Leaky Shower Head

[granniewithawrench]

Lately when I turn only the faucets on in the bathtub, the shower-head leaks so badly it's causing the falling water to splatter onto the faucets and then all over the bathroom.

Can anyone tell me what is causing this and how to go about fixing it.

Thanks,
grumpy granniewithawrench :roll:

[Rich]

Sounds like your valve may be going bad.. probably the valve seat is worn or the rubber gaskets. One of 2 options depending on how hard or easy the valve is to take apart. Either replace the whole valve or dismantle and replace the rubber sealing gaskets.

[Tom R]

They do sell a hand -operated 'valve seat grinder' with a T-handle. It's inexpensive and easy to use. First step - replace rubber washers (or O-rings). Second step - grind valve seats. Third step - call plumber - you need a new 'diverter'.

[Kitty]

I've got a leaky shower head as well, and it's in a shower from the 1920's.. No matter how hard you turn the knob, it still leaks water.

It's got a seperate hot and cold knob.. one hot and one cold for the showerhead - one hot and one cold for the tub spigot

Does something this old use a cartriage system?

What am I going to find when I get in there?

Do I just replace the washers?

And no, there's been no plumbing upgrades (to the best of my knowledge.. the former owner was far, far to cheap to upgrade anything).

[mjpliv]

Those older stems usually just relied on a washer to seal against the valve seat. Removing the valve stem (turn of the water supply first !) will tell the tale. If you see a worn washer held on with a screw, simply replace it. Cleaning the valve seat (discussed above) may help too.