How to Fix a Leaky Shower

Cover Image - Leaky Shower Head
5 Min Read

A leaky shower is more than an annoyance – it can result in mould growth, water damage, and higher utility bills. 

The good news is that most leaky showers are fixable with a few tools and basic plumbing knowledge. You only need to identify the leak source to put an end to those troublesome drips.

This detailed guide will help you identify the cause of the leak and provide step-by-step solutions.

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Common Causes of Shower Leaks

The primary causes of most shower leaks are worn-out seals, old washers, and brittle O-rings. 

Other common causes of shower leaks include a clogged showerhead, a rusty shower tap, a damaged shower drain, or a leaky shower valve. 

How to Fix a Leaky Shower Head

Fixing a Shower Head

Fixing a leaky shower head is a straightforward DIY task. While there are different types of showers, the steps to fix a leak are the same.

Follow the steps detailed below.

  1. Turn Off the Water Supply to the Bathroom: Ensure there’s no water flow from the shower head as you work on it.
  2. Remove the Shower Head: Unscrew the leaky shower head from the shower arm carefully, using an adjustable wrench. Catch any residual water by placing a towel or bucket on the floor.
  3. Check the Shower Head and Clean It: Inspect the shower head for limescale and sediment build-up. Clean the shower head by soaking it in a bowl of vinegar for 30 to 45 minutes. Most of the build-up will come off. Scrub away the remaining build-up using a small brush.
  4. Check the O-rings and Washers: Washers and O-rings are rubber or plastic components that wear out over time. Remove them from the shower head carefully, and check them for signs of wear or damage. Replace them with new ones if necessary.
  5. Apply PTFE Plumber’s Tape: Cover the threads of the shower arm with Teflon tape ​​to create a watertight seal. Wrap it 4–6 times in a clockwise direction to ensure it doesn’t unravel when you refit the head.
  6. Refit the Shower Head: Screw on the shower head, taking care not to over-tighten it. Turn on the water supply, and check the shower head for leaks. If leaks persist, double-check the washer and tape, or consider replacing the shower head altogether.

How to Stop a Dripping Shower Valve

Fixing a Shower Valve

Fixing a dripping shower valve is also a straightforward DIY task. While there are different types of shower valves, the steps to fix a dripping valve are the same.

Follow the steps detailed below.

  1. Turn Off the Water Supply to the Bathroom: Make sure there’s no water flow to the shower valve as you work on it.
  2. Remove the Shower Valve: To shut off the water supply to the shower head, turn the shower valve clockwise. Next, remove the shower handle set screw located in its centre. Now, remove the handle from the shower valve.
  3. Access the Cartridge: Once the handle is removed, you can see the gasket, typically a rubber ring. You can also access the cartridge. 
  4. Check the Washers and Replace Them: In an older design shower valve, washers tend to wear out over time. Replace them with new ones if they’re cracked or misshapen.
  5. Clean the Internal Components of the Shower Valve: In hard water areas, the possibility of a build up of limescale is high. So, remove the flow control cartridge (check the manufacturer’s instructions) and clean it. If it's damaged or worn, replace it.
  6. Reassemble the Shower Valve: Work in the reverse order and reassemble the shower valve. Restore the water supply and turn on the shower to check for leaks. If the dripping has stopped, the fix was successful. However, if the leaks persist, consider replacing the shower valve as well.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

The following is the list of tools and materials you’ll need to fix a leaky shower:

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Philips screwdriver
  • Cutting plier for gripping
  • Old toothbrush
  • Bucket or old towel
  • Teflon tape (Plumber’s tape)
  • White vinegar
  • Rubber washers and O-rings
  • Silicone sealant

Should You Call a Professional?

When there’s a complex problem like a burst water pipe inside the wall or water pipe damage due to freezing, it’s best to call a professional plumber. 

Other reasons to call a professional include issues with a 3-way diverter valve or a digital shower valve. Similarly, only a professional can handle any leakage problems in a power shower or digital shower.

How to Prevent Future Shower Leaks

Cleaning the shower head and taps regularly will prevent the build-up of minerals and limescale that cause leaks. For easy shower head maintenance tips, please refer to our detailed blog post, 5 Quick and Easy Tips on How to Clean a Shower Head.

Inspect all the shower fixtures and identify the source of the water leak. Tighten loose connections if needed.

Also, check for signs of wear, such as cracks or corrosion, around the shower valve and taps. Replace worn washers and O-rings at the slightest sign of a water leak.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does it cost to fix a dripping shower?

The cost to fix a dripping shower will depend on the type of shower and the severity of the leak. Further, if the source of the leak is easily accessible, the cost to fix it will be relatively lower compared to a leak source that is more difficult to access, for instance, behind wall tiles.

A simple repair, such as a washer or O-ring replacement, will cost £50, but a more complex repair, such as a damaged water pipe behind wall tiles, will cost £150 or even more.

Can you fix a leaking shower without removing the tiles?

If the leak is a minor one, then it can be fixed without removing tiles. You’ll need to remove the old grout using a scraper or grout saw and re-grout the grout lines by applying new grout.

However, if the leak is severe, you’ll need to remove the tiles.

Can a leaking shower cause mould?

Yes, a leaking shower will definitely cause mould.

The major drawback of a leaking shower is that it’s a constant source of moisture. 

Since mould flourishes in a moisture-rich environment, a leaking shower provides the perfect abode for mould spores to thrive.  

Shop Showers

At Bathroom City, we present you with a fantastic range of showers that deliver the best value for your money. Call us on 0121 753 0700 or visit our Birmingham showroom, open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am–5:30 pm, Saturday, 9:00 am–5:00 pm, and Sunday, 10:00 am–4:00 pm.