Have you noticed your showerhead dripping long after you have turned off the faucet handle? Dripping showerheads are a common problem many Perth homeowners face, and it is more than just an annoying sound. A leaky showerhead can lead to bigger issues like water wastage, rising water bills, and even water damage in your bathroom.
In this article, we will unpack the common causes of a dripping showerhead, explain why it keeps leaking hours later, and show you how to fix a leaking shower properly. Whether you are keen on a bit of DIY or ready to call in a licensed plumber, this guide will point you in the right direction.
Contact our team of local Perth Plumbers today!
Common Causes of a Dripping Showerhead
A leaky showerhead does not usually happen overnight. It is often the result of small parts wearing out or water system issues in your house. Here is what might be behind your leaking showerhead.
Worn or Damaged Rubber Washer
The rubber washer inside your shower faucet or tap acts as a seal, stopping water flow when the handle is turned off. Over time, these washers can become worn, cracked, or stiff, letting water sneak through and drip from the entire showerhead.
Faulty Shower Cartridge
If your shower uses a mixer or modern tap setup, it probably relies on a shower cartridge. When this cartridge gets clogged with sediment or wears down, it cannot close the shower valve properly, leading to a leaking showerhead.
High Water Pressure
Excessive water pressure in your plumbing system can push water past seals, even if everything seems turned off. This can make your showerhead leak slowly over hours. Installing a pressure-reducing valve is often the best long-term fix.
Faulty Diverter Valve
If you have a combination bath and shower, the diverter valve sends water between the showerhead and the bath spout. If this valve gets stuck or damaged, it can cause water to leak from the showerhead even when the bath tap is off.
Residual Water or Drainage
Sometimes, it is not a real leak but just leftover water draining out. But if your showerhead is dripping hours later, that is usually a sign of a deeper issue, not just gravity.
Hidden Pipe Leaks
In some cases, the problem is not at the shower faucet or showerhead at all. It is a hidden leak inside your walls or pipes. These can cause pressure drops, strange water behaviour, and long-term water damage if not addressed.
If you suspect this, it is time to call in a licensed plumber for professional leak detection.
How to Stop a Dripping Showerhead
Want to try to fix your showerhead? Here is a step-by-step guide with easy fixes you can try.
Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply
Before you touch anything, make sure you turn off the main water supply or the water shutoff valves connected to your bathroom plumbing. This avoids making the leak worse or causing a flood.
Step 2: Inspect the Entire Showerhead
Remove the entire showerhead from the arm. Check for obvious signs of wear, like cracks or mineral buildup. If it is dirty, soak it in vinegar to break down limescale.
Step 3: Check the Rubber Washer
Inside the connection point, look for the rubber washer. If it looks worn or damaged, you can grab a replacement from your local hardware store. Make sure to match the size and shape.
Step 4: Examine the Shower Cartridge or Diverter Valve
If you have a mixer, you might need to replace the shower cartridge. This can be tricky, so if you are not confident, call a plumber to handle it safely.
For combination setups, check the diverter valve because sometimes simply cleaning or replacing it can stop the leaky shower problem.
Step 5: Monitor Water Pressure
If you suspect high water pressure, ask a licensed plumber to check your system. They might recommend adding a pressure reducer to prevent further leaks and protect your plumbing system.
When Should You Call a Plumber?
While some leaky faucet or showerhead leaking issues can be tackled at home, others definitely need a professional.
Call a plumber if you notice:
- Persistent showerhead dripping despite replacing parts
- Water pooling behind walls or under the floor. These are signs of hidden leaks
- Unusual drops in water pressure or flow
- Rusty or broken internal plumbing parts
Our team at Swan’s Professional Plumbing offers expert service and repairs for all types of shower, tap, and leaky shower issues.
How Swan’s Professional Plumbing Can Help
We know how stressful it can be to deal with a leaky showerhead or leaky faucet in your bathroom. That is why we offer comprehensive plumbing services across Perth and Mandurah, including:
- Diagnosing and fixing leaking showerheads and taps
- Replacing rubber washers, shower cartridges, and seals
- Inspecting your water supply and water pressure
- Finding hidden water leaks before they cause serious water damage
We do not just patch up the surface problem. We look at your whole system to ensure you get a lasting fix.
The Cost of Ignoring a Dripping Showerhead
A single leaky shower might not seem like a big deal, but over time it can lead to:
- Water wastage because a slow drip can waste thousands of litres per year
- Higher water bills, even from a small leak
- Water damage as leaks seep into walls, floors, and foundations
- Plumbing system strain since continuous water flow through worn parts can cause larger failures
Getting on top of the problem early can save you time, money, and stress.
DIY vs Professional Repairs: A Quick Comparison
| DIY Fixes | Call a Plumber |
| Replacing a rubber washer or seal | Replacing a shower cartridge or diverter valve |
| Tightening a loose showerhead connection | Investigating hidden water leaks |
| Cleaning out mineral buildup from the showerhead | Adjusting water pressure or main water supply setup |
| Minor fixes from the local hardware store | Comprehensive plumbing repairs and system checks |
Why Choose Swan’s Plumbing?
If you want to fix a leaking shower yourself, start small and work up. But if you notice signs of a bigger problem or just want peace of mind, give Swan’s Professional Plumbing a ring.
We are your local experts in everything from minor leaks to full system overhauls, serving homes and businesses across Perth and Mandurah.
