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nickoli · Jun 15, 2009, 07:07 AM

My shower head leaks when running the tub. Not a lot, but enough that it drips down, hits our shower caddy and splashes out of the tub, making the floor all wet. I have replaced the spigot, with no improvement. The image below shows our setup. It's all Delta.

I was thinking about replacing the shower head itself, but I really don't know what I'm doing here, or if I even need to do that. Please help! Thanks!

Milo Dolezal · Jun 15, 2009, 07:23 AM

Problem is not the shower head. It is the diverter spout. You can buy new spout and the problem will be fixed.

nickoli · Jun 15, 2009, 07:41 AM

Thanks for the reply. I said spigot above, I guess I meant spout (where the bath water comes out of). I replaced the spout and it did the same thing.

speedball1 · Jun 15, 2009, 07:43 AM

Shower head leaks can happen several ways. Milo addressed one of them. A partial blockage in the spout setting up enough back pressure to send water up the shower raiser.
The other is excessive house water pressure. If you have a PRV (Pressure reducing valve) that's allowing too much pressure that would also cause a shower head leak. Check your house pressure. It should be between 45 and 60 PSI. Let me know, Tom

nickoli · Jun 15, 2009, 08:36 AM

Where would one fine a PRV? I looked all around my hot water heater and didn't see anything promising.

Milo Dolezal · Jun 15, 2009, 09:08 AM

Usually, PRV is in front, or one side, of your house, before main water service enters your house. In some houses, it can be located in basement. This is what it looks like...

nickoli · Jun 15, 2009, 10:35 AM

My main line comes in through the basement wall, so there's nothing outside. Following the ine once in the basement, I don't see anything that resembles your picture. So I guess I don't have one. I am, however on city water, it that makes a difference. I have never noticed an unreasonably high water pressure in the house. Just this issue with the shower head. Could something else be causing it?

Milo Dolezal · Jun 15, 2009, 11:08 AM

In my area, water pressure regulator is required when water pressure exceds 75psi. You could put pressure gauge on hose bib to see what's your pressure. You can buy it in Home Depot. This is what this gauge looks like...

speedball1 · Jun 15, 2009, 11:15 AM

I have never noticed an unreasonably high water pressure in the house. Just this issue with the shower head. Could something else be causing it?

But do you know what your house pressure is? Everyhome owner should be on top of that. Purchase a hose bib pressure gage (see image)and tell me what it reads. One other question, With the spout removed will the water stilll leak out the shower head when you run a bath? Let me know, Tom
Sorry Milo, we posted on top of each other. If it's not the spout then it's just gotta be excessive pressure, right??

Milo Dolezal · Jun 15, 2009, 11:56 AM

Always pleasure to post in front of you... :-D

I am in agreement with you on that high pressure issue...

nickoli · Jun 15, 2009, 04:52 PM

I haven't got the pressure gauge yet, but when I take off the spout completely, the water still does come out of the shower head.

speedball1 · Jun 16, 2009, 05:57 AM

Originally Posted by nickoli

I haven't got the pressure gauge yet, but when I take off the spout completely, the water still does come out of the shower head.

Then that points the finger at high house pressure. The only other thing it could possibility be is if there were a partial blockage inside the valve in the line feeding the spout. But my bet's swtill on high house pressure. Cheers, Tom

nickoli · Jun 18, 2009, 07:39 AM

OK guys, thanks for your help. I'll post back once I've got the meter!

speedball1 · Jun 18, 2009, 12:52 PM

Originally Posted by nickoli

ok guys, thanks for your help. I'll post back once I've got the meter!

Your house pressure should fall between 45 and 60 PSI. Let me know what you find. Tom