Symptoms
- Water drips from the shower head minutes after turning off
- Dripping is slow but steady
- Sound of dripping at night
- Handle feels normal to turn
Likely causes
- CommonWorn valve cartridge or stem washerRubber and plastic seals harden and wear with age, letting a small amount of water past.
- CommonMineral scale on the valve seatHard water deposits can keep the seal from closing fully even when parts aren't worn out.
- PossibleDamaged O-ringsSmall rubber rings inside older compression-style valves can crack over time.
- Less commonLoose or worn valve seatIn compression valves, the seat itself can corrode and need replacing, not just the washer.
What to do
- Shut off the water supply to the shower, either at the fixture stops or the main house valve.
- Remove the handle by unscrewing the decorative cap and the screw underneath.
- Pull off the escutcheon plate and unscrew or unclip the cartridge or stem, noting how it was oriented.
- Inspect the rubber washer, O-rings, and seat for cracking, flattening, or grooves.
- Replace worn parts with an exact match, or replace the whole cartridge if it's a cartridge-style valve.
- Reassemble in reverse order, making sure the cartridge is seated fully before securing the retaining clip or nut.
- Turn water back on slowly and check for drips at the head and around the handle.
Tools and parts
- Screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
- Needle-nose pliers
Shower valve repair kit or replacement cartridgeSearch: “shower valve stem repair kit”
When to call a pro
Call a plumber if you can't identify the valve type, parts are no longer available, or the drip continues after a rebuild.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.