How To Fix a Dripping Showerhead

 If the leak comes from your shower valve, water could get behind your bathroom walls, causing dry rot, mould, and structural issues.

Discover what causes shower head leaks and learn how to fix the problem in our step-by-step guide and demo video. 

Here’s what you’ll need to fix a leaking shower head:

• A toothbrush
• White vinegar
• A bucket or container to soak the shower head in
• A towel or cloth
• Replacement washers

Then, follow these steps to solve the problem:

1. Turn off the water supply. Before you get started, turn off the mains water supply. You may need to lay down a towel or cloth to catch any excess water that drips out of the parts.
2. Clean the shower head. Remove your shower head from the hose, then soak it in vinegar for at least 30 minutes. Rinse it with water and use an old toothbrush to remove any stubborn dirt, grime and limescale, paying close attention to the individual nozzles. Rinse it again, then set it aside. 
3. Check for a worn seal. The rubber washer inside the shower head prevents water from leaking between your shower head and hose. If it looks worn or damaged, replace it with a new one. We stock various parts and accessories for Mira shower heads.
4. Reattach the shower head and turn the water on. Put your newly cleaned shower head back together and reattach it to the hose. Then, turn the water supply back on and run your shower to flush out any remaining dirt and grime from the shower head.

If following the steps above hasn’t fixed your leaking shower head and you have a mixer shower, the flow cartridge could be the issue. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• A Phillips screwdriver
• An adjustable wrench
• A replacement flow cartridge

Then, follow these steps to replace the cartridge:

1. Turn off the water. Before starting any repairs, find the stop tap or isolation valve and switch off the water supply. You may still have a dripping shower head when the water is off, but this is likely due to residual water in the hose or pipes. 
2. Remove the cap. Take off the decorative cover (usually where the hot and cold symbols are), then use the screwdriver to remove the cap from the flow cartridge. Use the adjustable spanner to remove the outer ring, and the cartridge can be unscrewed.
3. Fit the new cartridge. After removing the old cartridge, replace it with a new one, ensuring the three holes are lined up correctly. Hand-tighten the cartridge, then use an adjustable spanner to secure it. Don’t over-tighten the cartridge, as it could damage the thread, causing further leaks.
4. Replace the cap. Screw the cap back into place and replace the cover. Turn the water on to test the shower head and check for any signs of leaking, including the areas where parts have been replaced.

Find answers to frequently asked questions about dripping shower heads below.

If you have tried the steps outlined in this guide but the shower head continues leaking, it could be time to replace it. At Mira, we have many different shower heads, so you can easily find a replacement for your bathroom.

Electric showers may leak from the wall unit. This could be due to several reasons: your shower wall unit’s seal is broken, the soldering between the water inlet pipes and the shower valve is damaged, or an internal part needs replacing (like the flow cartridge).

If you can’t diagnose the problem yourself or need help with repairs, arrange a visit from one of our expert engineers.

Electricity and water are a dangerous combination, so you should stop using an electric shower if you notice any leaks. Turn off the shower’s power supply and call a plumber.

Blockages caused by limescale build-up are the leading cause of leaking rain shower heads. Learn how to clean and descale your shower head in our guide.

For more tips on choosing a safe shower head, check out our dedicated guide.