A shower may drip for a short time after it is turned off simply because water left in the head and hose is draining out. If the drip carries on for a long time or never stops, the valve that controls the water may not be closing fully, often because of a worn cartridge, washer or seal, or a build-up of limescale.
Knowing the difference between normal draining and a real fault can save worry. It can also help you describe the problem clearly if you need a repair.
Normal Draining
After you turn off a shower, some water usually stays in the shower head, the hose and the pipework above the valve. This can drip out for a little while, especially from a large or fixed overhead head.
If the dripping slows and then stops on its own, it is usually nothing to worry about. Hanging a handheld head lower, or leaving it to drain into the tray, can reduce the time it drips.
Worn Valves and Cartridges
If the drip continues long after the shower is off, the valve may be letting water through. Mixer showers, including thermostatic bar valves, use cartridges or washers to shut off the flow. When these wear or become clogged with limescale or debris, they may not seal properly.
A drip that gets heavier over time, or a shower that only stops dripping when the control is turned very firmly, may point to this kind of fault. It does not show exactly which part has failed, as some showers have separate parts for flow and temperature.
Electric Showers
Electric showers heat water inside the unit. If one keeps dripping after it is switched off, the problem may be with parts inside the unit. Do not open an electric shower or try to repair it yourself, as it contains electrical components.
If water is leaking from the shower unit itself, or near the pull cord, isolator switch or wiring, stop using it and seek appropriate professional help. Some faults may need an appropriately qualified electrician rather than a plumber.
What to Do
If the shower has an isolating valve on its supply, and you know where it is and it turns easily, closing it may stop a heavy drip until the shower is repaired.
Note how long the drip lasts and whether it is getting worse. Check whether the drip comes from the head, the hose connection or the valve itself.
A dripping shower can waste water and may leave limescale or staining in the tray or bath. It can also be a sign that the valve will become harder to control.
Our page on shower repair in Poole explains how dripping and faulty showers are assessed and repaired.
If your shower keeps dripping long after it has been turned off, a plumber can check the valve and explain the repair options.