Why does my shower head drip after I turn it off?
A few drips shortly after a shower are often just water draining from the head and hose. Dripping that continues for a long time, starts again by itself or happens constantly can point to a valve that is no longer shutting off properly.
When is dripping normal?
Water remains inside the shower head, handset and hose when you turn the shower off. As air enters, that trapped water can drain through the spray holes. Large overhead heads tend to hold more water, so they may drip for longer than a small handset.
Changing the angle of a handset can also release a little more water. If the dripping slows and stops soon after use, and does not return until the next shower, it is usually normal drainage rather than a plumbing leak.
Why might it keep dripping?
A mixer shower uses internal valves or a cartridge to stop the water. If seals are worn, damaged by debris or affected by limescale, a small amount of water can pass even when the control is off. An electric shower can develop a similar symptom, but its internal parts and electrical supply mean it should be checked by someone qualified for that type of appliance.
A build-up of limescale in the spray holes can make trapped water drain unevenly, but cleaning the head will not repair a valve that is letting fresh water through. High or changing water pressure may make an existing valve problem more noticeable.
How can I tell the difference?
Dry the shower head and tray after use, then check again later. Normal drainage should gradually stop. If fresh droplets keep forming for hours, the shower drips when nobody has used it, or moving the on-off control changes the drip, the shut-off valve or cartridge is more likely to need attention.
You can remove and descale a detachable shower head following its manufacturer's instructions. Do not dismantle the shower valve, remove an electric shower cover or force a stiff control. Those jobs can involve concealed water connections, temperature settings and, with electric showers, mains electricity.
When should I arrange a repair?
Ask a suitable plumber or shower engineer to investigate constant dripping, a control that will not turn off cleanly, sudden temperature changes or water appearing around the valve rather than from the head. The shower make and model can help them identify the correct cartridge or seals.
Stop using the shower and isolate it safely if the flow increases, water reaches electrical fittings or an electric shower behaves unusually. A persistent drip may look minor, but it can waste water, leave marks on the tray and encourage limescale over time.
Quick dripping-shower checklist
- Notice whether the drip slows and stops shortly after use.
- Dry the head and check whether fresh water appears later.
- Clean a removable head only as its instructions recommend.
- Do not open an electric shower or force a stiff control.
- Note the shower make and model before arranging parts.
- Get constant dripping or leaks around the valve checked.