How to Fix a Dripping Showerhead
A dripping showerhead is almost always caused by a worn-out rubber washer or O-ring inside the shower valve, mineral buildup blocking the cartridge, or a failing cartridge itself. To fix it: shut off the water supply to the shower, remove the handle and escutcheon plate, pull out the cartridge, and inspect the rubber seals. Replace any cracked or flattened washers ($2–$5 at any hardware store). If the cartridge itself is corroded or cracked, replace it ($15–$40 for most brands). The entire fix takes 20–45 minutes with basic tools. If the drip continues after replacing the cartridge, the valve seat may be scored and needs resurfacing or the valve body needs replacement — that's a $200–$500 plumber repair.
Cost Breakdown
| Service | Low | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replacement washers/O-rings | $2 | $5 | Available at any hardware store; bring old parts to match size |
| Replacement cartridge (brand-specific) | $15 | $40 | Moen 1222 and Delta RP19804 are the most common residential cartridges |
| Cartridge puller tool | $10 | $20 | Needed for Moen and some Kohler cartridges that seize in the valve body |
| Professional cartridge replacement | $150 | $300 | Licensed plumber labor if DIY isn't an option |
| Valve body replacement (plumber) | $300 | $600 | Required when the valve body is corroded or the seat is damaged beyond resurfacing |
Step-by-Step Fix
- Shut off the water supply: Turn off the shower's dedicated shutoff valves (behind an access panel, if your home has one) or shut off the main water supply. Turn the shower on to drain residual water.
- Remove the handle: Pop off the decorative cap, remove the screw underneath, and pull the handle off. For stuck handles, use a handle puller ($10) rather than prying — prying cracks the wall tile.
- Remove the escutcheon plate: Unscrew or unclip the trim plate around the valve to expose the cartridge or valve stem.
- Pull the cartridge or stem: For single-handle showers (Moen, Delta, Kohler), use a cartridge puller specific to your brand. For two-handle showers, unscrew the stem with a deep socket or shower valve wrench.
- Inspect and replace seals: Look for flattened, cracked, or missing O-rings and rubber seat washers. Bring the old cartridge to the hardware store to match the exact replacement — cartridges are brand- and model-specific.
- Reassemble and test: Insert the new cartridge, replace the escutcheon and handle, turn the water back on slowly, and check for drips with the shower off for 5 minutes.
Common Causes by Shower Type
- Single-handle cartridge showers (Moen, Delta): The cartridge's internal seals wear out after 5–10 years. Replace the entire cartridge — repairing individual seals inside a cartridge is not practical.
- Two-handle compression valve showers: The rubber seat washer at the bottom of the stem compresses against the valve seat every time you turn the water off. After thousands of cycles, it flattens and no longer seals. Replace the washer and inspect the brass seat for scoring.
- Ball-type valves (Delta older models): Springs and rubber inlet seats wear out. Delta sells a repair kit ($8–$12) with all the internal parts.
When to Call a Plumber
Call a plumber if the cartridge is stuck and won't come out (forcing it can break the valve body inside the wall), if you've replaced the cartridge and it still drips (scored valve seat), or if the valve body itself is corroded. Valve body replacement means opening the wall and re-plumbing — $300–$600 depending on access and tile repair.
Related Questions
Why does my showerhead drip hours after I turn it off?
Residual water trapped in the showerhead and arm drains out slowly by gravity — this is normal for 1–2 minutes. If it continues beyond that, the valve cartridge or seat washer is failing and not fully stopping water flow.
Can I just replace the showerhead to stop a drip?
No. A dripping showerhead is caused by the valve behind the wall, not the showerhead itself. The showerhead is just a nozzle — it has no shutoff mechanism. You need to repair or replace the valve cartridge inside the wall.
How do I find the right replacement cartridge for my shower?
Look for a model number stamped on the cartridge or the faucet trim plate. If there's no number, remove the cartridge and bring it to a plumbing supply store for a visual match. Moen, Delta, and Kohler all have online cartridge identification tools on their websites.