How to Fix a Shower Head That Drips

How to Fix a Shower Head That Drips

A shower head that keeps dripping after you turn the water off is wasting water and money. Here's how to fix it fast.

Step 1: Identify Where the Drip Is Coming From

• Dripping from the nozzle holes — worn internal washer, O-ring, or clogged nozzles holding water
• Dripping from the connection between head and arm — failed thread seal
• Dripping continues for a long time after shutoff — water trapped in the head draining out (normal for a few seconds, not normal if it continues for minutes)

Fix 1: Reseal the Thread Connection (Quickest Fix)

If the drip is at the joint between the shower head and the shower arm:

1. Use a rubber strap wrench to remove the shower head without scratching
2. Clean the threads on the shower arm
3. Wrap 3–4 layers of PTFE thread seal tape clockwise around the arm threads
4. Reinstall the shower head and hand-tighten, then snug with the strap wrench
5. Turn water on and test

Fix 2: Replace the Internal Washer

If the drip comes from the nozzle when the shower is off:

1. Turn off the water supply
2. Remove the shower head with a rubber strap wrench
3. Look inside the inlet of the shower head for a rubber washer or O-ring
4. Remove the old washer and replace with a matching new one
5. Rewrap the arm threads with PTFE tape and reinstall

Fix 3: Clean Clogged Nozzles

Mineral deposits in the nozzle holes can trap water that slowly drips out after the shower is off:

• Use the shower head cleaning brush set to clear each nozzle hole individually
• Or soak the entire shower head in white vinegar for 1–2 hours, then scrub with a brush
• Flush with water and reinstall

Fix 4: Replace the Shower Head

If the shower head is old, corroded, or the internal parts are beyond repair, replacement is the easiest fix:

👉 AquaCare High Pressure 8-mode Handheld Shower Head — anti-clog nozzles prevent future mineral buildup, 6ft stainless steel hose, installs in minutes with no tools.

If the Drip Is from the Shower Valve (Not the Head)

If you've replaced the washer and resealed the connection but the shower head still drips, the problem is the shower valve cartridge inside the wall. The cartridge isn't fully shutting off water flow. See our guide on How to Fix a Leaking Shower Faucet for the cartridge replacement process.

Bottom Line

Fix a dripping shower head by resealing the thread connection with PTFE tape first — it takes 5 minutes. If that doesn't stop it, replace the internal washer. If the head is old or corroded, replace it entirely. A new shower head installs in minutes and eliminates the problem permanently.