No Matter What I Do My Shower Won't Fully Turn Off! Solutions Inside

Is your shower handle fully turned off, yet water continues to drip persistently from the showerhead? This leaking and dripping can be terribly annoying, not to mention wasteful. You keep turning the shower handle and trying different angles, pushing it as tight as possible, but nothing seems to fully stop the water flow. Don't worry, you're not alone! Many homeowners deal with showers that won't completely shut off. The good news is that with some troubleshooting and maintenance, you can likely fix this pesky issue.

Read on to learn why your shower might not be shutting off and how to troubleshoot the problem yourself before calling a plumber.

Main Reasons A Shower Won't Turn Off

There are several possible culprits that could explain why your shower won't fully turn off. Here are some of the most common causes:

Mineral Buildup in Fixtures

If you live in an area with hard water, mineral deposits like calcium and limescale can accumulate in shower parts like the showerhead, valves, and pipes. Over time, this mineral buildup can clog up components, causing them to not function properly. The deposits may prevent valves from fully closing and shutting off the water.

Diagnosing Mineral Buildup

Some signs that point to mineral deposits being the cause include:

• Visible white, yellow, or gray residue around fixtures
• Reduced water flow from showerhead
• Dripping or leaking from the showerhead when water is turned off

Removing Mineral Deposits

To remove built-up mineral deposits in the shower caused by hard water, try these methods:

• Use a commercial descaling spray cleaner formulated for showers.
• Soak shower parts in white vinegar, then scrub with an old toothbrush.
• Replace severely clogged parts like the showerhead or valves.

Worn Out Rubber Washers

Most shower valves use rubber washers to help seal and stop water flow when closed. Over years of use, these rubber washers corrode and degrade. Cracked or brittle washers allow water to continue passing through the valve, resulting in drips and leaks even when shut off.

Detecting Worn Washers

Signs your shower valve washers need replacing include:

• Visible cracks, tears, dryness or brittleness of washers
• Water dripping from the closed shower valve

Replacing Old Washers

To fix a leaky shower valve due to worn washers:

• Locate and remove the old washers.
• Purchase new replacement washers that match the old ones.
• Install the new rubber washers, ensuring the right size and material.

Damaged or Cracked Seals

Shower valves and pipe connections are sealed to prevent water leakage. The seals between the valve and pipe can wear out, dry up, and crack over time. This allows water to leak out around the valve edges while showering and when water is turned off.

Checking Seals

Inspect seals closely for:

• Cracks, gaps, or missing sections in seals
• Brittleness or dryness indicating wear
• Water leaking out where valve joins pipe

Fixing Damaged Seals

To stop leaks from damaged shower seals:

• Remove the worn seals completely.
• Purchase replacement seals that fit your model.
• Install new seals and ensure a tight, waterproof fit.

When To Call A Professional Plumber

While many shower leaks can be fixed with easy DIY methods, there are times to call for professional plumbing help:

• If the shower dripping persists after trying the fixes mentioned
• For major mineral deposit buildup problems
• When pipes or valves are very old, rusted, or oddly configured
• If you cannot access or remove old parts that need replacement

A licensed plumber has the skills and tools to fully diagnose and tackle more complex shower valve and leaking issues. They can also determine if replacement of entire valves or fixtures is needed.

Preventing Future Shower Leak Issues

With some preventive maintenance and care, you can avoid annoying shower dripping and leaking issues in the future:

• Periodically inspect and clean shower valves.
• Use a showerhead descaling spray if you have hard water.
• Replace washers and seals regularly before they wear out.
• Check pipes and fittings for tight, secure connections.
• Upgrade very old or unreliable showers.

Catching small leaks early and fixing them promptly can stop bigger problems down the road. Be attentive to changes in water flow, dripping sounds, or loose parts.

Dealing with a shower that won't completely shut off can be frustrating. But in most cases, the cause is fairly simple - mineral deposits, worn washers, or cracked seals. With some inspecting and easy DIY replacement of parts, you can likely get your shower working properly again.

Be methodical in troubleshooting the issue. Check for mineral buildup and descale if needed. Examine washers and seals for wear and leaks. Tighten connections. Replace any visibly damaged parts. If DIY efforts don't work, don't hesitate to call a professional plumber for help.

The key is staying calm and addressing shower dripping as soon as it starts. With proper maintenance to prevent wear and mineral deposits, your shower can continue working smoothly for years of hassle-free showering.

We hope these tips help you finally resolve any issues with your shower not fully turning off. Take action as soon as you notice a problem starting - and enjoy water-efficient showers that operate cleanly and completely every time you bathe!