How to Fix a Dripping Shower Head (and What Causes It)
A dripping shower head may seem like a minor annoyance, but over time, those constant drips can build up, wasting water, increasing bills, and potentially signaling a deeper plumbing problem. Fortunately, identifying the cause and fixing it is usually a manageable task for most homeowners. Here's what you need to know about the causes of dripping showerheads and how to stop them. Common Causes of Shower Head Dripping The most common cause of dripping showerheads is a worn or damaged rubber gasket or O-ring inside the shower valve. Over time, these small components can degrade due to age, mineral buildup, or water pressure, allowing water to flow even when the faucet is turned off. Another common cause is mineral deposits clogging the shower head itself. In hard water areas, calcium and limescale can build up around the openings, disrupting normal flow and pressure, sometimes resulting in leaks. In some cases, the problem isn't the shower head at all, but the faucet or valve be...