Why does my shower leak only sometimes?

Why Does My Shower Leak Only Sometimes? A random or intermittent shower leak can be a plumbing problem caused by a hole in the water pipes. Cracks in the grout or tile along the shower wall or floor may also be the culprit.

Why does my shower leak after I turn it off?





Over time, shower heads are prone to accumulate lime and other mineral deposits that clog the holes. You can suspect this is the issue if the shower head drips after you turn off the water, but eventually stops. It’s likely the head is holding water and is unable to drain quickly.

Why is my shower still leaking after replacing valve?

ANSWER: The reason why a cartridge faucet leaks after replacing the cartridge can vary based on your water quality, the age of the faucet, and the type of cartridge. First, the leak may not have been caused by a faulty cartridge. Water is full of calcium and other minerals that make it highly corrosive.

Why does water valve leak when turned off?

When tightened, the packing nut on your main water shut-off valve binds down the “packing material” against the washer to seal off water. Over time, though, this packing material can harden or disintegrate. And when this happens, it won’t form a solid seal and will cause leaking.

Where could my shower be leaking from?

Damaged O-rings, washers, or gaskets are usually to blame. When hair, soap, and other debris clog a shower drain, the water can’t go down the drain. If the tub or pan overflows, it could leak through the ceiling below. Over time, the rubber gasket under the shower drain can dry out, crack, and leak.

Where is the O ring in a shower head?





A wrench or pair of pliers should do the trick. The O-ring, a circular rubber part of the fixture, is inside the showerhead. It attaches to the various threads when the head has been unscrewed. When this part of the showerhead breaks, it can cause leaks and may need to be replaced.

Why does my shower head drip hours after I turn it off?

More often than not, a dripping showerhead is the result of worn or damaged inner seals. The rubber washers or O-rings in your shower act as a seal between your showerhead and shower hose, preventing water from leaking out. Over time, these wear down, and when they do, water starts to leak out.

How long should shower head drip after shower?

If you use boiling water, you only have to leave the showerhead immersed for 20 to 30 minutes, so it’s a better option if you’re in a hurry. If water still sprays from behind the showerhead after this treatment, you do need to replace the washer after all.

How do I change the O ring on my shower head?

How to Replace the Faucet Cartridge

  1. Shut off Water. Shut off the water upstream from the shower controls. …
  2. Remove the Faucet Handle. …
  3. Remove the Escutcheon Plate. …
  4. Remove the Retaining Clip. …
  5. Slide out the Cartridge. …
  6. Install a New Cartridge. …
  7. Replace the Escutcheon and Handle.



How do you fix a leaky shut off valve?

First shut off the water to the leaking water valve. Next remove the handle from the stem and then loosen and remove the packing nut. Remove the old washer and slide on the new one. Reinstall the packing nut, tighten lightly with a wrench (don’t over tighten at this or any other point) and reattach the handle.

How do you fix water valve that won’t shut off?

If the valve won’t turn after trying this, grab a pair of Channellock pliers. Using the pliers, give the valve a half turn in the clockwise direction and then use your hand to turn it back counterclockwise and repeat that process until the valve seat loosens and is able to turn with less effort.

How do you fix a main water shut off valve?



Replacing Compression Main Shutoff Valves

  1. Arrange to Have the Water Shut Down at the Street. …
  2. Prepare the Work Area. …
  3. Build the Compression Valve. …
  4. Turn the Water Off. …
  5. Drain the Water Line. …
  6. Remove the Old Valve. …
  7. Clean the Pipe. …
  8. Install the Main Water Shutoff Compression Valve.

How often should shut off valves be replaced?

Generally speaking, the lifespan of most residential water shut off valves is about 10 to 15 years. So, if you’re purchasing a home that is 10 or 15 years old – we would recommend that you invest in replacing your shut off valves now to avoid any problems in the near future.

Can I change a shut off valve without turning off water?

Answer: Yes you need to shut off the water valve to change the faucet. Question: How do you replace water shut off without turning off water? Answer: It’s not recommended at all. If you must turn on all the taps in the house, it decreases the water pressure.

Can I change shower handle without turning off water?

Every shower handle and regulator is a bit different. If you are really just replacing the handle – which is really items 1-4 (and sometimes 5-6 or sometimes 5-6 don’t exist) – then no you do not need to turn off the water.

How much does it cost to replace a shower handle?



The average cost to replace a shower valve with hot and cold handles will sit around $75 on average. Showers with two-handle options that control the temp and pressure separately are typically about $110. The shower valves that control temp and pressure with one handle and water flow with the other sit around $130.