How to Fix a Leaking Shower Head Connection

Drips from the base of your shower head are rarely a sign of a major mechanical failure; they are almost always a result of degraded thread seal tape or a loose connection. When the seal between the shower arm—the pipe coming out of the wall—and the shower head fails, water forces its way through the threads, leading to consistent dripping that wastes water and creates mineral buildup. Fixing this is a classic weekend win that requires nothing more than a bit of patience and a fresh roll of tape. You are aiming for a clean, watertight seal that doesn't compromise the finish of your fixtures. If you treat the threads with respect and use the right materials, this repair will last for years.

  1. Unscrew the Leaking Head. Grasp the shower head firmly and turn it counter-clockwise to unscrew it from the shower arm. If it is stuck, use a wrench with a cloth wrapped around the connection to protect the finish from scratches.
  2. Scrub Away Old Tape Debris. Use an old toothbrush or a nylon scrub brush to remove the remnants of old, shredded thread seal tape from the shower arm threads. Ensure the threads are completely clean and dry before applying new material.
  3. Replace the Worn Gasket. Inspect the rubber gasket inside the base of the shower head. If it is cracked, flattened, or brittle, pull it out and replace it with a new one of the exact same size.
  4. Tape the Threads Tight. Wrap plumber's tape (Teflon tape) around the male threads of the shower arm in a clockwise direction. Apply three to four smooth, tight wraps, pulling the tape until it conforms to the thread grooves.
  5. Hand-Tighten the Head Back. Hand-tighten the shower head back onto the arm by turning it clockwise. Tighten until it feels snug, then give it an extra quarter-turn with your wrench if necessary.
  6. Run Water and Verify the Seal. Turn on the shower and let it run for one minute to ensure no water is escaping from the connection point. If you see a drip, turn off the water, give it one more slight turn with the wrench, and test again.