How to Fix a Leaking Shower Faucet

A shower faucet that drips when turned off wastes water constantly and can stain your tub or shower floor. The fix is almost always a worn cartridge or stem washer — a repair you can do yourself in under an hour.

Why Shower Faucets Leak

Worn cartridge — most common in single-handle shower valves
Worn seat washer or O-ring — common in two-handle shower valves
Worn seats and springs — the small rubber and metal parts that create the seal
Corroded valve seat — the surface the washer presses against can corrode over time

What You Need

Faucet stem repair kit — includes cartridge, seats, springs — fits most two-handle shower valves
PTFE thread seal tape
Rubber strap wrench
Screwdrivers, adjustable wrench
Plumber's grease

Step-by-Step Fix

Step 1: Turn off the water supply.
Shower valves don't have individual shut-off valves — you'll need to turn off the main water supply to the house, or the shut-off for the bathroom if one exists. Turn on the shower to drain remaining water.

Step 2: Remove the handle.
Pry off the decorative cap in the center of the handle. Unscrew the handle screw and pull the handle straight off. Some handles require a handle puller tool if they're stuck.

Step 3: Remove the trim plate (escutcheon).
Unscrew the trim plate to expose the valve body inside the wall.

Step 4: Remove the cartridge or stem.
For single-handle valves: the cartridge usually pulls straight out after removing a retaining clip or nut.
For two-handle valves: unscrew the packing nut and pull out the stem.

Step 5: Replace worn parts.
Replace the cartridge entirely (for single-handle) or replace the seat washer, springs, and O-rings using your faucet stem repair kit (for two-handle). Apply plumber's grease to all rubber parts.

Step 6: Reassemble.
Install the new parts in the same orientation as the old ones. Wrap threaded connections with PTFE tape. Replace the trim plate and handle.

Step 7: Turn water back on and test.
Restore water supply. Turn the shower on and off several times to test. Check for dripping when off and leaking around the handle.

Important: Note the Cartridge Orientation

When removing a cartridge, take a photo first and note which way it's facing. Installing it backwards will reverse hot and cold — or prevent the shower from shutting off completely.

When to Call a Plumber

The valve body inside the wall is corroded or damaged
You can't identify the valve brand to find replacement parts
Water is leaking inside the wall (not just from the faucet)

Bottom Line

A leaking shower faucet is almost always a worn cartridge or stem washer. Turn off the main water, remove the handle, swap the worn part, and reassemble. Most repairs take 45–60 minutes and cost under $25 in parts.

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