[MDePierro]

I recently had my bathtub converted to a walk-in shower by a general contractor.

I had a problem with random surging leaks from the new showerhead from the outset. Water would spurt out of the showerhead at random as if someone quickly turned the water on off. The manufacturer replaced the cartridge three times and most recently sent a replacement for the piston.

The problem improved somewhat after the piston was replaced, in that, the amount of random surging water was less and it occurred less frequently. Needless to say, the problem continues and everyone seems to be baffled as to what is causing it. The contractor seems to feel that the faucet needs to be replaced but that would entail going back into the wall. I am trying to avoid doing that until I am certain that it is not something else causing the problem.

I had a licensed plumber assess the situation and he thinks the problem might be due to the bathroom being last on the system. He suggested installing a mechanism (I can’t recall what he called it – but remember he said that it functions like a loop) and running the pipes from the crawlspace up to the nearby closet. I should mention that we have well water and never had a problem with the existing shower and tub of 23 years.

The plumber took the faucet apart and inspected our tank and water pressure gauge. He changed the pressure gauge, as it was not working and tried to put a couple of pounds of pressure in the tank because it was on the low side.

Interestingly, after he left, the shower was fine – no surging of water and no leaks. Matter of fact I thought he had fixed it just by taking it apart and putting it back. We did not use the shower for the remainder of the day. However, the next morning, the shower started leaking and the character of the leak changed entirely. This leads me to believe that it is not the faucet fixture but something else. The new leak is perpetual like a ticking clock – unlike the random surges we were experiencing previously. Keep in mind that the shower had not been used since the day before when the plumber looked at it and checked the tank. I did run the dishwasher and the other bathroom, which backs up to the problem one was used that morning.

I explained the latest development to the plumber and he seems to feel that what he suggested MIGHT correct the situation but could not guaranty it.

I need help! Can anyone figure out what is going on?

[speedball1]

What's the brand name of your shower valve. Does it surge with the shower head removed? Where does the valve leak from? The shower head? The stem?
How much pressure does the pump put out?

"I had a licensed plumber assess the situation and he thinks the problem might be due to the bathroom being last on the system. He suggested installing a mechanism (I can't recall what he called it – but remember he said that it functions like a loop) and running the pipes from the crawlspace up to the nearby closet."
This is called a "recirculating loop" and is use to insure hot water on demand reaches the farthest bathroom. I fail to see how it would help. My bet's on the shower valve. Regards, Tom
Regards, Tom

[MDePierro]

Tom,
Thanks for getting back to me.

In answer to your questions, it's a Danze showerhead. It surges randomly only from the showerhead - I haven't observed it with the showerhead removed. The pressure was around 40 pounds before the plumber added a couple of pounds which brought it to about 45 pds. I found it strange that the random surges changed to a perpetual leak after the plumber left. Any thoughts on that?

[speedball1]

Tom,
Thanks for getting back to me.

In answer to your questions, it's a Danze showerhead. It surges randomly only from the showerhead - I haven't observed it with the showerhead removed. The pressure was around 40 pounds before the plumber added a couple of pounds which brought it to about 45 pds. I found it strange that the random surges changed to a perpetual leak after the plumber left. Any thoughts on that?

#2 Rate this Answer Warn: (0%) Today, 02:43 PM
speedball1
Plumbing Expert Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Sarasota, Fl.
Posts: 8,434



What's the brand name of your shower valve. Does it surge with the shower head removed? Where does the valve leak from? The shower head? The stem?