A leaking shower head is usually caused by either a dirty or damaged shower head connection or a worn valve/cartridge in the wall, and most fixes are simple DIY. Below is a step‑by‑step guide plus what to do if the drip comes from behind the handle instead of the head.

Quick Scoop

  • Most common causes: mineral buildup, worn rubber washer or gasket in the shower head, or old thread seal tape on the arm.
  • If it drips when the faucet is off: the problem is often the internal cartridge/valve behind the handle, not the head itself.
  • Basic tools: adjustable wrench, plumber’s (PTFE) tape, vinegar, old toothbrush, and possibly a replacement washer or cartridge.

Step 1: Work Out Where It’s Leaking

  • If water drips from the shower head only when the shower is on, suspect a loose connection, worn washer, or mineral buildup in the head.
  • If water slowly drips from the head even minutes after you turn the handle off, suspect a worn shower cartridge or internal valve seals.

Step 2: Fix Leaks at the Shower Head

  1. Turn off the water at the shower or main if needed and place a cloth over the drain to catch small parts.
  1. Unscrew the shower head from the shower arm using your hand or an adjustable wrench with a cloth to protect the finish.
  1. Inspect the inside of the head and the arm threads for old tape, debris, or a flattened rubber washer or O‑ring.

Step 3: Clean Out Mineral Buildup

  • Soak the shower head in a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water for 30 minutes to several hours (shorter for brass, gold, or nickel finishes).
  • After soaking, scrub nozzles and internal passages with a stiff plastic brush or old toothbrush, then rinse with hot water.

Step 4: Replace Washer/Gasket and Reseal Threads

  1. Pop out the old rubber washer or gasket inside the shower head and replace it with the same size from a hardware store.
  1. Remove old thread seal tape from the shower arm, then wrap fresh plumber’s tape clockwise around the threads a few times, pressing it smooth.
  1. Reinstall the shower head by hand, then snug gently with a wrench without overtightening and test for leaks with the water on.

Step 5: If It Still Drips When “Off” (Cartridge Fix)

  • Persistent dripping from the head when the handle is turned off usually means the shower cartridge or valve seals are worn.
  • Typical repair steps are: shut off water, remove the handle and trim plate, pull the cartridge, match it at a store, then install a new lubricated cartridge and reassemble.

If you’re not comfortable opening the wall valve or you have an older or complex mixing valve, calling a licensed plumber is the safest option.

Extra: When the Shower Runs While Filling the Tub

  • If water comes from the shower head while the tub spout is running, the tub spout diverter or high water pressure can be the cause.
  • Fixes range from replacing the tub spout/diverter to slightly lowering system pressure at the home’s pressure‑reducing valve or local shutoffs.

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Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.