How to Fix a Leaking Showerhead

A leaking showerhead can be annoying, keeping you awake with its constant dripping, and it also wastes a significant amount of water. Fortunately, you can fix this issue yourself without professional help. The problem is often caused by either the showerhead itself or the cartridge that controls the water flow.

Before You Begin Faucet ON: If the showerhead leaks when the faucet is in the ON position, the issue may be due to mineral buildup clogging the showerhead's holes, restricting water flow. In this case, clean or replace the showerhead.

Faucet OFF: If the showerhead leaks when the faucet is in the OFF position, the problem is likely a worn-out or defective cartridge inside the faucet valve, which should be replace

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What You'll Need

Tools:

Small scrub brush

Plastic bowl

Channel-lock pliers (if needed)

Hex wrench set

Screwdrivers

Utility knife

Materials:

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How to Repair a Showerhead Inspect and Clean the Showerhead

Check the showerhead for rubber O-rings, a screen, and other internal parts. Ensure they are intact and not damaged or clogged with sediment.

If the showerhead is dirty, clean it by submerging it in a bowl of white vinegar for 1-2 hours. Rinse thoroughly with cold water before reassembling. Remove the Showerhead Ensure the shower faucet handle is fully in the OFF position.

Turn the showerhead counterclockwise by hand to remove it from the threaded end of the shower arm. Wrap Pipe Threads

Clean the threads of the shower arm with a small nylon scrub brush.

Wrap the threads with 1-2 loops of thread-sealing tape (Teflon tape), applying it clockwise. Reassemble the Showerhead

Thread the showerhead back onto the shower arm and tighten it by hand.

Turn on the shower faucet briefly to check the water flow.

If the showerhead still drips when the faucet is ON, consider replacing it entirely.

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How to Fix a Leaky Shower Cartridge

Most single-handle shower faucets use a replaceable cartridge inside the faucet body. If the cartridge fails to seal properly, water will continue to trickle to the showerhead even when the faucet is OFF.

Shut Off the Water

Turn off the water supply to the shower. This may involve shutting off intermediary fixture valves, built-in faucet shutoff valves, or the main water supply. Remove the Faucet Handle

Gently pry off the cap at the end of the faucet handle using a screwdriver or utility knife.

Unscrew the handle screw (a hex wrench may be required). Remove the Escutcheon Plate Remove the large faceplate (escutcheon) covering the faucet valve by unscrewing its mounting screws.

If necessary, cut through any caulk bead around the escutcheon. Remove the Retaining Clip

Carefully pry off the U-shaped retaining clip holding the cartridge in place using a flat-head screwdriver.

Remove any washers or hex nuts present on the cartridge.

Slide Out the Cartridge

Slide the old cartridge out of the faucet body. In some cases, you may need to use channel-lock pliers to grip and twist the cartridge for removal. Install a New Cartridge

Align the tab on the new cartridge with the groove in the faucet body and slide it into place.

Reattach the retaining clip, hex screw (if applicable), and any washers. Replace the Escutcheon and Handle

Reassemble the faucet handle and escutcheon plate by reversing the earlier steps.

Turn the water supply back on and test the shower by turning it on and off several times to ensure the new cartridge works properly.