Water Coming from Shower Head During Tub Fill? Fix It Fast

What Are The Other Possible Causes Of A Shower Head Leak?

Here are 5 other causes of a shower head leak - 

• Worn-Out Washer Or Seal

Inside the tub spout or diverter mechanism, there are rubber washers or seals that help control water flow. Over time, these wear out, crack, or get brittle, especially if you live in an older home. Due to this, water can slip past them and sneak up to the showerhead. 

• Mineral Buildup

Hard water isn’t just bad for your dishes. It affects plumbing, too. Over time, minerals like calcium and lime can build up inside the diverter or pipes. This buildup limits the movement of the valve or prevents it from closing. This causes water to take the path of least resistance, sometimes up to the shower head. 

• High Water Pressure

A good water pressure is great! But it can overwhelm your plumbing. If the pressure is too high, it can force the water out of the shower head and the tub spout. High water pressure can even damage fixtures and worsen leaks, too. So, consider getting it checked by a professional plumber before the matter gets out of hand. 

• Poorly Installed Tub Spout

If your tub spout wasn’t installed quite right, or it’s just a low-quality part, it might not direct water efficiently. When that happens, some of the water ends up going to the showerhead instead. It’s often the case of misalignment or weak flow direction, which is not always obvious until you start seeing the dual flow. 

• Stuck Diverter Handle

Sometimes, the diverter handle or knob doesn’t fully reset after you switch from shower to bath mode. This could be due to internal wear stiffness, or it might be just getting stuck halfway. 

When it’s not fully in “bath” mode, the valve does not completely block the shower pipe, so some water may leak upward, even when you’re just trying to fill the tub. A gentle wiggle may just do the job, but if the issue persists, call plumbers to fix the issue!

Is a Drippy Shower Head A Severe Issue?

Yes. A drippy shower head, which may seem like a small, harmless drip, can waste thousands of gallons of water over time, which drives up your utility bills. It can also lead to the growth of mold and mildew. They love to thrive in damp, moist areas. 

Constant dripping may signal internal valve damage, which could worsen and eventually cause leaks behind the wall, which can, again, damage the structure of your home. Plus, the steady wear on your plumbing system shortens the lifespan of fixtures. 

So, while it might seem a teeny-tiny problem now, leaving it unchecked can lead to expensive and long-term problems. 

How To Fix A Leaky Shower Head?

If you’re the hands-on type, fixing a leaky shower head yourself is an easy-peasy weekend job. Most of the time, the issues are simple - mineral deposits, worn-out washers, or loose connections. All these can be mended with a few tools and a little patience. 

Here’s a quick brief guide -

• Turn off the water supply to avoid any surprises.
• Unscrew the shower head using a wrench or pliers (make sure to wrap with a cloth; You don’t want scratches all over it).
• Check for worn-out washers or rubber gaskets and replace them if needed.
• Soak the shower head in vinegar in case of mineral deposits. 
• Reattach the shower head tightly and turn the water back on to test. 

That said, not every leak is minor, and some might have hidden causes, which makes it difficult for you to find and fix. Also, one wrong step can tide in much bigger issues. So, when in doubt, call a professional plumbing service to help!