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Fix a shower faucet that leaks

We'll identify the leak location, shut off the water, replace the cartridge, diverter, or seals—then verify the fix or tell you when to call a plumber.

Troubleshooting · Home plumbing
30–60 min
What you'll need
  • Screwdriver or hex key (to remove the handle)
  • Replacement cartridge or seals (match the model)
  • Cartridge puller (if the cartridge is stuck)
  • Plumber's grease (for O-rings)
Step 1 of 5

Quick triage — pick your path

Quick triage — pick your path

Choose the option that matches what you see. You can jump straight to that section.

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Steps

Goal: Identify the leak location, shut off the water, and replace the cartridge, diverter, or seals.

  • Wipe the shower dry. Run the shower and close it. Watch for moisture at the showerhead, handle, or diverter.
  • Good: You know where the leak is. Proceed to Showerhead leak or Handle and diverter based on the location.
  • Bad: Unclear—run the shower and observe again.

Showerhead leak

Goal: Fix a drip from the showerhead by replacing the cartridge or seals.

  • Shut off the main water or shower supply valves. Open the shower to drain the lines.
  • Remove the handle and escutcheon. Extract the cartridge. Inspect every seal and the cartridge body for wear. Replace with an exact match.
  • Apply plumber’s grease to new O-rings before installing. Reassemble and turn the water back on slowly.
  • Good: No drip when the shower is closed.
  • Bad: Still drips—call a plumber.

Handle and diverter

Goal: Fix leaks at the handle or diverter by replacing the cartridge or diverter.

  • Shut off the water. Remove the handle and escutcheon. Extract the cartridge. If the diverter is part of the cartridge, replace the whole cartridge. If separate, replace the diverter. Match the part number.
  • Reassemble and turn the water back on slowly. Run the shower and switch between tub and shower.
  • Good: No leak at the handle or when switching.
  • Bad: Still leaks—call a plumber.

When to get help

Call a plumber if:

  • The valve body is corroded.
  • You cannot access the cartridge.
  • You have replaced the cartridge and it still leaks.
  • You are not comfortable working behind the wall.

Verification

  • No drip from the showerhead when the shower is closed.
  • No moisture at the handle or escutcheon.
  • No leak when switching between tub and shower.

Escalation ladder

Work from the device outward. Stop when the problem is fixed.

  1. Identify leak location Confirm whether the leak is from the showerhead, handle, or diverter.
  2. Shut off water Turn off the main valve or shower supply valves.
  3. Replace cartridge or seals Extract the cartridge, inspect seals, replace worn parts.
  4. Fix diverter Replace the diverter or cartridge that includes it.
  5. Call a plumber Corroded valve body, cannot access cartridge, or repairs do not fix the leak.

What to capture if you need help

Before calling support or posting for help, have these ready. It speeds everything up.

  • Leak location (showerhead, handle, diverter)
  • Valve or cartridge model (for parts)
  • Steps already tried

Where is the leak?

Check whether the leak is from the showerhead, handle, or diverter. Wipe dry and run the shower to observe.

Wipe the shower dry. Run the shower and close it. Watch for moisture. Showerhead: drip when off. Handle: water around the handle or escutcheon. Diverter: leak when switching between tub and shower.

Showerhead drip Handle or diverter

You can change your answer later.

Shut off water and replace the cartridge

Showerhead drips are usually caused by a worn cartridge or seals.

Shut off the main water or shower supply valves. Remove the handle and escutcheon. Extract the cartridge. Inspect seals and the cartridge for wear. Replace with an exact match. Reassemble and turn the water back on slowly. Good: no drip. Bad: still drips—check the valve body or call a plumber.

Yes No

You can change your answer later.

Leak fixed

The shower no longer drips. Confirm by running the shower for a few minutes and closing it—no drip should appear from the showerhead or handle.

Done

Replace the cartridge or diverter

Handle and diverter leaks: worn cartridge or diverter component.

Shut off the water. Remove the handle and escutcheon. Extract the cartridge. If the diverter is part of the cartridge, replace the whole cartridge. If separate, replace the diverter. Match the part number. Good: no leak at handle or when switching. Bad: still leaks—call a plumber.
Question

Did replacing the parts fix the leak?

Done

Call a plumber

Call a plumber if the valve body is corroded, you cannot access the cartridge, you have replaced the cartridge and it still leaks, or you are not comfortable working behind the wall. Shower valves often require access from behind.

Done

Reviewed by Blackbox Atlas

Frequently asked questions

Why is my shower dripping from the showerhead?
Usually a worn cartridge or seals inside the valve body. Shut off the water, remove the handle and trim, and replace the cartridge with an exact match. Check the valve body for corrosion.
Why is my shower leaking at the handle?
Often a worn cartridge or O-rings behind the handle. Shut off the water, remove the handle and escutcheon, and replace the cartridge or seals. Match the part number from the old cartridge.
When should I call a plumber for a leaking shower?
Call a plumber if the valve body is corroded, you cannot access the cartridge, or you have replaced the cartridge and it still leaks. Shower valves are often behind the wall—access may require opening the wall.

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