles, a “one-size-fits-all” solution won’t always help.

Yet, there are common issues valid for all sizes, brands, and types of cartridge valves. So, what can you do to replace the defective cartridge valve?

• First, stop the water supply.
• Reach it behind the wall.
• Then, unscrew and remove the handle, faceplate, and the cap over the valve body stem.
• Now, you can reach the cartridge stem and remove the cartridge. We remind you it is crucial to buy identical cartridge valve matching the existing shower components.
• Once you have the newly purchased cartridge, install it, and re-assemble the faucet.
  

Is a leaking shower dangerous?

A leaking shower can cause mould and bacteria proliferation which can be dangerous, and in a worst-case scenario, structural damage. As it is quite possible for mould growth to occur beneath a shower door frame. However, this should be primarily viewed as a structural issue rather than a health concern. The leak could eventually lead to rot and compromise the structural integrity of the subfloor.

Replace the Defective Diverter Valve

The diverter valve is nothing more than a fancy name of the lever that allows switching the flow of water to the showerhead. Even if it’s a sturdy part of your shower system, it is subjected to the effects of time. So, eventually, it gets worn or loosens. The problem is that the loosen diverter valves can make it hard to turn the handle. This leads to subsequent leak problems at the showerhead or faucet.

When you wish to replace the part on your own, prepare for a tough task. Before you do anything, stop the water supply either by shutting off the water supply to the valve or the entire bathroom. Don’t forget it as you may flood your entire property. So, there are a couple of methods for you to try depending on the type of the diverter valve.

#1 Troubleshoot a lever-style diverter valve

The first thing you need to do is to take out the handle. It’s simple, but when your handle corrodes, it often gets stuck. Next, disassemble the valve assembly and take out the diverter valve. Now you can check for wear or damages. If it looks damaged, you need to replace the entire assembly. Otherwise, it’s the perfect time to pour on it some vinegar and get it clean and polished.

#2 Troubleshoot a faucet-located diverter valve

You can begin by unscrewing the plate located under the faucet. Once you removed the diverter valve, inspect its condition. Disassemble, check the rubber seal, clean any grime and deposits, or replace the diverter valve with an exact match, if needed. When you are ready with the fitting procedure, re-assemble any of the faucet parts you unscrewed. If the leak stopped, the diverter valve was to blame.

Why Is It Best to Hire a Professional Plumber?

If you have already tried tightening the diverter valve or replacing seals, and the leak still exists, you may need to take extra action. The problem could be a broken pipe or improper shower head installation. Leave it to the professional plumbers who know how to diagnose and repair the issue.

Dealing with faulty valves and plumbing can cause loss of a massive amount of water, energy, and what’s worse – structural damage. The Fantastic plumbers in London have a full arsenal of high-grade tools and years of expertise. So, they can replace any of your shower parts and fix the plumbing issue quickly and reliably.

To Conclude
Hopefully, this guide has helped you to identify the reason for a leaky shower head and fix the problem correctly so that you can enjoy an efficient and functional shower.

Remember, no matter how small the leak or drip appears, it’s crucial not to ignore the issue. Waiting too long can not only wastewater but also escalate in significant damages. If water is continuously dripping over the surrounding floor and walls, expect stains and rust around the drain, mould, and excess moisture.

An innovative idea is to inspect the showerhead and check the seals at least once per year or if you find puddles on the floor. Any undetected leak or faulty shower part can lead to a more serious plumbing problem. Prompt tackling of the problem is good for your wallet and the environment. 

For a professional repair click here

Why Are My Water Pipes So Noisy?

Why are my plumbing pipes making loud banging noises?

Your water pipes deal with a lot of pressure and temperature changes. If the pipes are quiet and working well, they’re out of sight, out of mind. But what happens when they start to sound angry? Water hammer is the most common cause of noisy water pipes. If your water pipes are noisy when the water is running, read on to diagnose the cause and restore the quiet.

First, what noise are you hearing?

The Water Hammer: Hammering or Banging Pipe Noises

Water hammers are one of the most common noisy pipe problems. They occur when the water is turned off and high pressure in the pipes makes the water inside bang against the shut-off valve or pipe walls. The noise is a distinct hammering and usually only occurs after a faucet or appliance is turned off.

Want to learn how to stop water hammer? 

Try resetting the water system’s air chambers. Here’s how:

1. Close your home’s main shut-off valve.
2. Open all your faucets to completely drain the pipes. Don’t forget about your lowest faucets, such as a basement sink or an outdoor hose bib.
3. Then turn the water main back on, and the hammer noises should be resolved.
4. If the water hammer doesn’t go away after you reset the pressure chambers, check the supply pipes. Some older homes’ pipes aren’t secured well, so they move too much and create waves that lead to water hammers. Apply clips and plumber’s tape wherever necessary to secure the supply pipes.
5. Finally, you can always call a plumber to further examine the pipes; you may need to have an in-line water surge arrester installed to correct the water hammer issue.

Whistling Pipe Noises

There are two types of whistling in plumbing systems: whistling in the pipe system and whistling by certain faucets or valves. If just one or two faucets are whistling when they run, the issue is a worn washer, loose brass screw or grimy aerator inside the faucet itself. To fix, you’ll need to turn the water supply off and replace those parts.

A whistling toilet that quiets down after the tank is filled usually needs a new ballcock valve. A toilet that whistles all the time has an issue with the vertical overflow tube; simply bend the float arm down a little so the ballcock turns off sooner.

If the whistling sound seems to come from everywhere, you may have too much mineral build-up, a worn main water supply valve, or an ineffective pressure regulator. Have an expert determine the severity of any of these problems and recommend an effective fix. It will depend on the age of your pipes and the way your supply system is laid out.

Thrumming and Vibrating Pipe Noises

Thrumming or vibrating pipes indicate excessive water pressure. You can test your water pressure at home by purchasing a threaded pressure gauge that screws directly onto a faucet or valve. Make sure your home’s water pressure does not exceed 80 psi. If it’s higher than that, have a plumber install a pressure regulator, as high-water pressure can be destructive to a home.

Other Pipe Noises and Their Causes

Other common pipe noises include a faint squeak or rubbing noise caused by copper pipes that aren’t insulated properly. The metal pipes heat up and expand when hot water runs through them, and they rub against the house’s structural features. Since supply pipes are usually drywalled in, homeowners don’t usually want to tear anything out to pad those pipes. If you have copper pipes and think this may be your issue, you can try turning the water heater temperature down slightly; sometimes a small difference in temperature eliminates the problem so you don’t have to ask a plumber to do any invasive pipe work.

A dripping or ticking noise is cause for concern. It could be a drain issue or leak, both of which are best left to a professional for diagnosis and repair. Or it could be a more minor problem you can fix yourself, such as thermal expansion or a pressure issue. Do some troubleshooting: Reset your air chambers as described earlier in this blog post. If the sound persists, fill your bathroom sink with hot water and then flush the toilet, which will push chilly water into your pipes. Then drain the hot water from the sink, and if you hear the noise, you’re just hearing thermal expansion, which is an annoyance but not a true concern. If neither of these methods takes care of the dripping or ticking noises, get professional help.

Get Professional Plumbing Help

If you need help with any noisy pipe problem and would like a consultation, inspection, or repair, contact your local Bristol Plumber 247. Our certified professionals are ready to assist you with your plumbing issues, and we’re happy to perform routine maintenance so you can avoid future problems and excessive wear on your plumbing system. Best of all, we serve locations all over the country. Request a job estimate online today. Or you can call us any time at 07415 375 875 and a member of our customer care team will schedule your appointment.

If none of the sounds in this blog post seems like the one, you’re hearing, have you considered that the source might not be plumbing-related?

for a professional repair please click here

How to unblock a toilet

Step-by-step guide to unblocking a toilet

How to unblock a toilet – that dreaded phrase you type into a search engine every few months. Sorry you had to find this page. We feel your pain.

It might be the dirtiest, smelliest, and most unglamorous bathroom job ever, but it’s easy to do once you know how.

Follow our step-by-step guide for how to unblock a toilet, bookmark the page and you’ll have all the info you need whenever you find yourself reaching for the plunger.

1. Gather your equipment before going into battle

You will need:

    A plunger – ideally ball-shaped
    Rubber gloves
    Old newspaper to cover the floor around the toilet
    Bleach/drain unblocker/caustic soda
    An opened window/fan

2. Don’t be tempted to keep trying the flush

If you try it once and it doesn’t flush properly, it’s blocked, and no further flushing is going to help you out. If you know there’s something stuck in your toilet (a child’s toy, a bottle of something that’s fallen in, you know the drill), reach for your gloves and pull it out. Although, if it’s something a bit, well, smellier, then it’s time to flex your plunger muscles.

3. Locate the blockage

Lift the drain cover to see if the chamber is full of water. If so, the blockage is further along the soil pipe. If the chamber is empty, the blockage is in the soil pipe between the loo and the chamber, or in the pan. You can try and clear any blockages in the pipes by using specialist drain rods or makeshift devices, such as a wire clothes hanger. Failing that, a drain company is the answer.
 

4. Use the plunger firmly against the blockage

Use a plunger that is shaped to seal the opening in the toilet bowl to create the correct vacuum and pressure needed, and to prevent mess. An auger is a flexible rod that reaches far into the toilet controlled by a crank handle. Once the blockage is located, the auger will pull or push the item to remove it. Try the flush again and watch the beautiful sight of a flushed toilet before your very eyes.

Top tip: Run the plunger under hot water before starting work. This softens it up a treat.
 

5. Use a wire coat hanger

If you don’t have a plunger to hand, grab a wire coat hanger, unwind it so you have one piece of long wire and bend it into a curve. Push the wire up into the toilet and wiggle gently to push the blockage clear. The key word here is gently – you don’t want to scratch your toilet.
 

6. Dissolve the blockage

If you don’t think the toilet is badly blocked, you can try pouring hot water into the toilet bowl from a bit of a height before using a plunger – this can help dissolve the blockage, pushing it hard through the pipe and is the more environmentally friendly way of unblocking your toilet. If this doesn’t work, you may need to recruit the help of some caustic soda or drain cleaner. Make sure you wear gloves for this step.
 

7. Clean up the evidence

Hopefully, this has done the trick. Once unblocked and flushable, give your toilet a good scrub and clean using strong bleach, then air your bathroom well.

8. Ongoing issues

If the plunger method doesn’t work, or if you continually have problems with a blocked toilet, there are several decent quality drainage un-blockers on the market – you can find them in supermarket cleaning aisles.

for a professional repair please click here