How Do You Repair a Leaking Shower Faucet? A Step-by-Step Guide From Drake Plumbing
A leaking shower faucet may seem small, yet it can waste gallons of water every day and raise utility bills fast. Many homeowners ask how do you repair a leaking shower faucet after hearing that steady drip late at night or spotting stains around the tub.
Most shower leaks start with worn internal parts. Over time, rubber washers dry out, cartridges wear down, and mineral buildup blocks tight seals. As water keeps flowing past those worn pieces, the faucet keeps dripping. That’s why bathtub faucet leaking issues often grow worse if left alone.
Before grabbing tools, it helps to know that shower valves vary by brand and age. Some use cartridges, others rely on compression stems. The steps below explain the general process and help spot when calling Drake Plumbing makes more sense.
How Do You Repair a Leaking Shower Faucet? Turn Off the Water First
Before any repair begins, water flow must stop. Skipping this step leads to soaked walls, floors, and frustration.
1. Shut off the main water supply or the bathroom shutoff valve
This prevents sudden sprays while working inside the valve body. Many homes in St. Tammany Parish and nearby areas rely on a whole-house shutoff near the water meter.
2. Open the shower valve after shutting water off
This releases pressure and drains leftover water from the line. The faucet should stop flowing completely before moving forward.
3. Cover the drain opening
Small screws and clips love to fall into drains. A simple rag avoids losing parts mid-repair.
This step sets the stage for a smoother repair and protects surrounding surfaces.
How Do You Repair a Leaking Shower Faucet? Remove the Handle and Trim Plate
Once water stays off, access to the valve becomes possible.
1. Remove the faucet handle carefully
Most handles use a hidden screw behind a cap or under the lever. Gentle pressure helps avoid cracking older fixtures.
2. Take off the trim plate
This decorative plate hides the valve body inside the wall. A screwdriver removes it, revealing the cartridge or stem.
3. Inspect for moisture or corrosion
Damp drywall or rust signals the leak has been active for a while. In those cases, professional service prevents hidden damage.
This stage reveals the heart of the problem and points to the next fix.
How Do You Repair a Leaking Shower Faucet? Replace the Worn Cartridge or Washer
Here’s where most leaks get resolved.
1. Pull out the cartridge or valve stem
Some models slide straight out, while others need a cartridge puller. Applying steady pressure helps avoid snapping parts.
2. Check O-rings, washers, and seals
Cracks, flattening, or mineral buildup explain why water slips through. Replacing all worn rubber parts prevents repeat leaks.
3. Install the new cartridge or washer snugly
Parts must sit flush inside the valve body. Loose placement leads to continued dripping or uneven water flow.
This step answers the core question of how do you repair a leaking shower faucet in most homes.
How Do You Repair a Leaking Shower Faucet? Reassemble and Test the Repair
Putting everything back together matters just as much as taking it apart.
1. Reinstall the trim plate and handle securely
Screws should feel firm, not forced. Overtightening cracks fixtures.
2. Turn the water supply back on slowly
This allows pressure to return without jolting the valve.
3. Test hot and cold water flow
The faucet should shut off cleanly with no drips. Listen closely for hidden leaks behind the wall.
If dripping continues, the valve body itself may be damaged, and that calls for a trained plumber.
How Do You Repair a Leaking Shower Faucet? Know When to Call Drake Plumbing
Some repairs look simple yet turn complicated fast, especially during a bathroom renovation or when updating older fixtures. Corroded pipes, stuck cartridges, or outdated plumbing layouts raise the risk of damage once walls or trim come off.
Calling Drake Plumbing saves time and prevents costly mistakes. Our team handles how to fix leaky shower problems daily across the Northshore, whether the issue pops up during a planned bathroom renovation or from everyday wear and tear. From cartridge swaps to full valve replacements, repairs stay clean and code-compliant.
Homeowners often reach out after trying a repair that didn’t hold, particularly mid-renovation when timelines matter. That’s common, and help is always available.
How Do You Repair a Leaking Shower Faucet? Local Help Makes a Difference
Leaks don’t wait, and neither should repairs. Drake Plumbing proudly serves homes and businesses as a trusted
- Plumber in St Tammany Parish, including nearby communities such as
- Plumber in Madisonville, LA,
- Plumber in Mandeville, LA,
- Plumber in Covington, LA,
- Plumber in Hammond, LA, and
- Plumber in Ponchatoula, LA.
Fast response and local knowledge help stop leaks before they cause bigger plumbing issues.
Schedule Professional Help With Drake Plumbing Today
Still wondering how do you repair a leaking shower faucet or dealing with a stubborn drip that won’t quit? Drake Plumbing stands ready to help. Call (985) 703 0477 or book service through our contact page.
Fast repairs, honest service, and local care keep showers running smoothly and homes protected.
FAQs: How Do You Repair a Leaking Shower Faucet?
Why does my bathtub faucet keep leaking after the shower is off?
This usually points to a worn cartridge or washer inside the valve. Water slips past damaged seals and exits through the spout.
Can a leaking shower faucet raise my water bill?
Yes. Even small drips waste gallons daily. Over a month, that wasted water shows up on utility bills.
Is it safe to replace a shower cartridge without plumbing experience?
Some homeowners manage it, yet stuck parts or older valves raise the chance of damage. Professional service avoids broken pipes and wall repairs.
How long does a professional shower faucet repair take?
Most repairs take under an hour once the correct part is on hand.
