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Poor water quality can cause wear and tear on shower components and cause them to eventually need replacement. High levels of chlorine, calcium, magnesium, or sediment can cause the jets’ water pressure to diminish over time as the internal parts wear out, causing water to leak through the internal valve. If you plan to fix or replace a leaky showerhead, here are 3 things to consider:
1. If you’re replacing the showerhead, read the box to determine if teflon tape or an O-ring is included for sealing the internal valve. “Sometimes these items are included in the package, but not always,” said Mike Krejci, a professional plumber with Jay’s Plumbing. “You can also try disassembling the parts and soaking them in a vinegar/water solution to remove buildup of calcium and magnesium, which may allow the showerhead to achieve its full water pressure.”
2. Another thing that can create leaks is a shower caddy hung over the showerhead arm. “These items can be heavy, especially when laden with full bottles of shampoo,” said Krejci. “They can actually cause the shower arm to break off from inside the wall, requiring a larger repair.”
3. When working with a showerhead, place rags beneath the faucet and over the drain to protect the surfaces and prevent small parts from being dropped down the drain, and turn off the water supply to the bathroom. “When repairing or replacing a showerhead, you must be aware of your surroundings,” added Krejci. “Be careful using a ladder in a tub, as the bottom surface has curves. A stepstool is better, but still requires good balance.”
For peace of mind, call Jay’s Plumbing to take care of the disassembly and cleaning, or for the replacement of the showerhead. Sometimes if a plumber has been called for another repair, replacing a showerhead is typically an easy task with only a small additional fee. For more information, please contact:
Jay’s Plumbing
1509 Ogden Avenue
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Phone: 630-434-9200
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