How to fix a dripping shower head with a single handle at no cost or low cost., by DIYwithWayne on YouTube. 11 min 52 s.
- Video length
- 11 min 52 s
- Time to do it
- 30 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Turn off the water supply to the shower. If there is no shutoff valve nearby, turn off the main water valve to the house.
Unscrew the shower head from the arm by hand or with an adjustable wrench. Wrap the arm threads with a cloth first so you do not scratch them.
Look inside the shower head for a rubber washer or O-ring. A worn or hardened seal is a common cause of drips.
Soak the shower head and any removable parts in white vinegar for about an hour to loosen mineral buildup, then rinse and scrub the holes.
Remove the single handle. Take off the cap or screw that covers the handle, then pull the handle off the valve stem.
Take out the cartridge or valve stem and check the rubber seals and O-rings. Replace any that are cracked, flat or stiff.
Clean the inside of the valve body and fit the new seals or cartridge. Make sure everything sits straight and snug.
Refit the handle and shower head, then turn the water back on slowly. Run the shower and check for drips at the head and around the handle.
If it still drips, remove the cartridge again and check the seat for grit or damage. Replace the cartridge if the seals look fine but the drip continues.
Tips and common mistakes
Turn off the water before you take anything apart, or you will get soaked and lose small parts down the drain.
Keep the small screws and O-rings in a cup so they do not roll away.
Vinegar is safe for most metal parts but do not leave it on for days, as it can dull some finishes.
If the drip comes from the shower head joint rather than the spout, the problem is often just a worn washer.
Questions
Do I need to replace the whole shower valve?
Usually no. Most drips come from a worn washer, O-ring or cartridge, which is a cheap part. Replace the whole valve only if the body itself is cracked or badly corroded.
How do I know which cartridge to buy?
Take the old cartridge with you to a hardware store or note the brand and model of the shower valve. Delta and other brands use different cartridges, so match it exactly.
Why does my shower head still drip after cleaning?
The seal inside the head or the cartridge may be worn. Check the washer and O-rings again, and replace the cartridge if the drip continues.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
