View Full Version : How do I stop Shower run-off?
Retired_Frugal
Nov 20, 2011, 11:25 AM
I have tapped into a bathroom faucet supply line(s) and run hot & cold lines to a shower attachment I have fitted in the toilet area, so that the toilet can double as a bidet. Everything works fine, except that, after I turn off the shower-head, water continues to dribble from the head onto the bathroom floor. (This is a particular problem because there is no drain in the floor.)
Is there some kind of backflow device I can fit to stop the dribble? I don't want to go to the expense of fitting a drain.
ma0641
Nov 20, 2011, 11:32 AM
When you turn off the water, some is still trapped in the arm, tubing and head. Air slowly bleeds in and the water drips out. You will need to figure out a way to collect the water since it will always try to drip out. Can you place the showerhead on the toilet rim so it drips in there? Bidets are plumbed with water below the bowl rim and therefore don't leak down.
massplumber2008
Nov 20, 2011, 01:53 PM
Hi Retired
Brian addressed the issue you had, but I got to tell you that I am more concerned here about CROSS CONTAMINATION and anti.-scald issues, especially if we are talking about elderly people using this makeshift setup... ;)
First, if you must do this then, at a minimum, you need to install an inline hand-held shower vacuum breaker (see image)... click on this link for more info.:
Shop KOHLER 1/2" x 1/2" Polished Chrome Shower Vacuum Breaker at Lowes.com (http://www.lowes.com/pd_237394-20602-9660-CP_?PL=1&productId=3132979)
This device acts as a backflow preventer and will at least keep the dirty water/bacteria from flowing back into your drinking water, OK? This is something that you MUST INSTALL!
In terms of controlling temperature (anti.-scald), I have to wonder how you are balancing the temperature so it is comfortable? Please let us know more on that, OK?
Back to you...
Mark
PS: If you install a hook high up on the wall by the toilet and hang the hand-held shower head on it after use it should stop most of the "dribbling".
speedball1
Nov 20, 2011, 02:13 PM
Mark voiced a valid health concern. Install a shower hose vacuum breaker before you start using it. And to stop that dribble install a inline shower hose shut off, (see image) on the hose just before the VB. Check them out at http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=shut-off+shower+valve&tag=googhydr-20&index=tools&hvadid=6496272096&ref=pd_sl_2gozk0wgaq_b Now, you're safe from a cross connection and no more dribble. Good luck, Tom
Mike0826
Sep 5, 2012, 03:47 PM
The bath faucet continues to run when the shower head is on
massplumber2008
Sep 5, 2012, 04:39 PM
Hi Mike
Most likely the issue is at the DIVERTER. Can you give us a name brand? How many handles.. one, two, or three? Diverter is in wall (part of 3 handle), at the tub spout, or at the single lever valve body? Let us know more, OK?
Tom, please move this to an individual thread if you read this. Thanks!
Mark