A dripping shower head is one of the most common (and annoying) bathroom issues. Even when the water is turned off, a steady drip can waste gallons of water each day, increase your utility bills, and leave mineral stains on your fixtures.
Fortunately, fixing a leaky or dripping shower head is usually simple — you can often solve it in under 30 minutes with basic tools. This guide walks you through how to diagnose and fix the problem, step-by-step, including tips for modern thermostatic systems like those from Global Moonshower.
Before starting, determine where the leak is coming from:
| Location | Likely Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Showerhead face | Worn-out internal washer or valve not sealing | Clean or replace washer/cartridge |
| Connection between arm and head | Loose threads or bad plumber’s tape | Reapply Teflon tape and retighten |
| Handle or valve area | Faulty cartridge or O-ring inside the valve | Replace cartridge or seal |
Once you locate the source, you can decide whether a simple cleaning or a part replacement is needed.
| Tool / Material | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Adjustable wrench or pliers | Remove showerhead or valve components |
| Screwdriver set | Remove handle screws |
| Teflon (plumber’s) tape | Seal threaded joints |
| Rubber washers or O-rings | Replace worn seals |
| Replacement cartridge (if needed) | Fix internal leaks |
| Vinegar or descaler | Clean mineral buildup |
| Cloth or rag | Protect metal finishes |
| Silicone grease | Lubricate O-rings or cartridges |
Shut off the water to the shower at the main valve or local shutoff if available.
Open the shower handle to release any pressure and drain remaining water.
Use your hand to unscrew the shower head from the shower arm (turn counterclockwise).
If tight, wrap a cloth around the fitting and use a wrench for leverage — never use bare metal tools on chrome or matte finishes.
Check for:
Mineral buildup or debris inside the head
A damaged rubber washer or O-ring in the connection
If the washer looks flattened, cracked, or brittle — that’s often the cause of the drip.
Soak the showerhead in equal parts vinegar and warm water for 2–3 hours to remove limescale.
Rinse thoroughly and let it dry.
Wrap Teflon tape clockwise around the shower arm threads 2–3 times.
Insert a new rubber washer inside the showerhead’s threaded end.
Screw the shower head back on by hand, then tighten gently with a wrench (use a cloth to protect the finish).
Now turn on the water to test. If the drip stops — the issue was at the connection.
If water still drips after you’ve turned off the handle, the leak is likely caused by a faulty cartridge or valve seal inside the shower mixer.
Turn off the main water supply.
Remove the handle using a screwdriver or Allen key.
Unscrew and remove the trim plate (decorative cover).
Pull out the cartridge using pliers or a cartridge removal tool.
Inspect for cracks, worn seals, or mineral deposits.
Soak the cartridge in vinegar or replace it with a new one.
Reassemble, turn the water back on, and test.
Remove each handle and replace the rubber seats and springs (or washers) inside the valve body.
Reassemble and test again.
Note: Thermostatic systems (like Global MoonShower models) use precision ceramic cartridges that last longer and resist scale buildup — but they can still wear out after years of use. Replacing them restores perfect shutoff and temperature balance.
If the dripping continues even after replacing washers or cartridges:
Ensure both hot and cold water lines are sealed properly.
Tighten or reseal any pipe joints with Teflon tape.
Look for leaks inside the shower arm or behind the trim plate — these may require professional inspection if concealed.
| Maintenance Task | Frequency | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Clean showerhead with vinegar | Monthly | Prevent mineral clogging |
| Replace washers or O-rings | Every 1–2 years | Maintain tight seals |
| Inspect cartridge | Every 3–5 years | Prevent internal leaks |
| Avoid overtightening fittings | Ongoing | Protect threads and seals |
| Wipe showerhead dry after use | Daily | Reduces scale buildup |
Keeping the showerhead and valve clean extends their lifespan and prevents minor leaks from turning into costly problems.
| Mistake | Result | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Using too much wrench force | Damages threads or cracks fittings | Tighten gently with cloth protection |
| Forgetting new washers | Drip continues | Always replace old washers when removing head |
| Using wrong tape direction | Causes leaks | Wrap Teflon clockwise only |
| Ignoring valve leaks | Constant dripping | Replace cartridge promptly |
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Turn off water supply |
| 2 | Remove and clean showerhead |
| 3 | Replace washer or O-ring |
| 4 | Apply Teflon tape and reinstall |
| 5 | If dripping persists, replace valve cartridge |
| 6 | Test and maintain regularly |
Fixing a dripping shower head is usually a quick repair — most often caused by a worn washer or a faulty valve cartridge. With basic tools and a few new parts, you can restore a leak-free shower and save water at the same time.
For modern thermostatic or exposed systems like those from Global MoonShower, regular cleaning and timely cartridge replacement ensure steady water control, long-lasting seals, and flawless performance — keeping your shower both quiet and efficient.
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