A steady, pleasant shower is a must-have for anyone. If the water continues to drip out of your showerhead even after you turn off the shower, you may have a problem. A leaky showerhead will not only make a loud, annoying sound in your bathroom but can also cause water waste and increase your water bill.

Here are five reasons your showerhead is leaking in your bathroom. Once you have identified the problem, you can determine whether the showerhead should be repaired or replaced.

1. Showerheads clogged

The holes in your showerhead can get blocked by minerals, especially if you have hard water. If water cannot pass through the holes, it must go somewhere. Usually, it leaks from the base or faceplate of the pipe.

Solution: It is quite simple to solve this problem. Place a bag of vinegar around the showerhead so that the head is covered in vinegar. The bag can then be left to sit for 12 hours. The vinegar should dissolve the mineral deposits. Use a small brush for any remaining deposits. Turn on the shower to check that water is flowing freely from all holes.

2. Rubber seals that are worn out

Rubber O-rings and washers are found inside the showerhead. They are made to ensure watertight connections. These rubber parts can crack or break down, which can allow water to leak where it isn't supposed to.

Solution: Remove the showerhead and remove the rubber seals. You can take the old parts to the local home improvement or plumbing store so that you can find the right size for replacement.

3. Defective handles

The shower head may leak, but the problem could be in the shower handle. If you have a compression faucet with separate hot and cold handles, the washer seals behind your handles may wear down and allow water to flow up and out of the showerhead, even if it is turned off.

To find out which side is leaking, turn the hot and cold faucets on and off one by one. To replace the washer seal, remove the handle.

4. Malfunctioning diverter valve

The diverter valve is activated when you switch the water flow from the bathtub faucet to your showerhead. This valve, like all other parts, can wear down over time or become clogged up with mineral deposits. It can be replaced or cleaned depending on the condition of the diverter valve.

The solution is more complex. First, turn off the water supply. To access the diverter valve, you will need to first remove the faucet handle. If there is mineral buildup, it can be hard to remove. Once you have removed it, you can clean the valve with a wire brush and vinegar. If the valve looks damaged, it is time to replace it.

5. Cartridge valve failure

The cartridge valve controls the temperature and flow of water from a faucet. It could be letting water that is not needed go up to the showerhead if it is old and worn. It should be replaced.

Solution: This is similar to the diverter valve. However, accessing the cartridge can be more difficult than other solutions. To access the cartridge, you will need to take off the faceplate from the shower faucet. This part is best left to a professional plumber.

Leaking showerheads are a common problem that you can fix yourself. If you have any particular questions or need to be sure that the job is done properly by professionals, we are here for you.