How to Fix a Dripping Shower Faucet

Drips from a showerhead aren't just annoying; they are a constant drain on your water bill and a sign that your fixture's internal seals have reached the end of their lifespan. While the constant rhythm of a leak feels like a major plumbing failure, it is almost always caused by a worn-out cartridge or a degraded rubber washer inside the handle assembly. Fixing this is a straightforward task that requires little more than a set of screwdrivers and a bit of patience. By performing this repair yourself, you avoid the cost of a service call and ensure the internal components are seated correctly. Once the new parts are in, you will have a quiet, reliable shower fixture that functions like the day it was installed.

1. Kill the flow first. Locate the water shut-off valves for your bathroom. If you don't have dedicated local shut-offs, you must turn off the main water supply to the house.
2. Pop off the handle. Identify the screw hiding under the handle cap or on the side of the handle body. Unscrew it and pull the handle assembly straight off the stem.
3. Expose the cartridge. Unscrew the decorative trim plate, also known as an escutcheon, from the wall. This exposes the plumbing valve and the cartridge housing.
4. Photograph before you pull. Remove the retaining clip or nut holding the cartridge in place. Use a cartridge puller tool or a pair of pliers to pull the cartridge straight out of the valve body.
5. Seat the new cartridge. Clean any mineral deposits from the inside of the valve body with a soft cloth. Insert the new cartridge, ensuring the notches align perfectly with the valve housing.
6. Restore and test. Slide the trim plate back into place, reattach the handle, and tighten all set screws securely. Turn the water supply back on slowly and test for drips.