How to Fix a Leaking Shower Head: A Step-by-Step Guide

A leaky shower head wastes water, increases utility bills, and can potentially cause water damage to your bathroom. This guide provides simple solutions to fix the most common causes, from tightening loose connections to replacing worn parts, helping you solve the problem without calling a plumber.

Before attempting any repairs, it’s essential to determine exactly where your shower is leaking. Different leak locations require different solutions.

• Dripping from shower head when turned off – Typically indicates a problem with the shower valve or cartridge, not the shower head itself
• Leaking at the connection point – Usually a problem with the shower head’s connection to the shower arm or loose threading
• Water spraying from the sides – Often caused by mineral buildup or damaged internal washers
• Leaking from the handle – Suggests issues with the valve stem O-rings or the cartridge
• Leaking from the diverter – Problem with the mechanism that redirects water from tub to shower

If water is leaking where the shower head connects to the shower arm, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to your shower or the main water supply to your home.
2. Place a clean cloth over the shower arm to protect its finish.
3. Unscrew the shower head by turning it counterclockwise. If it’s difficult to turn, use an adjustable wrench with a cloth to protect the finish.
4. Inspect the washer inside the shower head for signs of wear or damage.
5. Clean any mineral deposits from the threads and connection points with white vinegar.
6. Remove old thread seal tape from the shower arm’s threads.
7. Apply 2-3 wraps of new thread seal tape (plumber’s tape) in a clockwise direction around the threads.
8. Screw the shower head back onto the shower arm by hand, making sure it’s straight.
9. Tighten slightly with a cloth-wrapped wrench if necessary, but avoid overtightening.
10. Turn on the water supply and check for leaks.

If tightening the connection doesn’t stop the leak, replace the washer inside the shower head or consider installing a new shower head.

When your shower head drips even when the handles are turned off, the problem lies with the valve:

1. Turn off the water supply to the shower.
2. Remove the handle by locating and removing any set screws (typically on the underside).
3. Remove the decorative cover plate or escutcheon (may require additional screws).
4. Identify your valve type: compression, cartridge, or ball-type.

1. Unscrew the valve stem using an adjustable wrench.
2. Remove and replace the rubber washer at the base of the stem.
3. Inspect the valve seat for damage – if rough or pitted, use a seat dresser tool or replace.
4. Reassemble the valve and handle, then test.

1. Remove the retaining clip or nut securing the cartridge.
2. Extract the cartridge, noting its orientation.
3. Take the old cartridge to a hardware store for an exact replacement.
4. Install the new cartridge in the same orientation.
5. Reassemble the valve assembly and handle, then test.

Mineral buildup is a common cause of shower head leaks and poor spray patterns:

1. Unscrew the shower head from the shower arm.
2. Inspect the shower head for white, crusty mineral deposits.
3. Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar.
4. Submerge the shower head in the vinegar-filled bag and secure with a rubber band.
5. For non-removable shower heads, secure the vinegar-filled bag around the shower head in place.
6. Let soak for 8 hours or overnight.
7. Remove from vinegar and scrub with an old toothbrush to remove loosened deposits.
8. Use a pin or paperclip to clear any blocked spray holes.
9. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
10. Reattach to the shower arm, using new thread seal tape.

If water leaks when switching between tub and shower, or if water flows from both simultaneously:

1. Identify your diverter type (integrated in the main valve, separate component, or on the tub spout).
2. For tub spout diverters:
   1. Unscrew the tub spout by turning counterclockwise, sometimes requiring an Allen wrench to loosen a set screw.
   2. Replace the entire spout if the internal diverter is damaged.
3. For dedicated diverter valves:
   1. Turn off water supply.
   2. Remove handle and decorative plate.
   3. Unscrew the diverter valve and replace with an identical model.
   4. Reassemble and test.

• Adjustable wrench
• Screwdriver (flathead and Phillips)
• Allen wrench set
• Needle-nose pliers
• Clean cloths or rags

• Thread seal tape (Teflon tape)
• Replacement washers and O-rings
• White vinegar
• Replacement cartridge (specific to your shower model)
• Silicone-based plumber’s grease
• Replacement shower head (if needed)

Implement these maintenance practices to extend the life of your shower fixtures:

1. Clean your shower head quarterly to prevent mineral buildup by soaking in vinegar.
2. Avoid overtightening connections which can damage threads or components.
3. Turn handles gently to prevent excessive wear on valve components.
4. Wipe down shower fixtures after use to reduce mineral spotting and buildup, particularly your shower drain.
5. Consider installing a water softener if you have hard water to reduce mineral deposits.
6. Replace washers and O-rings at the first sign of wear rather than waiting for leaks to worsen.

While most shower head leaks can be fixed with DIY methods, call a professional plumber if:

1. Leaks persist despite trying the solutions in this guide.
2. You notice water damage inside walls or ceilings near your shower.
3. Your shower valve requires replacement (especially if it’s concealed in the wall).
4. Water pressure suddenly drops throughout your home.
5. You’re uncomfortable working with plumbing fixtures or lack the necessary tools.
6. Your home has older copper pipes that might require special handling.
7. There are other issues that need fixing at the same time, like no hot water in your shower.

Professional plumbers like the team at North East Plumbing have specialised tools and expertise to address complex issues without causing additional damage to your bathroom fixtures or plumbing system.

Professional services typically cost between $100-300 for shower repairs, depending on complexity and your location, but can save money in the long run by preventing water damage and ensuring proper installation.