Most leaking shower heads are caused by mineral buildup, worn washers/O-rings, or a bad valve cartridge in the wall. Fixing it is usually a simple DIY job if you are comfortable turning off water and using basic tools.
Quick safety check
- Turn off the shower tap and, if you will be opening the valve or removing the handle, turn off the water supply to the shower or the whole house first.
- Lay a towel over the tub or shower floor and have a bucket or bowl handy for drips.
Basic head-only fixes
- Remove the shower head by unscrewing it from the arm with your hand or an adjustable wrench with a cloth to protect the finish.
- Soak the head in a 50/50 white vinegar and water solution for 20–30 minutes, then scrub out mineral deposits with an old toothbrush and rinse.
- Wrap fresh plumber’s (Teflon) tape clockwise on the shower arm threads, reinstall the head, snug it up (not overly tight), and test for leaks while the water is on.
Replace washer or O-ring
- If it still drips from the joint between the head and arm/hose, disassemble the head and locate the rubber washer or O-ring inside the connection.
- Remove the old washer/O-ring, take it to a hardware store to match the size, then install the new one and reassemble the head with plumber’s tape on all threaded joints.
- Turn water back on and test; if the drip stops when the shower is off, the problem was the seal at the head.
If it drips with water off
- If water keeps dripping from the head even long after the tap is off, the issue is usually the shower valve cartridge or internal seals in the wall, not the head itself.
- Fixing this involves removing the handle and trim, shutting off water to the valve, pulling the cartridge, and replacing it (or internal seats and springs) with the correct part for your brand.
- If you are unsure about working inside the valve or turning off the house supply, call a plumber; also consider a pressure-reducing valve if your home has very high water pressure.
When to replace the head
- If the body of the shower head is cracked, badly corroded, or still leaks from its faceplate after cleaning and new seals, replacing the entire head is usually easier and more reliable.
- New heads simply screw onto the taped shower arm threads; follow the same wrap-and-tighten steps, then test for leaks and adjust as needed.
