Even after you’ve completely switched the shower off, you notice it constantly drips or even runs as though it’s still on.
This can be problematic and lead to an increase in both your electric and water bills.
As a result, you need to know why this is happening and how you might be able to fix it.
Luckily, I’ve done the hard work for you. I’ve written this handy guide that explains why your shower might constantly be running and the steps you can take to fix the issues.
Anything from a loose faucet to a faulty valve, you’ll need more information.
Ready to learn more? Then read on and discover the answers.
Causes: Water Coming Out Of The Shower Head
When water is still coming out of your shower head after you have switched the shower off entirely, there could be a variety of reasons for this.
It’s important to remember that your plumbing is built up of various gaskets, valves and seals.
These components keep the water flowing and stop the water flowing as and when it is meant to be.
Of course though, when just one of these components ceases to function correctly, you will likely have a problem.
Here are some of the main reasons why water might still be coming out of your shower head after the shower has been turned off.
The Faucet Is Loose
Faucets like the one found in your shower have a tiny screw within the handle that keeps them in their intended place.
In order for the faucet to turn the water on and off and prevent any leaks, the screw must be tight.
When this screw is loose, the faucet unit itself will not be strong enough to provide a tight seal, which means when the water is off, leaks will come out of the shower head.
Of course, there are variations to the severity of this problem.
Sometimes this screw will be loose, other times it will be broken and sometimes it slips off entirely.
The Cartridge Or Valve Is Faulty
A cartridge or valve in your shower is there to regulate both the temperature and the flow of water as you turn the shower handle.
These two terms are used interchangeably, so don’t worry about having two damaged components.
However, when this component is faulty, the flow of water from the mains supply will continue to happen through to the shower head, despite the shower being switched off.
This is because the component does not have a tight enough seal to the control knob/handle.
Excessive Condensation
A less likely reason for water continuously pouring out of your shower head is because of excessive condensation.
This is usually caused by hot water reacting with cold bathtubs and then the moisture and humidity is not being allowed to escape.
You can quickly check if this is the problem by opening a window or switching on your extractor fan.
If you notice the water has stopped flowing out of your shower head in under 10 minutes, then this was likely the cause.
Be sure to use a cloth on the shower head to confirm this. You may also want to clean your shower head to ensure there’s no clogging or damage at the same time.
Solutions: Water Coming Out Of Shower Head
Depending on what your cause is, the solution might change.
Generally speaking if you have a loose faucet, you can simply tighten it at home and this should solve your problem.
However, if you have a faulty valve or faulty cartridge, you will need to replace it.
If all else fails, you will need to contact a professional plumber to examine the problem.
Let’s take a look at some of your potential solutions below.
Tighten The Faucet
If you discover that the problem is down to a loose faucet, all you will need to do is tighten it.
It’s a relatively simple process. All you need to do is follow the steps I’ve written here:
Switch off the water at the mains supply
Open the faucet’s cover plate by using a flat-head screwdriver
Begin to tighten the handle screw under the plate using a screwdriver
If a screwdriver does not work, use a spanner
Put the cover plate back on
Switch the water’s main supply back on and check to see if this has fixed it
If the water has stopped flowing, then of course this step has worked.
However, if it hasn’t fixed the issue, try to do the process again. If this still hasn’t worked, it might not be the problem.
Replace The Valve Or Cartridge
As applicable, you might notice that you need to replace the valve or cartridge.
Once again, you will need to switch the water off at the mains supply and gain access underneath the cover plate, so you’ll need to use a flat-head screwdriver.
Once you have done this, you will need to identify the screw or nut and turn it counterclockwise.
This should release it and then you need to remove the handle.
The screw you have released will be holding a cartridge which you can then slide off.
You need to be careful here though because the cartridge tends to have very small parts which can easily be damaged or fall off.
With your new cartridge, apply the lubricant that comes with it and then align it to the correct areas in terms of hot and cold.
Finally, tighten the bolt clockwise until you know it is fully in place and stable.
The same process applies if you have a faulty valve rather than a cartridge.
Once you have done all these steps, switch the water back on at the mains and assess to see if the water has stopped running.
If it has, then your problem should be fixed. However, if the water continues to leak, then you might need to repeat the steps or tighten your replacements.
Call Out A Professional
If you have tried all of the above steps but you are still having problems, or the water is coming out at an alarming rate, then you will need to contact a professional plumber.
If your water is causing serious leaks, then you need to call them right away, even out of hours.
Many plumbing professionals offer emergency call out services 24 hours a day.
You may need to pay a little more, but it will save you money in the long run because water damages can be astronomical financially.
Frequently Asked Questions
I will now take you through some of the most frequently asked questions about this topic. I hope I can answer anything you are looking for.
Why Is My Tub And Shower Running At The Same Time?
There are a few reasons for this, but one of the most common reasons why your tub and shower runs at the same time is because of a faulty shower-diverter valve.
This valve regulates the flow of water between the two water sources.
Damage to this valve can be caused in a number of ways, but more often than not it is due to clogging.
Eventually, this can actually stop the water from flowing out of both.
How Do I Fix It?
To fix this above problem, you should:
Switch the water off at the mains
Open the shower-diverter valve
Check for damages or clogs
Clean it and replace the valve if necessary
Switch the water back on at the mains
Check again
When Do I Need To Call A Professional?
There’s a number of times when you might need to call out a professional. Of course, you will want to follow these steps first which can save you money from plumber call-outs.
Primarily though, call a professional if you have an enormous amount of water leaking, your leak is causing damage or you cannot use your bath or shower anymore.
If you are unsure about your problem, despite its size, it might be a good idea to call out a professional plumber anyway as trying to do it yourself could be detrimental to the process.
It really comes down to your own personal preference.
Why Won’t My Moen Shower Switch Off?
Moen showers tend to continue due to a faulty cartridge. Refer to my guide above on how to replace a cartridge, and once again – if you are having trouble – you should probably contact a professional to help solve the problem for you.
Final Thoughts
If your home shower won’t stop running, there could be several reasons for this. Luckily, now you know the main causes and solutions to this really annoying problem!
With cleaning trends and DIYs becoming more popular online every day, I feel like I am in my element. Hi, my name is Adrienne Carrie Hubbard and I have been finding creative hacks and tricks for cleaning for over 15 years now.
I enjoy looking for tips on how to clean the overall home, with a special interest in the bathroom. It’s the most difficult room to clean, after all! Yet the most important.
I run a Facebook group called Cottagecore DIY and Decor with over 18,000 members called Cottagecore DIY and Decor. We were even nominated for a Facebook Community Award in 2021!
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