A leaky shower head wastes water, hikes your utility bill, and can stain your walls before you even notice the damage. Let's talk about how to fix a leaky shower head, why a shower drips when the water is off, and when it's time to call RooterPLUS! If that new shower head is leaking in Roswell, Marietta, Alpharetta, or anywhere across Metro Atlanta. We begin with the quickest ways to stop a dripping shower head today, then dive into the deeper causes, the tools you'll need, and the routine maintenance that keeps every drop where it belongs.
Why Does My Shower Drip When the Water Is Off?
A dripping shower head has three main culprits: failing seals, mineral scale, or a worn faucet cartridge. Understanding which one you face saves time and keeps you from throwing random parts at the problem.
Worn‑Out Washers & O‑Rings
Tiny rubber or silicone gaskets sit inside the shower head and the arm connection. Over time, hot chlorinated Atlanta water dries them out. Once they crack or flatten, even a new shower head leaks because the seal can't hold pressure.
Real‑life example: You shut off the water, but five minutes later, you still hear a steady "plink‑plink." Remove the head and you'll often find a gasket that's as brittle as a potato chip. Swap it out, and the drip stops instantly.
Mineral Buildup from Hard Water
Metro Atlanta water carries enough calcium to leave a white crust around each nozzle. When scale blocks spray holes, water forces itself backward through the joints, creating a dripping shower head even when you just installed it. A vinegar soak usually solves this.
Faulty Valve Cartridge
If you replace washers yet still face a dripping shower head when the water is off, the leak isn't in the head at all; it is in the mixing valve buried behind the handle. A cracked or misaligned cartridge keeps water pressure trapped in the line, and the head dribbles as that pressure bleeds out. Replacing the cartridge ends the leak permanently.
Here is Step‑by‑Step How to Fix a Leaky Shower Head
Follow these steps in order. Most homeowners can finish in under 30 minutes with basic tools.
Tools & Supplies
- Adjustable wrench or pliers (wrap the jaws with tape to avoid scratches)
- An old toothbrush and white vinegar
- Replacement washers, O‑rings, or faucet cartridge (check your model)
- Plumber's tape (Teflon tape)
- Soft cloth and bucket
1. Turn Off the Water & Protect the Area
Locate the bathroom shutoff valve, or the main line if your shower lacks local stops, and close it. Stuff a cloth in the drain so tiny screws can't disappear. Lay a towel over fixtures to prevent chips.
2. Remove the Shower head
Grip the head where it meets the arm and twist counter‑clockwise. If mineral scale has seized it, use taped pliers for extra leverage. Set the head in a bucket so you don't scratch the finish.
3. Inspect and Replace Washers & O‑Rings
Look for any gasket that's flattened, split, or hardened. Take the old part to a hardware store and grab an identical size, usually pennies each. Press the new washer firmly into place.
4. Soak Away Mineral Scale
Fill a bowl with equal parts white vinegar and hot water. Submerge metal parts for 30-60 minutes. A toothbrush knocks away the loosened calcium. Rinse thoroughly so no vinegar smell lingers.
5. Address the Cartridge (If the Drip Persists)
Still dripping? Remove the faucet handle, pull the retaining clip, and slide out the cartridge with pliers. Match the part number, often stamped on the plastic, to ensure you buy the correct replacement. Insert the new cartridge, reinstall the clip, and reattach the handle.
6. Reassemble, Seal, and Test
Wrap plumber's tape clockwise around the shower arm threads; two turns are plenty. Thread the head on by hand until snug, then give it an eighth turn with your taped wrench. Turn on the water. If the shower still drips when off after a minute, recheck your seals or cartridge seating. Otherwise, you are done.
Prevent Future Drips & When to Call RooterPLUS!
Routine maintenance costs pennies and saves hundreds of gallons a year.
- Monthly vinegar soak: Five minutes keeps mineral scale soft enough to wipe away.
- Don't over‑tighten the handle: Cranking hard destroys seals faster than time alone.
- Install a sediment filter: Older Roswell and Alpharetta mains often carry sand that grinds washers.
- Replace washers annually: Treat them like cheap insurance against a leaking shower head.
DIY vs. Professional Service in Metro Atlanta
Most residents can fix a leaky shower head with the steps above. Call RooterPLUS! if:
- The leak hides behind the tile or the elbow pipe in the wall.
- You've replaced the cartridge, but the dripping shower head continues.
You want a warranty covering parts and labor for total peace of mind.
Conclusion: What's Next?
Your dripping shower head should now be silent. If you are planning larger upgrades such as low flow fixtures, a new bathroom layout, or whole home water filtration, RooterPLUS! is ready to help. Call (770) 888-1913 or book online today. Let's keep every last drop where it belongs and save Metro Atlanta's water one shower at a time.