Quick answer
A shower head that drips for a minute or two after you turn it off is usually just water draining from the pipe above the valve. A steady drip that never stops means the shower valve's cartridge, washers or seats have worn and are letting water through. Shut off the water, remove the handle and replace the cartridge with an exact match. If the valve has no shutoff stops or the cartridge is seized, call a plumber. Call (888) 217-6781 to reach a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP.
Follow the short menu, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for a few seconds while it connects; stay on. If it does not connect, call once more: companies taking calls change minute to minute.
Written & reviewed by Marcus ReedIICRC WRT
Reviewed November 4, 2026· Next review May 2027
A shower head that drips for a minute or two after you shut it off is normal: the water sitting in the pipe between the valve and the head drains out. A drip that keeps going, or restarts after an hour, means the shower valve is letting water through when it is closed.
Tell Draining From Leaking
| What you see | What it is |
|---|---|
| Drips that slow and stop within a couple of minutes | Water draining from the shower arm and head |
| Steady drip that never stops | Worn cartridge, washers or seats in the valve |
| Drip only after using hot water | Hot side seal, or a cartridge that sticks when warm |
| Drip from the tub spout, not the head | Diverter or valve; see bathtub faucet leaking |
| Water behind the wall or on the ceiling below | Leak at the valve body or pipes; see leak in wall behind shower |
The Repair
- 1Shut off the water. Some valves have stops behind the trim plate that turn with a screwdriver; otherwise close the main.
- 2Remove the handle and trim plate. Note how the cartridge is oriented.
- 3Pull the cartridge. Some need a cartridge puller; do not force a seized one, because a cracked valve body is a wall-opening repair.
- 4Fit an exact replacement, grease the O-rings with plumber's silicone grease, reassemble and test both hot and cold.
On older two- or three-handle showers, the fix is usually new washers and seats instead of a cartridge.
Talk to a plumber about this
One call reaches a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP.
When It Needs a Plumber
- No stops at the valve and you cannot shut off the main.
- The cartridge is seized or the brand is unknown.
- The valve body is corroded or cracked and must be replaced inside the wall.
- Water shows in the wall or ceiling below.
A dripping shower is not urgent the way a burst pipe is, but EPA WaterSense counts leaky shower heads among the common household leaks that add up on the bill. See faucet repair.
The Call
Call when you cannot shut the water off at the valve, the cartridge will not come out, or there is water behind the wall. (888) 217-6781 connects you to a plumbing company taking calls in your ZIP. Follow the short menu, enter your 5-digit ZIP and stay on while it connects; if it does not connect, call once more, because the companies taking calls change minute to minute.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for a shower head to drip after turning it off?
For a short time, yes: water left in the pipe and head drains out. A drip that continues for hours means the valve is leaking.
Why is my shower head dripping even when off?
The cartridge or the washers and seats in the shower valve are worn, or grit is holding it open.
Can I fix a dripping shower head myself?
Often, if the valve has shutoff stops or you can turn off the main, and the cartridge comes out. A seized cartridge or a valve that needs replacing behind the wall is a plumber's job.
Sources
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Disclaimer: HearthDry is an independent educational resource. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or insurance advice. Consult licensed professionals before making decisions about your property or insurance claims.
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