Shower leaks when head attached, but not when hose-only

[jonba257]

Newbie & beginner here seeking help...

We have a shower that has both waterfall and shower head output, and noticed a leak from behind the unit when using the shower head. A plumber has been and indicated the silicone seal around the shower was leaking, and corrected. We tested 24 hours later and still a leak.

When we take the shower head OFF and just run the water through the hose, no problems. We can spray anywhere in the shower area at any speed.

When we attach the shower head - it leaks. Not at the lowest speed but when it reaches about half way along the dial.

We have changed the hose, changed the shower head, still no joy. The plumber things the pressure may be firing back down the hose in some way but in essence has given up apart from giving the option to replace the whole shower unit!

Any questions or advice appreciated.

 

[Madrab]

What's the type and model of shower, electric I take it? Need someone that knows what they are looking at when it comes to showers. If it is electric then it could be the pressure relief valve or a seal has gone. Depending on the shower make, it shouldn't really be siliconed anyway.

 

[jonba257]

Its one of these - came with the house I am afraid http://www.houzz.com/photos/3286862...ghts-Radio-traditional-shower-stalls-and-kits

Ok thankyou - I think we will need to source a more knowledgeable plumber!

 

[Madrab]

Oh fun, it's one of them. Call out an electronic engineer at the same time

 

[cjard]

Had a persistent drip from the set of diverter solenoids on one of those.. Pulled away from wall, new solenoid set and all was good. It sounds like there's a leak between tap and shower head that only manifests when the flow is turned up enough that the restriction offered by the shower head and the resulting pressure rise overcomes the weak seal, causing a leak. It shouldn't be rocket science to fix.. dry everything thoroughly, fit the head, run the shower at full bore and look for where the water is coming from?

Note, you'll have to have the unit pulled away from the wall when you're looking.. Changing a shower head and hose won't do anything to solve a leak from elsewhere, for the same reason that putting a new sprinkler on the end of a split garden hose (that doesn't leak when the sprinkler isn't attached) won't do anything to repair the split in the hose...

 

[jonba257]

Thank you both. I have pulled the shower away from the wall and identified the leak. Its at the hose connection to the shower as pictured below. As you can see, the connection is crumbling, I've had a look at the same connection on the top of the however for the waterfall, and it's the same. Both came off with a nudge from my little finger! They do hold flush, are we looking at a short term fix with plumbers take and seek replacement part in meantime?

 

[jonba257]

Here is the pic...

 

[jonba257]

Fix! The plastic thread had broken off slightly but there was enough left to screw on tight. Thanks for comments