How to Fix a Dripping Showerhead

A dripping showerhead costs you money and wastes water—but it's almost always fixable without calling a plumber. The problem sits at the intersection of mineral deposits (especially in hard water areas) and a worn rubber seal inside the valve. What looks like a minor annoyance adds up: a single drip per second from a showerhead means roughly 3,000 gallons wasted annually. The good news is that you can diagnose and repair it yourself with basic tools and a methodical approach. The drip usually happens because water pressure pushes past the cartridge's seal, or because mineral buildup prevents the valve from sealing completely. Sometimes it's the showerhead itself; sometimes it's the valve body behind the wall. We'll work from the easiest fix (cleaning) to the slightly harder one (cartridge replacement). Nine times out of ten, you won't need to go deeper than that.

1. Identify where the water is coming from. Turn off the shower and observe for 30 seconds. If water drips from the showerhead itself (not from the base or valve), the problem is usually the showerhead aerator or the cartridge valve. If water drips from the wall or from around the valve base, you're dealing with the main valve cartridge. This determines your next move.
2. Unscrew and disassemble the showerhead. Use an adjustable wrench or pliers to grip the nut where the showerhead connects to the arm. Turn counterclockwise and unscrew it completely. Once removed, unscrew the aerator disk (the plastic screen that diffuses water) by hand from inside the showerhead. You may need to use a flathead screwdriver to pry it out if it's stuck.
3. Clean the aerator and valve seat with white vinegar. Place the aerator and any removable internal parts into a small bowl and cover with white vinegar. Let them soak for 30–60 minutes to dissolve mineral deposits. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away loose buildup. Rinse thoroughly under hot running water. While those soak, use a flashlight to look into the showerhead body and remove any visible debris or mineral scale with a rag.
4. Reassemble and test the showerhead. Screw the cleaned aerator back into the showerhead body by hand until snug. Reattach the showerhead to the arm and tighten the connection nut with your wrench. Turn the water on and check if the drip has stopped. If the showerhead no longer drips from the head itself, you're done.
5. Turn off the water and access the cartridge (if drip persists from the valve). Locate the main water shut-off valve for your home and turn it clockwise until it stops. Open any faucet in the house to release residual pressure. If the showerhead drip continues after cleaning, the problem is the cartridge valve behind the wall. You'll need to remove the trim ring or handle escutcheon to access it. Unscrew the set screw holding the handle with an Allen wrench and pull the handle straight out.
6. Remove the old cartridge. Behind the handle you'll see a cartridge body. Use a cartridge removal tool (or needle-nose pliers) to grip the cartridge stem and pull straight out toward you. Some cartridges have a retaining clip that must be removed first. If you can't pull it by hand, you may need a dedicated puller tool (available at any hardware store for $8–$15). Note the cartridge make and model before removal—you'll need an exact replacement.
7. Install a new cartridge and reassemble. Take your old cartridge to the hardware store and buy an exact replacement (or order the correct model online). Before inserting the new cartridge, inspect the cartridge body for debris or mineral scale and wipe it clean with a rag. Push the new cartridge straight into the valve body until it seats fully—you'll feel resistance. Reattach the retaining clip if your model uses one. Reinstall the handle and tighten the set screw.
8. Turn the water back on and test. Turn the main water valve counterclockwise to restore water pressure. Open the shower and run it for 30 seconds. Switch between hot and cold a few times to ensure the cartridge seats properly. Observe the valve and showerhead for any drips. If dripping has stopped, you're finished. If water still drips slowly from the valve base, you may have a worn seal inside the valve body that requires professional replacement.