Shower Turned Off But Water Still Running? [Solved]

Showerhead problems can be very annoying, especially those related to leaks. And let’s not forget to mention that these issues make you waste a ton of water. But have you wondered what causes the shower turned off but water still running problem?

A faulty cartridge, broken o-rings, defective valve, loosely installed shower head, and loose handle screws can make the water run when the shower is turned off.

Want to know how you can fix the issue? Well, you really do not have to go through any hassles. Keep on reading to learn all there’s to it!

Why Is My Shower Still Running When Turned Off?

Before getting to the troubleshooting process, you must first have a clear idea of the root causes. It will help you to go through each of the steps correctly.

So, here’s a brief description of the things that can make the water run when the shower is turned off –

1. Faulty Cartridge

If you have closed the shower handle and water is still coming out, it generally indicates that the cartridge has an issue. In case you are wondering, the cartridge is the part that controls the amount of hot and cold water output.

It also stops the water from flowing. So, if you have asked yourself what is the part that turns the shower on and off, now you know the answer.

2. Defective Valve

The valve could also cause the water to come out when the shower is turned off. At the core, the valve controls the flow of the water. It’s one of the integral parts of the system.

3. Broken O-rings

O-rings in faucets and shower heads create a seal and ensure no leak. But they can wear down over time, eventually making the water come out even when the handle is closed.

4. Loosely installed showerhead and handle

Improper showerhead installation may also be why you are seeing water come out even when the handle is closed. The same thing applies to the handle.

5. Defective showerhead faucet

Got yourself an electric shower? If there’s a problem with the electronics, it can fail to stop the flow when you have turned it off. Problems with the circuit can even prevent the electric shower from turning on.

How to Fix Dripping Shower Head

So, you will need to go through a systematic approach to fix this issue as it’s not easy to tell which part is exactly causing the problem. Let’s guide you through –

1. Tighten the faucet and the handle

Before anything else, you need to start with the easy fixes that could eliminate the issue. First, close the shut-off valve that’s connected to the shower. Then, remove the cover plate of the handle with a flat screwdriver.

Check whether the screw is tightened correctly. If not, you should rotate it clockwise. Do the same with the showerhead if you find it to be loose. That is, turn it clockwise to tighten it.

2. Check the O-rings

If the issue was not a loose handle or the showerhead, broken o-rings might be the ones to blame. Disassemble the handle by removing the screw that’s under the cover plate. And to get the showerhead off, you need to use a wrench or pliers.

Once they are off, you should see white, transparent, or black rubber rings. Check whether they appear worn, stretched out, or damaged. If so, install new ones. It’s possible to get a bag of o-rings for around $6.

Put things back in place and see whether the water is still running out of the shower when the handle is off.

3. Replace the valve or cartridge

Still seeing water come out of the shower when the handle is closed? In that case, you need to focus on the valve or the cartridge. This will be a little lengthy process, but things can get easy if you follow these steps –

Here, you need to make sure that you are handling the small parts correctly. Depending on your shower system, there can be retainer clips, which you will need to use with the new cartridge part.

And in case you are wondering, you will be looking to spend anywhere from $200 to $400 to replace the cartridge.

How Can I Determine If the Diverter Valve Is the Issue?

There are some ways to determine whether the diverter valve has gone faulty. You need to check whether you see these signs –

1. Limited Water Flow

Turn the handle all the way and check if the flow of the showerhead is limited or weak. If so, it could indicate that the diverter showerhead is faulty.

2. Water coming from both the showerhead and spout

Is both the faucet and showerhead giving out water? In that case, the showerhead diverter might be faulty, and you must replace it.

3. Leaks

A broken or faulty diverter valve will cause leaks. And it does not matter whether the shower or the faucet is leaking. Both of them hint that there’s a possibility that the diverter valve has gone faulty.

Maintenance Tips for Shower System

You can make the shower system work flawlessly for a prolonged period by following some easy maintenance tips, which are –

Final Words

Regarding the shower turned off but water still running issue, usually the cartridge is the one to blame. But the problem can also come up for a loosely held handle or shower.

Nonetheless, now that you know everything you need to do, you should not stress out when the problem does creep up. But if the issue persists after going through all the steps, the shower might be faulty. Consider getting it checked by a plumber.