Diagnose the Leak Location First

  • Leak at the connection point (where head meets arm): The most common. Usually fixed with PTFE tape — the existing tape has worn out or was not applied correctly. See Method 1.
  • Dripping from the nozzle holes when the shower is off: Water trapped inside slowly draining — normal for 30–60 seconds after shutoff. If it continues for minutes, the shower valve or diverter is worn and needs attention.
  • Continuous drip from nozzles: The shower valve (controlled by the tap handle) is not fully closing. The valve cartridge or washer needs replacing — similar to fixing a dripping tap.

Method 1: Fix Connection Leak with PTFE Tape

  1. 1

    Turn off the water and unscrew the shower head

    Turn the shower fully off. Unscrew the shower head from the arm by turning anticlockwise. Protect the finish by wrapping the head with a cloth before using a spanner if needed.

  2. 2

    Remove old tape and clean threads

    Remove any old PTFE tape from the shower arm thread. Clean the threads with an old toothbrush to remove any debris or mineral deposits.

  3. 3

    Wrap 3–4 layers of PTFE tape clockwise

    Starting from the first thread, wrap PTFE tape clockwise (the same direction you screw on the head) around the threads, overlapping each wrap. Apply 3–4 layers — enough to fill the thread gaps. Pull the tape snug as you wrap so it seats into the threads.

  4. 4

    Refit and test

    Hand-tighten the shower head until snug, then a further half to three-quarter turn with a spanner (cloth-protected). Turn water on and check for leaks at the connection. If still dripping, add another layer of PTFE tape.

Method 2: Replace the O-Ring (Internal Leak)

If the leak is inside the shower head connection fitting: unscrew the head, look inside the connection for a rubber O-ring. If it is cracked, flattened or missing, replace it with an identical-sized O-ring from a hardware store ($1–3). Smear a little plumber’s grease on the new O-ring before fitting.

When to call a plumberPTFE tape and O-ring fixes cover most shower head leaks. If the shower valve itself (inside the wall) is leaking or not shutting off fully, that requires accessing the valve cartridge — a moderately complex task. Most plumbers charge $100–200 for a valve cartridge replacement — worth the cost for a reliable fix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — water remaining in the shower head and arm naturally drains for 30–90 seconds after shutoff as the internal parts equalise. This is normal and not a leak. A true leak continues indefinitely after the shower is off and is usually a slow but continuous drip. If the dripping lasts more than 2–3 minutes and produces a meaningful amount of water, the shower valve is not fully closing and needs attention.
PTFE tape (also called Teflon tape or plumber’s tape) is the standard for shower head connections and works excellently. Thread seal compound (pipe dope) is an alternative that some plumbers prefer for metal-to-metal threads. Both are effective — PTFE tape is easier for DIY use, dry to handle, and immediately effective without any curing time.