A leaking showerhead where it meets the wall is one of the most common bathroom plumbing issues NZ homeowners face, and in most cases it's a straightforward DIY repair. The culprit is nearly always a worn washer, degraded thread tape (PTFE tape), or a loose connection — all of which you can fix yourself without a building consent or a licensed plumber, provided you're only working on the fitting side of the wall outlet (not inside the wall).
Understanding the Connection
The wall outlet (also called the shower arm or drop ear elbow) is the fitting that protrudes from your tiled or lined wall. Your showerhead screws onto this outlet. The leak can occur at two points:
- Between the showerhead and the wall outlet — the most common spot, usually a failed washer or missing thread tape.
- Where the wall outlet meets the wall — if water is seeping from behind the escutcheon plate (the decorative cover), this may indicate a problem inside the wall and is best assessed by a licensed plumber.
This guide covers the first scenario, which is homeowner-friendly.
Tools and Materials You'll Need
- Adjustable spanner or groove-joint pliers
- Soft cloth or rubber jaw protectors (to protect chrome finishes)
- PTFE thread tape (plumber's tape) — available at Bunnings or Mitre 10
- Replacement rubber washer (check the size before you go shopping — bring the old one)
- Silicone grease (optional, helps seat the washer)
Step-by-Step: Fixing the Leak
1. Turn Off the Water
You don't need to turn off the mains for this job — simply turn off the shower mixer or taps fully. However, if your mixer is faulty and water continues to trickle, locate your toby valve (usually near the boundary or under the house) and shut off the water supply to be safe.
2. Remove the Showerhead
Wrap a cloth around the connection nut to protect the finish, then use your adjustable spanner to turn the showerhead anti-clockwise (lefty-loosey). Most showerheads unscrew by hand once loosened. If it hasn't been removed in years, it may be stiff — apply gentle, steady pressure rather than forcing it.
3. Inspect the Washer
Inside the showerhead connection, you'll find a small rubber O-ring or flat washer. Check whether it's cracked, flattened, or missing altogether. This is very often the sole cause of the leak. Replace it with a matching washer from your local hardware store.
4. Remove Old Thread Tape and Re-tape the Threads
Peel off any old PTFE tape from the wall outlet threads. Clean the threads with a dry cloth. Then wrap 3–5 layers of fresh PTFE tape clockwise around the male threads of the wall outlet. Clockwise is important — wrapping the wrong way causes the tape to unravel as you screw the fitting on.
5. Reattach the Showerhead
Screw the showerhead back on by hand first, then snug it up with the spanner — firm but not overtightened. Over-tightening can crack plastic fittings or damage the thread. One-quarter to one-half turn past hand-tight is usually sufficient.
6. Test for Leaks
Turn the water back on and run the shower. Check the connection carefully. A small drip may stop once the washer seats properly after a minute. If it continues to leak, turn off the water, remove the head, and add another layer or two of PTFE tape.
NZ-Specific Considerations
NZ water pressure varies by region and can be higher than many fittings are designed for. If your showerhead connection leaks repeatedly, it's worth checking your home water pressure — anything above 500 kPa (the maximum allowed under NZ Building Code clause G12) can stress fittings and cause persistent leaks. A licensed plumber can install a pressure-limiting valve (PLV) if needed. You can read more about water supply requirements at MBIE Building Performance.
Also, if your shower is in a rental property, landlords have obligations under the Healthy Homes standards — a leaking shower should be repaired promptly to prevent moisture damage and mould.
Preventing Future Leaks
- Don't overtighten fittings — it damages threads and washers faster.
- Replace rubber washers every few years as part of routine maintenance.
- If you have hard water (common in some NZ regions), mineral build-up can degrade washers more quickly. Soak the showerhead in white vinegar periodically to remove scale.
- Use quality PTFE tape — cheap tape tears easily and doesn't seal as well.
When to Call a Professional
Call a licensed plumber if:
- Water is leaking from behind the wall or around the escutcheon plate — this may indicate a failed fitting inside the wall, which is restricted plumbing work under the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) rules. Only a registered tradesperson can legally carry out work on concealed pipework.
- The wall outlet itself is loose, corroded, or damaged.
- You're unsure about your home's water pressure or suspect a pressure issue.
- The leak persists after two attempts at re-taping and replacing the washer.
You can find a qualified local plumber on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Safety note: Never attempt to work on hot water cylinder connections, gas lines, or any pipework inside walls or under floors without a licensed tradesperson. These are legally restricted and potentially dangerous.
Master Plumbers
