If you hear a steady dripping after you shut off the shower, you are not alone. A leaky shower head wastes water, raises bills, and can stain fixtures. The good news: most leaks come from a short list of issues you can spot quickly. As your local pros at Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Waterford, MI, we are here to help you understand common causes, simple checks, and when to call for shower repair.
Why Is My Shower Head Dripping?
A drip usually means water is sneaking past a worn part inside the faucet or valve—or pressure and minerals are pushing water where it should not go. Start with these four usual suspects.
1) Worn Washer or O-Ring (Fastest Fix)
Rubber and silicone parts inside your faucet handle take a beating. Over time they flatten, crack, or harden.
Signs
- Drip slows or stops if you jiggle the handle
- Drip changes with handle position
- You see a split or flattened O-ring during disassembly
DIY Check
- Turn off water to the shower (usually behind an access panel or the home’s main shutoff).
- Remove the handle and trim.
- Inspect and replace the washer/O-ring that seals the stem or cartridge.
- Reassemble and test.
Pro Tip: Bring the old parts to the hardware store to match size and thickness. If the seat is pitted, you may need a new seat or a stem repair kit.
2) Failing Cartridge or Valve Seat (Most Common Modern Issue)
Many modern faucets use a cartridge to mix hot and cold. When the cartridge wears or debris damages its seals, water bypasses and the shower head keeps dripping.
Signs
- Leak continues even after replacing basic washers
- Stiff or gritty handle movement
- Temperature swings or difficulty finding a stable mix
Solution
- Replace the cartridge with the exact model for your faucet brand.
- If the valve seat is damaged, it may need resurfacing or replacement.
When to Call Kotz
If the valve is behind tile or you do not know the brand/model, our licensed plumbers can identify parts, protect your tile, and complete the plumbing repair cleanly and quickly.
3) Mineral Buildup & Scale (Michigan Water Reality)
Oakland County water can leave scale that clogs spray nozzles and interferes with internal seals. Buildup creates back-pressure and pathways for water to seep through.
Signs
- White or green crust on the face of the shower head
- Uneven spray or jets shooting sideways
- Newer faucet still drips
DIY Refresh
- Soak the shower head overnight in white vinegar, then rinse.
- For stubborn scale, use a soft brush; avoid metal tools that scratch.
- If the faucet internals are scaled, a pro cleaning or part replacement may be faster and longer-lasting.
Prevention
Ask us about simple filtration or water treatment options that protect fixtures and improve feel.
4) High Water Pressure (The Silent Culprit)
Excessive pressure forces water past seals and shortens the life of cartridges, O-rings, and seats.
Signs
- Loud pipe noises or “hammer” when shutting water off
- Frequent leaks at multiple fixtures
- Pressure at taps feels harsh
Fix
- Have our team measure pressure. Ideal residential pressure is typically 50–60 psi.
- If needed, we install or adjust a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) to protect the entire home.
Quick DIY Checklist (Before You Call)
- Tighten: Ensure the shower head and arm are snug (hand-tight plus a slight turn with padded pliers).
- Tape: Wrap fresh PTFE thread tape on the shower arm threads if you see leaks at the joint.
- Clean: Descale the head; many “leaks” are just spray trapped by mineral deposits.
- Replace small parts: Washers and O-rings are inexpensive and often cure the drip.
If the drip continues, the cartridge or valve body likely needs attention—an ideal time to call Kotz for reliable plumbing leak diagnosis.
When a Leaky Shower Head Becomes a Bigger Problem
A small drip can add up to hundreds of gallons a year. Worse, hidden moisture can stain grout, swell drywall, or feed organic growth behind walls. If you notice damp smells, soft walls, or stains on ceilings below the bathroom, schedule plumbing leak repair right away.
Upgrade Opportunities During Repair
Leaky shower fixes are a perfect moment to:
- Refresh the trim for a clean, modern look
- Switch to a water-saving head without losing comfort
- Add scald-guard or thermostatic control for safer showers
- Consider filtration to reduce scale and extend fixture life
Our team can guide you through trusted brands and finishes that fit your style and budget.
Why Homeowners in Oakland County Choose Kotz
Since 1929, Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing has delivered quality workmanship, honesty, integrity, and personalized attention to homeowners in Waterford and across Oakland County. We stand behind the reliable products we install from trusted manufacturers, and we treat your home with care—shoe covers on, clean work areas, and clear communication from start to finish.
Leaky Shower Head Repair in Waterford, MI
Whether you want to repair a leaky shower head, replace a worn faucet cartridge, or check your home’s water pressure, our licensed plumbers make it easy.
Call Kotz Heating, Cooling & Plumbing today or schedule online for fast, friendly plumbing repair in Waterford and the surrounding Oakland County communities. We will stop the drip, protect your home, and help your shower feel brand new.
