Over time, the valve can wear out, become corroded, or develop sediment build-up, leading to malfunction. Broken Handle or Cartridge: The handle or cartridge inside the shower faucet can break or become stripped, preventing you from properly turning off the water.
The four most common reasons for shower dripping after shut off include a faulty shower valve, a worn-out washer, a loose faucet handle, or underlying water pressure issues.
Has it always been like this? It might be something to do with the run-on feature which keeps the shower running for a few seconds after it's switched off in order to flush the heat out of the heater & eliminate the possibility of overheated water coming out if the shower is turned back on.
Shower Shut Off Valve
Look for the shut off valve usually located in the wall behind the shower or in the access panel. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water supply to the shower.
This could be due to several reasons: your shower wall unit's seal is broken, the soldering between the water inlet pipes and the shower valve is damaged, or an internal part needs replacing (like the flow cartridge).
There should be separate hot and cold-water supply lines with separate shut-off valves for showers, sinks, and dishwashers. Toilets tend to have a single, cold water shut-off valve.
Fixing a Stuck Water Shut Off Valve
We recommend putting a cloth over the handle and using your hand to slowly rock the stuck valve back and forth to loosen it. Keep doing this until the valve can be completely opened and closed. If the valve won't turn after trying this, grab a pair of Channellock pliers.
Broken Handle or Cartridge: The handle or cartridge inside the shower faucet can break or become stripped, preventing you from properly turning off the water. Loose or Damaged Washer: A loose or damaged washer inside the shower valve can also cause water to continue flowing.
A plumber is a tradesperson who specializes in installing and maintaining systems used for potable (drinking) water, hot-water production, sewage and drainage in plumbing systems.
There are three reasons why your faucet won't turn off:
Your faucet's handle is stripped and needs to be replaced. Your handle's stem needs a new washer. Your handle's seat needs to be replaced.
Electric shower not turning off
If this is the case in your home, it's most likely down to a faulty solenoid valve that isn't shutting down. The problem should be solved with a replacement solenoid, which a plumber or electrician should be able to do pretty easily.
No water coming from the shower at all
This is the most common issue with electric showers – the solenoid valve. If your shower cuts off or stops working completely. The solenoid valve is the root cause in which the coil breaks down.
If you are getting no water at all or it stops when you are showering the problem might be the solenoid valve. This valve is operated by a coil. When the coil breaks, the valve will not open and allow water into the shower. You can replace the coil to solve this issue but if this fails the shower will need replacing.
If the shower is still running even when it's fully turned off, there might be an issue with the shower valve or the internal components. It's possible that the valve is not functioning correctly and needs to be repaired or replaced.
Closing the valve diverts the water into your showerhead. When the diverter fails, not all the water goes into the showerhead, causing your tub faucet to leak when the shower is on. Replacing your shower diverter is a project that is best left to a professional plumber.
Place the shower head in a bowl of warm distilled white vinegar. Make sure the shower head is completely submerged in the vinegar. Let it soak overnight. Use a needle or straightened paper clip to open any holes in the shower head that are still blocked by mineral deposits.
The most common causes tend to be: The tap handle is stuck or corroded. The tap needs a new washer. The valve or tap body is broken.
The valve seat is the part of the faucet that the valve stem seals against when the faucet is turned off. Over time, sediment and minerals can build up on the valve seat, causing it to become corroded. When it rusts, it's harder for the seal to stay effective, causing the water to sneak through and start leaking.