How to Fix a Dripping Shower Head: Replacing Washers, O-Rings, and Cartridges (2026)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does a shower head drip after you turn off the water?

The drip is not coming from the shower head — it is water left in the supply pipe draining out through the shower head after shutoff. Some dripping immediately after shutoff (5–10 seconds) is normal — the water in the pipe above the valve simply runs out. A drip that continues for minutes or doesn't stop is caused by the valve not fully seating: a worn cartridge, worn O-ring, or deteriorated seat washer in the valve body is allowing water to pass through even when the handle is closed. Replacing the cartridge or internal seals stops the drip. If cleaning lime buildup off the shower head fixed a reduced-flow issue but the drip remains, the valve is the culprit.

How do I identify whether I have a cartridge valve, ball valve, or ceramic disc valve?

Look at the handle: (1) Single lever that rotates up and down (or side to side) for temperature: this is usually a cartridge valve (Moen, Price Pfister, Delta). (2) Round single handle that rotates and pulls out: often a cartridge or ball valve. (3) Three-hole tub/shower set with separate hot and cold handles: two-handle compression faucets with seat washers, or ceramic disc cartridges. Cartridge valves are the most common in modern single-handle showers. To confirm: remove the handle and look inside — a cartridge valve has a plastic or brass cartridge cylinder that pulls straight out. A ball valve has a ball mechanism with rubber seats. The cartridge is the most DIY-friendly repair.

How do I remove a stuck or corroded shower cartridge?

Moen cartridges in particular can become seized after years of service. Do not force them out with pliers — you may break the plastic. Moen sells a cartridge puller tool (PN 104318) for $10 that threads over the cartridge and provides mechanical leverage. For non-Moen stuck cartridges: apply penetrating oil (PB Blaster) around the cartridge base and let soak 30 minutes. Use cartridge puller pliers or wide-jaw pliers with a cloth to protect the cartridge surface. Pull straight out — do not twist. If the cartridge breaks during removal: call a plumber, as pieces inside the valve body require professional extraction.

My two-handle shower leaks from one handle. Is the repair different?

Two-handle shower faucets (separate hot and cold) typically use compression valves with a rubber seat washer, or separate cartridges. Identify which handle is leaking: turn off water, remove the leaking handle, unscrew the packing nut, and pull out the stem. At the bottom of the stem: a rubber seat washer held by a brass screw. If the washer is flat, cracked, or compressed: replace it (seat washers are sold by size in hardware stores, typically #10 or #11 for showers). Reinstall and test. If the seat itself is damaged: a seat wrench can remove and replace the brass seat in the valve body. Ceramic disc cartridges in two-handle valves simply unplug and replace.

After replacing the cartridge, the water still drips. What did I miss?

Check these things if the drip persists: (1) The new cartridge is not fully seated — push it in firmly until it clicks or bottoms out before securing the retaining clip. (2) The cartridge is not the right part — cartridge numbers matter. Even within a brand, different valve generations take different cartridges. Verify the cartridge number against the valve serial number or bring the old cartridge to the store. (3) The valve seat is damaged — the brass or stainless seat inside the valve body that the cartridge seals against is pitted or corroded. A damaged seat will leak past any cartridge. A seat grinder tool resurfaces the seat; a plumber can also replace the entire valve body.

Dripping shower head after shutoff: the drip comes from the valve body, not the shower head. (1) Turn off the water supply to the shower — either at the shower shutoff valve or the main.

The drip comes from the valve body, not the shower head — the shower head is just where the water exits.

What you need

• Replacement shower cartridge (match to your valve brand and model)
• Screwdriver (Phillips and flathead)
• Cartridge puller pliers or Moen cartridge puller tool
• Needle-nose pliers
• Plumber’s grease
• Towels and bucket

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Step 1: Turn off the water

Locate the shower shutoff valve (behind an access panel, in a closet, or under the house). Turn it off. Open the shower valve to release pressure and drain residual water.

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Step 2: Remove the handle

Pry off the decorative cap on the handle with a flathead screwdriver. Remove the screw beneath. Pull the handle straight off.

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Step 3: Remove the retaining clip and cartridge

Look for a U-shaped retaining clip or nut that holds the cartridge in place. Remove it with needle-nose pliers. Grip the cartridge stem with cartridge puller pliers and pull straight out.

Note the orientation of the cartridge before removing — mark the top with a marker or take a photo.

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Step 4: Install the new cartridge

Apply plumber’s grease to the O-rings on the new cartridge. Insert the new cartridge in the same orientation as the old one. Push firmly until fully seated. Replace the retaining clip.

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Step 5: Reassemble and test

Replace the handle, tighten the screw, snap on the decorative cap. Turn the water supply back on. Test: turn the shower off and observe — the drip should be gone within 30 seconds.

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Related guides

• How to Fix a Leaky Shower Valve — valve repairs beyond cartridge replacement
• How to Replace a Shower Head — shower head replacement after fixing the valve
• How to Fix Low Water Pressure in Shower — flow issues after plumbing repairs