Shower Won’t Stop Running: How to Fix

Even after you turn off your shower, it remains running, which is annoying and can increase your electricity and water bills. The solution is to identify the cause of the issue and devise a fix that will allow you to enjoy the shower without having to deal with it.

If your shower won’t stop running, it could be because of a loose faucet or a faulty valve. You can try replacing the defective cartridge or valve yourself. 

You can use various tools to perform this process and choose the correct replacements for both the valve and the cartridge.

This post will elaborate on the causes and fixes of this kind of matter.

Reasons Why Your Shower Won’t Stop Running

Various components in your plumbing system allow water to flow when you don’t need it, and they also prevent it from stopping working when you switch it off. If one of these components is not working correctly, your shower might not work correctly.

Loose Faucet

All shower faucets come with a small handle that holds them in place. For optimal functionality, you should turn the water off without leaks and compress the grip enough to prevent the water from getting hot. If the handle is loose, the water will not be able to flow smoothly and efficiently.

Sometimes, the shower faucet will not turn on entirely after you’ve turned it on. It is usually because of either a loose or broken handle. If you notice that it won’t turn on even after you’ve turned it on several times, an open or stuck handle causes this.

Damaged Cartridge

Another issue that could be causing the shower to keep running is a damaged cartridge. If you want to replace or repair the cartridge, it’s essential to turn off the water supply. Doing so will prevent water from coming in when you open the cover. Before you start an inspection, make sure to test this.

To do this, take out a screwdriver and carefully remove the handles. After that, you will need to remove the screws that are attached to the plate. These are the ones that hold the cartridge and the plastic device that turns the shower.

These parts should not be hard to remove. You will also need to remove the clip that holds the cartridge. It will allow you to put the new cartridge back or replace it. If you want to ensure that the pin has the cartridge where it should be, remove it.

General Damage

Many people don’t realize that a damaged shower faucet can cause cracks. It can happen along the base or edges of the cover plate and affect the device’s inner workings. The presence of bacteria can also cause it. It’s essential to get rid of the old and damaged components.

Some people don’t clean the shower, which can lead to bacteria buildup. It can also cause issues later on, such as damaged internal components. To keep the shower head clean, use water and soap.

You should also inspect the spray jets to make sure that there’s no buildup. It could cause the water to keep running even after turning off.

Shower Won’t Stop Running: How to Fix It.

One of the most efficient manners to deal with a shower that won’t stop working is to determine the issue and devise a list of possible reasons why it happened. Doing so will allow you to fix and prevent it from happening in the future.

Tighten the Faucet

To switch the water supply to the bathroom, go to the primary source. After that, remove the cover plate from the faucet. Use a flat-bladed screwdriver or a sharp tool to open the cover plate. Tighten the handle screws either with a screwdriver or a spanner. After that, turn the water off to check if the solution worked.

If the shower still doesn’t work, try tightening the faucet and repeating the steps to prevent it from shutting off.

Replace Cartridge

Turn off the water at the mains of the bathroom. If it still works, you can test it by turning on the tap or the sink.

Put a cover on the shower drain to prevent the loss of small pieces while working. After identifying the cover plate, hold it open with a sharp object and release it. Turn the screws or nuts in it counterclockwise to remove them.

The screws will be the ones that hold the cartridge in place. If you want to remove it, slide it off without damaging the parts, such as the clip. Doing this will allow you to keep the new cartridge.

After getting the new cartridge, apply the lubricant to the area you want to align. Align the cartridge with the cold and hot sections of the water inlet.

You will insert the cartridge into the handle, and the bolt will be in the middle. To tighten the bolt, turn it around in a clockwise direction.

When there is a need to change the shower valve, follow the same procedure. You can test the new cartridge’s integrity by turning on the water, and the shower faucet is off.

If the handle doesn’t work, you need to replace it with a new one. Doing so will allow you to remove and put the broken one back in place. Before starting the process, ensure that the shower valve’s height is correct.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Do You Call a Plumber to Fix Your Shower?

It’s hard to admit defeat when it comes to a home improvement project, especially when it involves fixing a leaky tap. However, it’s also possible to fix it by identifying the issue.

Before calling a professional for help, try these steps. If you still have the same issue, the cause is likely not the same, and it will be hard for anyone other than a skilled technician to identify.

Why Does My Tub and Shower Run at the Same Time?

It could be a faulty shower diverter when your tub stops running after you turn it on. It is a tool that controls the flow of water between your shower and the tub.

It only works once and can be damaged, malfunctioned, or even completely unusable. If the shower diverter valve is damaged, it can prevent the water from going to the shower and the tub simultaneously.

You can fix the issue of the water coming out of the shower and tub simultaneously by opening the valve. Doing so will allow you to close the water supply to the bathroom. Before working on the issue, ensure that the shower diverter valve works correctly.

Clean it with a soft brush and then use air to remove debris. If it’s damaged, replace it with a new one.

How to Identify Shower Valve Manufacturer?

Before looking for a replacement shower valve, you must know where the original came from. You can do it by taking the time to look through the various identification variables of the cartridge.

Doing so will enable you to zero in on the exact source of the valve. One of the easiest ways to identify a manufacturer is by looking through the trim plate of the shower handle. It is the part that manufacturers use to label their products.

For instance, if a brand like Moen has “M” written on the back, this is the easiest way to identify the model and make of that brand’s shower valve.

Conclusion

When your shower doesn’t stop running even after turning it off, you need to tighten the faucet or replace the cartridge for a better result.

When you have the necessary tools and patience, fixing a broken shower faucet is generally possible. If you’re having a problem with your bathroom, then it’s essential to contact a professional. First, they can check out your options and determine if it’s worth their time.