It starts with a drip. Just a slow, steady tap-tap-tap. You ignore it for a day or two. Then suddenly, it's all you can hear. A shower faucet that won’t stop dripping is more than just an annoyance; it can waste gallons of water every week and drive up your water bill. If you're reading this, chances are you're either ready to fix it yourself or seeking a trusted plumber to address the issue. Either way, we’ve got you covered. And yes, if you’ve heard of Mr. Rooter Plumbing, they’ve helped many people handle this exact situation.
Why Is My Shower Faucet Dripping?
Let’s start with the basics. That constant drip usually means something inside your faucet isn’t working the way it should. Here are a few common reasons:
- Worn-out washers or seals – These rubber parts help stop water flow when you turn the handle off. Over time, they crack or flatten.
- Corroded valve seats – These connect the faucet and spout. If they wear down, water can sneak through.
- Bad cartridge – If you have a single-handle faucet, the cartridge could be damaged or clogged.
- High water pressure – It may sound counterintuitive, but if your water pressure is too high, it can cause leaks, especially at night when usage drops.
No matter what’s causing it, a dripping shower is something you don’t want to ignore. It may seem small, but it adds up fast.
Tools You Might Need
If you’re thinking of fixing it yourself, you’ll need a few basic tools:
- Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
- Adjustable wrench or pliers
- Replacement parts (washers, cartridges, O-rings, depending on your faucet)
- Plumber’s tape
Before starting any shower repair, be sure to turn off the water supply. That might sound obvious, but it’s one of those steps you don’t want to forget.
Step-by-Step Fix for a Leaky Faucet
Here’s a general idea of what to do. Keep in mind, different faucet types need different steps, but this gives you a simple overview:
- Turn off the water supply.Look for the shut-off valve near your shower or turn off the main water line.
- Plug the drain.You don’t want small screws or washers disappearing down the drain.
- Remove the handle.Use a screwdriver to unscrew the handle and pull it off.
- Take out the cartridge or stem.Depending on your faucet, you’ll either unscrew a bonnet nut or pull out a cartridge.
- Inspect the parts.Look for worn washers, broken O-rings, or mineral buildup.
- Replace what’s needed.Bring the parts to a hardware store to get exact matches.
- Reassemble and test.Reassemble everything, turn on the water, and check for leaks.
If everything goes smoothly, you’re done. However, if you encounter issues, don’t stress. It’s okay to call in a plumbing repair service when the job feels a little over your head.
When to Call a Pro
Sometimes DIY just isn’t enough. Here are signs you should call a plumber instead of going it alone:
- You can’t figure out what’s leaking
- You fixed one drip, but now another part is leaking
- Water pressure has suddenly dropped
- You don’t have the right tools
- You’re not sure what kind of faucet you have
Trying to fix the wrong part can lead to further damage and even more costly repairs. A professional knows how to identify hidden problems and address them effectively.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing is one of those names homeowners often turn to when they want a reliable fix. Their teams are trained to handle all kinds of shower repair jobs, and they’ll make sure your faucet stops dripping, for good.
The Hidden Costs of Waiting
Let’s say your faucet drips once every two seconds. That’s about 30 drops a minute. In a day, that’s over 4,000 drops, nearly a gallon of wasted water. In a year? More than 300 gallons. And that’s just a slow leak. If it worsens, it could damage your tile, wall, or even cause mold to form behind the scenes.
This is why hiring a plumbing repair service can save you money in the long run. Fixing a drip now is always cheaper than dealing with a major water issue later.
Not Sure What’s Wrong? Don’t Guess
There’s no shame in needing help. Plumbing can be tricky, especially with newer homes or older fixtures. If you’ve tried replacing parts and the issue persists, something more serious may be at play. That’s when you call the pros.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing has encountered nearly every type of leaky faucet imaginable. Whether it’s a simple washer replacement or a full-on valve fix, they’ll get the job done right. And they won’t leave a mess behind either.
Fix That Drip Before It Gets Worse
If your shower repair turns into a guessing game, or you simply don’t have time to take it apart, call a plumber who knows what to do. Don’t let a little drip turn into a big deal. Whether you opt for the DIY route or hire a trusted plumbing repair service, the most important thing is not to wait.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing can help stop the drip and give you peace of mind. Because when it comes to your home, the little things matter.
