A leaking shower head is usually a quick DIY fix. Here is how to stop the drip in six simple steps, and when it is time to call a licensed plumber.
How to Fix a Leaking Shower Head
A leaking shower head is usually caused by loose connections, worn washers or O-rings, mineral build-up, or a faulty shower cartridge. In many cases you can fix it yourself by turning off the water, resealing the connection where the shower head meets the arm, applying fresh plumber’s tape, or replacing the rubber washer inside the connector.
If the leak continues when the water is turned off, the problem is usually inside the shower handle, where a worn cartridge lets water pass through the valve.
Knowing where the leak is coming from is the key to fixing it properly and avoiding ongoing water waste, higher bills and potential damage.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Having the right tools ready before you start makes the repair quicker and helps avoid damage to your shower head and fittings. Most of these items are inexpensive and available at any hardware store, such as Bunnings.
- Adjustable wrench or pliers: to loosen or tighten the shower head if it will not move by hand. Protect the chrome finish with a cloth first.
- Plumber’s tape (Teflon tape): helps the shower head seal securely to the shower arm and prevents future leaks.
- Small flathead screwdriver or paperclip: for removing old washers or O-rings without damaging internal parts.
- Replacement washer or O-ring: a worn washer or seal is one of the most common causes of a leak. Match the size to the original.
- White vinegar: dissolves mineral build-up inside the shower head that can restrict flow and cause leaks.
- Old towel or cloth: protects the fittings and stops small parts falling down the drain.
Fixing Your Leaking Shower Head: Step by Step
Step 1: Turn off the water supply
Before you start, turn off the water. Many bathrooms have isolation valves behind an access panel or under the vanity, so you can stop water to the shower only. If there are no isolation valves, turn off the main water supply to the property. This stops water leaking while you work and avoids an unexpected spray.
Step 2: Remove the shower head safely
Unscrew the shower head from the shower arm by turning it anti-clockwise. Many shower heads come off by hand, but if needed use an adjustable wrench or pliers with a cloth to protect the finish. Place a towel over the drain so you do not lose washers or small parts.
Step 3: Inspect and clean the connection
Inspect the threaded end of the shower arm and the inside of the shower head. Remove old plumber’s tape, debris or loose material that could stop it sealing. Look for mineral deposits or limescale from hard water, and clean the surface with warm soapy water or white vinegar to help prevent the leak returning.
Step 4: Replace the washer or O-ring
Inside the shower head you will usually find a rubber washer or O-ring that forms the watertight seal. If it looks flattened, cracked or brittle, it is worn. Remove it carefully with a small screwdriver or paperclip and take it to the hardware store to match the size, as the wrong size can cause an ongoing drip.
Step 5: Apply new plumber’s tape correctly
Wrap plumber’s tape clockwise around the shower arm threads so it tightens as you screw the head back on rather than unravelling. Two to three wraps is usually enough. If the threads are worn, a few extra wraps can help stop a slow drip.
Step 6: Reinstall and test for leaks
Reattach the shower head by hand until tight, then finish with a gentle quarter-turn if needed. Do not over-tighten, as this can damage the threads or crack the head. Turn the water back on, run the shower, and check for any drips or moisture. If it is dry, the repair is done.
Still Dripping After a DIY Fix?
If the leak keeps coming back, or drips when the shower is off, the cause is usually behind the wall. Our licensed Perth plumbers can diagnose and fix it fast, with upfront pricing.
What If the Shower Head Still Leaks?
If you have followed every step and the leak continues, the cause is likely not the shower head itself.
Replacing a faulty shower cartridge
The shower cartridge sits behind the handle and controls water through the valve. When it wears out, it can let water pass even when the tap is off, causing a constant drip. Cartridges vary by brand and tap, so incorrect installation can cause further damage. This repair is best handled by a licensed plumber who can identify and replace the right cartridge.
When a cracked shower head or arm needs replacing
If the shower head or arm is cracked or worn, tightening will not fix it. Cracks let water escape and worsen over time, especially under high water pressure. Replacing the damaged part is often the simplest fix and avoids wasted water and higher bills.
When to Call a Licensed Plumber
While many shower leaks are a simple repair, some need a professional to prevent further damage.
Leaks that continue after repairs
If you have replaced washers and resealed connections but the leak remains, the problem may be internal parts or pipe damage behind the wall.
Dripping when the shower is turned off
A shower head that drips when the water is off usually means a faulty valve or worn cartridge, not a surface issue.
Signs of water damage behind walls
Bubbling paint, loose tiles, mould or a musty smell are signs of hidden water damage that should be addressed quickly.
Unsure of your tap or cartridge type
If you are not sure which cartridge or tap is installed, a DIY attempt can lead to the wrong part being fitted. A licensed plumber can confirm compatibility and make sure the repair meets Australian standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my shower head to stop dripping?
Turn off the water, unscrew the shower head, and clean the threads and the inside of the head. Replace the rubber washer or O-ring if it is worn, wrap fresh plumber’s tape clockwise around the shower arm, and reattach it hand-tight. If it still drips once the water is off, the shower cartridge behind the handle usually needs replacing, which is a job for a licensed plumber.
Why is my shower head leaking when the water is turned off?
A shower head that keeps dripping after you have turned the tap off almost always points to a worn shower cartridge or valve inside the wall, not the shower head itself. The cartridge no longer seals, so water passes through. Replacing it is best handled by a licensed plumber to make sure the correct part is fitted and the wall is not damaged.
How do I fix a dripping shower head in Australia?
The fix is the same across Australia. Isolate the water first: many Australian bathrooms have isolation valves behind an access panel or under the vanity, and if not you can use the main water supply. Then remove and clean the head, replace the washer or O-ring, and re-tape the thread. Replacement washers, O-rings and plumber’s tape are inexpensive and available at hardware stores such as Bunnings. If the leak is behind the wall or you are unsure of the cartridge type, call a licensed plumber.
What is the most common cause of a leaking shower head?
The most common cause is a worn rubber washer or O-ring inside the connection. Loose connections, mineral (limescale) build-up, and a worn shower cartridge are the next most common. A quick washer replacement and re-seal fixes most leaks, while a leak that continues when the water is off usually means the cartridge.
Should I fix a leaking shower head myself or call a plumber?
Surface fixes such as replacing a washer or O-ring, re-taping the thread and clearing limescale are safe DIY jobs. Call a licensed plumber if the leak continues after those steps, the shower drips when it is turned off, you see signs of water damage behind the wall, or you are not sure which tap or cartridge is installed. We give you a fixed, upfront price before any work begins.
Fix Leaky Shower Heads with Proud Plumbing
Fixing a leaking shower head early saves water, reduces costs and prevents damage to your bathroom. Many leaks are a simple DIY job, but an ongoing drip often points to a deeper plumbing issue. If you are unsure of the cause, or the leak keeps returning, Proud Plumbing & Gas can help.
Our licensed Perth plumbers will diagnose the issue properly and provide a long-lasting fix. Call us on (08) 6185 3008 or contact us today to book an inspection. You can also learn more about our leak detection services across Perth.
