dripping shower

 

Dripping showers and leaking showers: how to tell the difference!


Every now and then, households across south-east Queensland face the problem of a leaking shower or a dripping shower. The sound of drip… drip…drip… from a shower head or any other part of the shower is enough to drive any homeowner insane. Both leaking showers and showers that drip are considered a common household problem, that leads to a considerable waste of water and money.

Many people believe these terms to mean the same thing, after all, they both lead to substantial water loss and other damages, but on closer inspection, leaking shower, and dripping shower are two distinct shower problems. As a homeowner, it is essential you know the difference, as this knowledge might save you a whole lot of cash when it comes to repairs/replacements in the future.

Dripping shower

A shower head that drips is annoying, owing to the constant plopping sound it makes, and damages it causes. Typically, a shower that drips often results in two types of drips; slow drip and fast (steady drip). Over time it leads to an increase in water bills and grout starts to mould and decay. In addition, it can also result in staining and rust near the drain. So, what causes this to happen? Typical causes include loose and worn out parts such as valves or faucets, and sometimes the shower head itself. It could also be that the shower tap is not turning off entirely.

Leaking shower

Unlike a dripping shower that the cause is mainly superficial, a leaking shower, on the other hand, implies there is an underlying problem. With a leaking shower, water seeps from the shower past the shower base or tiles. The damages caused by a leaky shower are more severe and can even be catastrophic. Damages range from structural damage, mould build up, foul stench, and odour to metal failure as a result of rust, wood failure as a result of the accumulation of moisture and so on.

When a leaking shower is severe, water can seep below the shower and drip to a lower storey of the home, lead to electrical malfunctions and significantly decrease property value.

While the effects of a shower that drips are typically only seen on the shower head, the effects of a leaking shower can be felt across the entire house. Low shower integrity, sub-standard or old waterproofing and poor plumbing and are usually the causes of a leaking shower. Other causes of leaking shower include, wear and tear, poor quality of materials, hostile cleaning products, and movement of the building leading to loose joints, uneven floor, and damages to plumbing work.

Both dripping showers and leaking showers shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you discover any signs of them in your home, quickly put a call through to a professional.  Swift action will save you a lot in terms of damages and cost.