How to Fix a Leaking Shower Head in 5 Easy Steps
Table of Contents
A leaking shower head is usually a quick DIY fix – here’s how to find the cause and fix it in five easy steps.
Tools You'll Need
An adjustable spanner or pliers, a cloth or old towel (to protect the finish), plumber’s tape, and a replacement washer or O-ring kit sized for your shower head. Most hardware stores stock generic kits that cover the majority of standard fittings.
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
Before touching anything, turn off the water supply to the shower, either at the isolation valve behind the shower plate (if fitted) or at your home’s main water valve. This avoids a surprise spray when you remove the shower head.
Step 2: Remove the Shower Head
Wrap the cloth around the connection to protect the finish, then use the spanner to loosen the shower head from the arm or hose. Most fittings unscrew anti-clockwise.
Step 3: Check the Washer or O-Ring
Inside the connection, you’ll find a small rubber washer or O-ring. This is the most common cause of a leaking shower head – if it’s cracked, flattened, or perished, that’s almost certainly your leak.
Step 4: Clean or Replace the Cartridge
If your shower head has a flow-control cartridge, check it for mineral build-up or damage while you’re in there. A quick soak in vinegar can clear scale build-up; if it’s cracked or clearly worn, replace it along with the washer.
Step 5: Reassemble and Test
Wrap a couple of turns of plumber’s tape around the threaded connection, screw the shower head back on firmly by hand, then finish with the spanner (don’t overtighten). Turn the water back on and check for leaks at the connection and from the shower head itself.
When a Leaking Shower Head Needs a Plumber
If you’ve replaced the washer and it’s still leaking, or the leak seems to be coming from inside the wall rather than the shower head connection itself, it’s time to call a professional. A hidden leak behind the wall can cause serious damage if left unaddressed, and it’s not something a washer replacement will fix.
If you’ve gone through every step above and it’s still leaking, or the leak seems to be coming from behind the wall rather than the fitting itself, that’s a sign to stop DIYing it. When you’re searching for a plumber near me for a bathroom-specific job, look for one who handles shower and bathroom plumbing day-to-day they’ll usually be carrying the right washers and cartridges to sort it on the spot. Plumb Construct repairs leaking showers, taps and hidden leaks for homes and businesses across Melbourne, and every job gets an upfront quote before any work begins.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my shower head keep leaking after I've fixed it once?
A recurring leak usually means the washer wasn’t seated correctly, the cartridge is worn rather than just the washer, or there’s a separate leak further up the pipe that only shows up under water pressure.
Can a leaking shower head increase my water bill?
Yes, a constant drip or leak can waste hundreds of litres a month, which adds up on your water bill over time even if it seems like a small leak.
Do I need to turn off my whole house's water to fix a leaking shower head?
Not usually. Most bathrooms have an isolation valve specifically for the shower; if yours doesn’t, you’ll need to use the main water valve for your home instead.
Is a leaking shower head always just a washer problem?
No. While a worn washer is the most common cause, a leak can also come from a damaged cartridge, a loose connection, or in some cases a hidden pipe leak behind the wall.
How much does it cost to get a plumber to fix a leaking shower head?
If it’s just the washer, you’re looking at one of the cheaper plumbing call-outs. A leak coming from behind the wall is a bigger job, both to diagnose and to repair, so the price reflects that. Either way, get a firm quote once the plumber has actually seen it don’t rely on a phone estimate for a hidden leak.
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