If your shower is running, you better go catch it
A damaged shower cartridge is the most common reason your shower won't turn off, as this component behind the handle can leak or fail over time.
Replacing a worn shower cartridge yourself costs as little as $20 in parts, while calling a pro for the repair runs around $150 or more.
Shutting off your main water valve and testing whether water still drips from your shower head helps you pinpoint the exact source of the problem.
Hiring a local plumbing professional provides reliable help with shower cartridge replacement and diverter valve repairs, keeping your home safe and your water bills in check.
Taking a shower should be an enjoyable experience, but if your shower won’t stop running, you may get more frustration than relaxation. Even minor shower leaks can waste gallons of water every day and leave you with unnecessarily high water bills. Fortunately, finding the underlying problem and implementing a solution is simple enough if you know where to look.
A damaged shower cartridge is the most likely cause of a shower that won’t stop running. The shower cartridge, located behind the handle used to turn the water on and off, can leak or fail. If your tub faucet or shower head drips even when the water is off, the shower cartridge is likely to blame.
It’s possible to replace the shower cartridge yourself. Shut the water off at your main and open the valve to let it drain. Then, unscrew the shower assembly, remove the clip that holds the cartridge in place, and pull out the cartridge using a pair of pliers or vice grips. Install a new one. In some cases, the rubber O-rings may simply be worn out, in which case, you can replace them for a more affordable fix. You can also call a plumber to get the job done.
Mineral build-up from hard water deposits can create gaps around those O-rings in your shower valve, leading to a shower that won’t stop running. If you notice white deposits on the rings when removing the shower cartridge for replacement—or if you know you have hard water and haven’t replaced the valve in 15 to 20 years—mineral buildup could be the issue.
Shut off the water at the main and remove the shower cartridge. Be careful not to damage any of the components, and take note of how the cartridge is assembled in the valve. Soak the shower cartridge in a mixture of water and white vinegar in a 2:1 ratio for an hour to break up the deposits. Reinstall the cartridge and test for shower leaks.
A faulty diverter can also be the culprit. The diverter is the small plug you pull up or push in to switch the flow of water from your tub spout to your shower head. If shutting the water off stops the flow of water completely, but water drips from your shower head while you’re filling your tub or drips from the tub faucet when you’re showering, the diverter valve is almost certainly to blame.
The easiest solution is to replace the tub faucet if your diverter is located on the faucet itself. If it’s a standalone diverter, you’ll need to replace the diverter valve instead. Both are DIYable if you have some plumbing knowledge, but don’t hesitate to call a pro for help, as the replacement is quick and relatively affordable.
Regardless of the underlying cause of your perpetually running shower, you can DIY the fix if you’re comfortable. You can replace your shower cartridge yourself for as little as $20 in replacement parts, and a new tub spout with a diverter will cost you about the same for a basic fixture.
With that being said, you should always call a local plumber if you feel uncomfortable working with plumbing or don’t have experience. Additionally, if you shut off your water main and find that water is still dripping from your shower head or tub faucet, call a pro ASAP, as you have a more serious problem with your main shut-off.
A shower that won’t stop running is usually a minor issue, but there are a few things you can do to prevent the problem and the resulting increase in water bills.
Be proactive about faucet replacement: It’s easy to wait until there’s an issue to replace the components in your shower, but setting reminders to be proactive can avoid leaks and plumbing emergencies. Aim to replace your shower cartridge—or at least the O-rings inside—every 5 to 10 years and your tub diverter every 10 to 15 years.
Install a water softener: Installing a water softener can help prevent leaking showers if the underlying problem is mineral build-up from hard water. Installing a water softener costs $1,500, on average, but it can extend the life of all your plumbing fixtures and even some appliances.
Schedule annual plumbing inspections: Annual plumbing inspections are a good way to stay ahead of shower leaks. A certified plumber can also catch clogs, leaks, and other common plumbing problems before they become severe.
Positive experience. As previously stated, the replacement/repair could not be completed (no fault of the plumbing tech) b/c misinformation was rec?d by property management maintenance. Thanks to the plumbing tech for your efforts. Appreciate you!
The WaterworksIf you want to pay the most exorbitant prices possible for your job, this is the company for you. “By the job” pricing is a rip-off, at least how these people use it. Every job is plugged into a category and prices are set by category. You might have a job that takes half an hour or one that...
Benjamin Franklin PlumbingCole has been handling plumbing and general contracting for our four properties over the past three years, and he’s always done a great job. Most recently, he installed a sink and countertop in our retail store where none existed before, and it turned out exactly how we needed. He’s...
ANB Renovations LLCMatt is a consummate professional. The work turned out to be far more difficult than expected and rather than turn the job down, Matt rose to the occasion and completed a near impossible task. I can not recommend Greene's Plumbing Service more highly. On a scale of 1-5 I would give Matt a...
Greene's Plumbing ServiceInvolved an extensive bathroom remodel, including removing tub & installing walk in shower, new drywall, custome tile work to ceiling, plumbing, etc. Overall, job was done on time and on budget. Nick & his team were very professional and had high attention to detail. Quality was great. Highly...
Stamos Flooring and Remodeling LLCAwesome company. Had a jacuzzi tub taken out and replaced with huge walk in shower with partial glass enclosure. Onyx to the ceiling with a decorative border, moved plumbing and installed hand held shower, new ceiling, flooring, and paint. Replaced window with glass block. Everything was done...
Columbus Bath DesignThe initial quoted price from a walk-through seemed high, but we discussed that the quote represented worst case scenario (re-wiring to two floors) and we were excited about the opportunity to have the work done in a timely manner with closing for fire safety reasons, etc. When the job was...
Initially, I called the Service People to have a leaking garbage disposal replaced. I had purchased a special deal through Angie's List: $79 for $200-worth of plumbing services. <br /> When I went to schedule the work, the earliest date I could get through Angie's List was after the upcoming...
This company did a very good job on the brick wall and it looks just amazing. The staff was always professional and was practically OCD on how the bricks were stacked and how they were laid. Although it took longer than expected, I am willing to sacrifice time over perfection anyday. The...
My Handy Mate LLC Improvement & Remodeling<p>I am so glad we called Rotor-Rooter. I was hesitant to call them because we usually prefer to give business to local providers. But when we had sewage back up in our basement on a Saturday evening, I had a hard time getting a hold of someone, not to mention the high weekend/evening rate...
Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water CleanupFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Have a broken shower? From clogged drains to grout buildups, use this guide to learn seven common shower problems and how to resolve each one.
Are you wondering why your shower is only getting hot water? It’s an uncommon issue but often an easy one to fix. Learn what causes it and how to fix it.
Dealing with a showerhead that’s not working? Learn what causes this issue, how to diagnose the problem, and what to do about it.
Shower steam can take a toll on your bathroom paint. Learn how to pick the best paint types to resist moisture and prolong your paint's lifespan.
If your shower door has been acting up, it’s time to get it back in working order. You can adjust a shower door with some common adjustments.
If your hot water runs out fast, you've got a problem with your heating system—it's either broken, inefficient, or just not big enough for your family. Find out why you're running out of hot water and what to do about it with our handy guide.
