Shower head not working the way it should? Low pressure, dripping, or an uneven spray are common issues. And in many cases, they’re easy to fix.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to troubleshoot the most common shower head issues, from clogs and leaks to pressure fluctuations, and explain how to clean hard water from a shower head to restore performance without replacing the whole fixture.
Common Signs Your Shower Head Isn’t Working Properly
Before diving into solutions, it’s important to identify the root cause of your shower issues. These are some of the most frequent symptoms of a malfunctioning shower head:
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Uneven spray or weak water flow
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Dripping or leaking long after the water is off
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High-pitched whistling or sputtering sounds
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Sudden changes in temperature or pressure
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Stubborn buildup on the nozzles
While many of these problems can be resolved with basic maintenance, more serious issues like hidden leaks behind the wall or damaged plumbing may require comprehensive repair, bathroom remodeling, or full shower replacement.
Sound familiar? Let’s break down how to fix each issue step-by-step.
How to Clean Hard Water from a Shower Head
Mineral deposits from hard water—especially calcium and limescale—are one of the most common reasons a shower head loses pressure or sprays unevenly. If you live in an area with hard water, cleaning your shower head should be a regular part of your bathroom maintenance routine.
Here’s how to clean it:
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Remove the shower head: If it’s a handheld or threaded model, unscrew it carefully using a wrench and cloth to avoid scratching the finish.
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Soak in vinegar: Fill a bowl or container with white vinegar and submerge the shower head. Let it soak for 4–8 hours to dissolve mineral buildup. If you can’t remove it, fill a plastic bag with vinegar and secure it around the shower head using rubber bands or a twist tie.
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Scrub the nozzles: Use an old toothbrush or a small brush to gently scrub the spray nozzles. This will help dislodge any remaining deposits.
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Rinse thoroughly and reinstall: Flush the head with water before screwing it back on. Turn on the shower and check for improvements in spray quality.
Regular cleaning not only fixes performance issues; it also helps extend the life of your fixture!
Water Pressure Too High? Here’s What to Know
While low pressure is a common complaint, water pressure that’s too high can be just as problematic. Excessive pressure can damage your plumbing and shower components, cause the shower head to leak or drip, put unnecessary strain on your water heater, and lead to higher utility bills due to wasted water.
Signs of high water pressure include a shower that feels unusually forceful, banging noises in your pipes (also known as water hammer), and fixtures that continue to leak even when turned off.
How to fix it:
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Install a pressure-reducing valve (PRV): If your whole home is affected, a plumber can install a PRV at the main line.
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Use a low-flow shower head: These models are designed to regulate flow and limit pressure automatically.
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Check your current shower head’s flow restrictor: Some allow manual adjustment or can be replaced with more restrictive inserts.
Shower Drips Long After You’ve Turned It Off?
If your shower drips continuously, even minutes or hours after turning it off, it’s more than just an annoyance. Over time, this kind of leak can waste gallons of water per day.
Most common causes:
Some of the most common causes of a leaking or dripping shower head include worn or cracked washers or O-rings, a faulty shower valve or cartridge, and debris or mineral buildup that prevents the internal seals from closing properly. Identifying and addressing these issues can help stop persistent leaks and restore proper function.
How to fix a dripping shower head:
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Turn off water supply to the shower.
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Disassemble the handle and remove the cartridge or valve.
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Inspect washers and seals for damage or wear.
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Clean or replace parts as needed.
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Reassemble and test.
If the dripping continues, it could indicate a deeper plumbing issue that requires professional attention.
Shower Head Not Working at All?
If no water comes out of the shower head—or it’s barely more than a trickle—start with these checks:
Step-by-step troubleshooting:
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Check the water shutoff valve: It may be partially or fully closed.
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Inspect the shower head for clogs: Mineral buildup can fully block water flow.
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Test the diverter valve: If you have a tub/shower combo, the diverter may be stuck or broken.
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Check for a faulty cartridge: A broken valve cartridge inside the wall can completely cut off water to the shower head.
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Assess recent changes: If you recently replaced your shower head and saw a drop in flow, it might be incompatible with your plumbing or water pressure.
If you’ve worked through these possibilities and your shower head is still not working, it may be time to replace the fixture.
Leaking Connections and Faulty Fittings
Leaks aren’t always from the shower head itself. Water could be escaping from loose connections between the arm, pipe, or wall fitting.
How to address them:
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Turn off water supply
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Unscrew and remove the shower head
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Wrap the pipe threads with Teflon tape
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Tighten the connection securely (but not overly tight)
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Turn water back on and check for leaks
This simple fix can stop leaks at the base and preserve water pressure inside the head.
When to Replace Instead of Repair
Some issues aren’t worth the hassle of fixing, especially if your shower head is:
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More than 8–10 years old
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Corroded or cracked
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Lacking modern features like flow control or multiple spray settings
Replacing an outdated or damaged shower head can dramatically improve your bathing experience while reducing water waste. Many modern models are designed to perform well even in low-pressure environments and can help regulate flow across a range of conditions.
Preventing Future Shower Head Problems
To keep your shower running smoothly:
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Clean regularly (especially in areas with hard water!)
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Inspect for leaks or drips monthly
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Don’t overtighten during installation
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Avoid harsh chemical cleaners that degrade rubber washers
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Install a water softener if mineral buildup is a recurring issue
By staying ahead of maintenance, you can avoid most issues altogether.
Take Back Control of Your Shower
If your shower head problems are just one symptom of a bigger issue—like outdated hardware, water damage, or recurring leaks—it may be time to consider a long-term solution. At Rite Window, we proudly offer and install Kohler LuxStone shower systems and bathtubs, designed with both form and function in mind. As certified Kohler installers, our team ensures your new shower is installed with precision and care.
That means fewer problems down the road from leaks and water pressure issues to the costly mistakes that can result from improper installation or DIY work without the right experience. Don’t just patch up the same old problems. Invest in a shower that’s built to last and designed to elevate your daily routine.
Contact Rite Window today to schedule your free consultation and explore the beauty, reliability, and low-maintenance convenience of a Kohler LuxStone shower.
