How to Fix a Leaking Shower Head

That dripping shower head isn’t just annoying. It’s silently driving up your water bill and potentially causing water damage. Even if the drip seems minor, fixing it now can save you a whole lot later.

So if you’ve been wondering, “Why is my shower head dripping when the water is off?”, you’re in the right place.

This guide breaks down how to fix a leaking shower head from start to finish, using easy-to-follow steps. Let’s get into it.

Why a Leaky Shower Head Is a Bigger Deal Than You Think

A shower head leaking water might not seem urgent. You might think, “Eh, it’s just a few drops.” But here’s what those drops really mean:

• Wasted water. Even a small drip can waste thousands of litres over the year.
• Rising water bills. Those extra drops add up more than you’d think.
• Tile and wall damage. Leaks can sneak behind the surface and cause serious issues.
• Mould and mildew. Constant moisture creates the perfect environment for them to grow.
• Underlying plumbing problems. A leaking shower head might be a sign of something more serious.

Why Is My Shower Head Dripping?

1. Worn-Out Rubber Washers or O-Rings

These little components are responsible for sealing the connection points inside your taps and shower fittings. Over time, they deteriorate or crack.

2. Limescale or Debris Build-Up

If you’re in a hard water area, minerals can slowly build up inside your shower head and valves, making it harder for the fittings to seal properly.

3. Loose or Faulty Fittings

A misaligned or poorly installed shower head can leak right from the threads or arm.

4. Old or Failing Cartridge Valve

If you’ve got a mixer tap, it likely uses a cartridge valve to control water flow and temperature. When that cartridge starts to wear out, it can mess with the pressure and stop the water from shutting off properly, which leads to a leaking shower head.

5. Diverter Valve Issues

The diverter valve is what sends water from the bath tap up to the shower head. If it’s clogged with debris or starting to wear out, it might not shut off properly.

What to Do When Your Shower Head Won’t Stop Dripping

Step 1: Remove and Clean the Shower Head

Start by switching off the water supply to your shower. If your shower has local shut-off valves hidden behind a panel or within the wall cavity, use a flat-head screwdriver to turn both the hot and cold valves off. If there aren’t any, go to your home’s main water shut-off and turn it off there.

Next, grab an adjustable wrench and carefully unscrew the shower head by turning it counterclockwise. Wrap a soft cloth around the connection to avoid scratching the metal. Once the head is removed, look closely at the threaded joint and inside the shower head for any signs of limescale or mineral buildup.

To clean it, fill a bowl or bucket with white vinegar and soak the entire shower head for at least eight hours, but overnight works best. After soaking, scrub the nozzles and inner parts using an old toothbrush. For any stubborn buildup in the water holes, use a pin or toothpick to gently poke them clear.

Dry the shower head, wrap the pipe threads in plumber’s (Teflon) tape, then screw the shower head back on. Turn the water back on and see if the dripping has stopped.

Step 2: Remove the Tap Handle and Replace the Washers and O-Rings

If the drip is still happening, turn the water supply off again and get ready to remove the tap handle. Use a flat-head screwdriver to pop off the cap on the handle, then unscrew the screw underneath and slide the handle off.

With the handle removed, use a deep socket wrench to loosen and remove the valve stem. At the end of the stem, you’ll see a rubber washer. Check if it’s cracked, hardened, or missing, because this is likely your culprit.

Remove the worn washer and replace it with a new one from a washer kit. You should also replace any O-rings on the stem while you’re at it. These usually sit around the middle of the stem and prevent leaks around the handle area.

Once replaced, screw the valve stem back in, reattach the tap handle, and turn your water back on to test the fix.

Step 3: Remove and Inspect the Diverter Valve

If your shower has a diverter valve (used to switch between the bath tap and the shower head), it might be causing the leak. Begin by removing the tap handle again, just like you did in Step 2.

Once the handle is off, locate the diverter valve. It is a small cylindrical part behind the handle or integrated into the spout. Use pliers or a wrench to unscrew and remove it carefully.

Inspect the diverter for damage. If it’s corroded, loose, or doesn’t move freely, replace it with a matching model from your hardware store. If it looks fine but is dirty, soak it in white vinegar for an hour to clean off any mineral buildup, then rinse and dry thoroughly.

Reinstall the clean or new diverter valve, screw it in securely, put the tap handle back on, and test again by turning on and off both the bath and shower settings.

Step 4: Replace the Cartridge Valve (If You Have a Mixer Tap or Single-Handle Tap)

If your shower has a single handle that controls both hot and cold water, it likely uses a cartridge valve. A worn-out cartridge can allow water to slip past, even when turned off, which causes the shower head to drip.

To start, shut off the main water supply once again. Remove the handle by taking off the cover cap, unscrewing the handle screw, and sliding the handle off.

You’ll now see the cartridge valve inside. Depending on your shower model, you may need pliers or a special cartridge puller to remove it. Carefully pull the old cartridge straight out.

Take the cartridge to your local hardware store to find an exact match. Once you’ve got the replacement, insert it into the valve opening. Secure it in place, reattach the tap handle, and turn the water supply back on. Run the shower briefly, turn it off, and wait a minute or two to see if the dripping has stopped.

What If It’s Still Leaking?

If you’ve done everything above and your leaky shower head still won’t stop, the problem may lie deeper in your plumbing system:

• Cracked or leaking pipes behind the wall
• Incorrect installation
• Water pressure that’s too high

This is the point where it’s best to call a licensed plumber.

Final Thoughts

A shower head that won’t stop dripping isn’t just annoying. It wastes water, bumps up your bills, and could be causing water damage, even if you can’t see it yet.

The good news is, you’ve now got a full guide on how to fix it yourself. From simple washer swaps to replacing valves, you’ve got the know-how. Not feeling confident about doing it on your own? No worries, that’s what we’re here for.

At Fix N Flow, we’ve helped Aussie households with shower leaks just like this. We’ll pinpoint the issue, sort it quickly, and make sure your shower’s working like it should.

Give us a call on 1300 319 275 or book our service by submitting our online form.