How to Fix a Leaking Shower That Won’t Stop Dripping

Don't ignore a Leaking Shower

A leaking shower is more than just a minor plumbing annoyance — it affects your comfort, your home, and your wallet.

• Rising water bills – Even a slow drip can waste hundreds of litres of water every week. That constant trickle adds up quickly, leaving you paying for water you never use.
• Moisture damage – Continuous leaks allow moisture to seep into walls, floors, and ceilings. Over time, this can cause structural issues, damage to tiles and grout, and expensive repairs if left untreated.
• Everyday frustration – Beyond the costs, a dripping shower is simply irritating. The sound of water dripping, a bathroom that never fully dries, and the appearance of mould or damp smells can make the space unpleasant to use.

Fixing your leaking shower promptly not only prevents damage and keeps bills down — it also restores peace of mind and comfort in your home.

Common Causes of a Leaking Shower

A shower that won’t stop dripping is usually a sign that something inside the fittings or pipework has worn out or failed. Here are the most common reasons:

• Worn or damaged washers – The washer inside the tap is designed to stop the flow of water when you turn the tap off. Over time, it can wear down or crack, allowing water to keep seeping through. This is the most common cause of a dripping shower.
• Faulty shower cartridges – In mixer taps, the cartridge controls the flow and temperature of water. When it fails, the shower may continue to leak even when turned off.
• Old or corroded O-rings and seals – Rubber seals and O-rings keep fittings watertight, but as they age, they can harden or deteriorate, leading to persistent drips.
• Water pressure problems – Excessively high water pressure puts extra strain on washers, cartridges, and seals, causing them to wear out faster and leak.
• Hidden pipe leaks – Sometimes the problem isn’t the showerhead at all but the pipework behind the wall. These leaks are harder to spot but can cause serious water damage if left untreated.

In many cases, replacing a small part will solve the problem — but for hidden or complex issues, a professional plumber is the safest option.

Why is shower still dripping even after replacing the washer?

If the drip continues after replacing the washer, the problem may be with the cartridge, O-rings, or even the pipework behind the wall. In this case, a plumber will need to inspect the system to find the true cause.

When DIY Fixes Won’t Work

While replacing washers or cartridges can often solve a leaking shower, not every problem can be fixed with a simple DIY approach. In some cases, calling a licensed plumber is the only way to properly resolve the issue.

• Leaks inside the wall – If water is seeping into the wall cavity, the problem goes beyond the showerhead. Hidden pipe leaks require specialist tools and expertise to locate and repair without causing unnecessary damage to your bathroom.
• Persistent leaks after replacement – If you’ve already swapped out the washer or cartridge and the shower still drips, it may indicate a deeper fault in the plumbing system or a poorly sealed connection.
• Visible water damage or mould – Stains, damp patches, or mould on walls and ceilings are signs that water is leaking where it shouldn’t. Leaving it too long risks structural damage and costly repairs.
• Older plumbing systems – Homes with ageing or corroded pipework may need more than a quick part replacement. A professional plumber can assess whether sections of your system need upgrading to prevent recurring leaks.

Knowing when to step back and call a plumber saves time, frustration, and money in the long run — and ensures the repair is done properly the first time.

How much water does a leaking shower waste per day?

A slow drip can waste up to 20 litres of water per day, while a faster leak may waste hundreds of litres. Over weeks and months, this adds significantly to your water bill.

Professional Shower Leak Repairs in Adelaide

When a leaking shower won’t stop dripping no matter what you try, it’s time to call in the experts. At Best Plumbing Adelaide, we’ve been repairing showers and fixing leaks across Adelaide for more than 30 years. Our licensed plumbers have the tools, training, and experience to quickly identify the cause of the problem and provide a long-lasting solution.

We use advanced leak detection equipment to locate hidden leaks behind walls and floors without unnecessary damage to your bathroom. Whether it’s a faulty cartridge, a corroded seal, or leaking pipework, our team can repair or replace the components and restore your shower to perfect working order.

Best Plumbing services all Adelaide suburbs, offering prompt, same-day repairs for urgent leaks. Our goal is to save you money on wasted water, protect your home from further damage, and give you back a bathroom that’s comfortable and reliable to use.

From small repairs to major plumbing issues, Adelaide homeowners trust Best Plumbing to get the job done right the first time.



Get your leaking shower fixed today! Call Best Plumbing today on (08) 8261 0165 or contact us online and get your leaking shower fixed by Adelaide’s trusted plumbing professionals.