Dealing with a Drip?

Joseph K.

You’ve just finished your hot, relaxing shower, but the showerhead is still dripping. Several minutes later, it hasn’t stopped. Not only is it annoying, but it can also waste gallons of water if left unattended. How do you fix a dripping shower? We’re glad you asked. As your Birmingham residential plumbing experts, we want to provide a quick and easy solution that you can do with a few simple supplies. We’ve compiled a list of the tools you may need as well as step-by-step instructions on how to do it yourself.

Tools and hardware needed:

Pliers
Wrench
Teflon tape
Rubber O-ring
Plastic washer

Other supplies you’ll need:

Towel
Large bowl
Distilled white vinegar
Warm water (from a sink is fine)
Old toothbrush
Toothpicks

Note: you’ll really only need the O-ring or plastic washer if those are the parts that need to be replaced, but it’s a good idea to have them on hand ahead of time, since they’re likely contributing to the problem.

Step 1: Shut off the Water to the Shower

This can usually be done for just the shower area, but if you can’t find the shutoff valve, you’ll need to shut off the water for the whole house. Just remind others in the house that the water will be off for a little bit.

Step 2: Prep your Tub or Shower Floor

You don’t want any small parts from the showerhead falling down the drain or any buildup from the showerhead getting your shower dirty, so lay a towel or something similar into the tub before getting started. Find a safe way to access the showerhead (basically don’t stand on the edge of the tub to do this).

Step 3: Remove the Showerhead

You can accomplish this by unscrewing it with your hands or using a wrench or pliers.

Step 4: Clean the showerhead

If it’s obvious that there’s a buildup in or on the showerhead, a good cleaning will help it work better and possibly help with the dripping problem. Soak it for 2-3 hours in a bowl of cleaning vinegar, then scrub with an old toothbrush. You can also use toothpicks to get smaller areas or for a detailed cleaning. Rinse with warm water once you’re done. Then dry it off with a towel.

Step 5: Replace the O-ring and/or washers

If the ring that seals your showerhead looks worn or damaged, replace it and make sure you situate the ring correctly so that it creates a tight seal. If the washers and O-ring look fine, then rewrap the pipe threads with Teflon tape which will help seal any gaps.

Step 6: Reattach the showerhead

Put the showerhead back on and twist as far as you can by hand, then use pliers or a wrench to tighten until snug.

Step 7: Test

Turn the water back on. Is there any leaking? Turn the shower back off- is the showerhead still dripping continuously?

If not, congratulations! You fixed the problem!

If it’s still dripping during or after your shower, something else is going on. There are other more extensive ways you can fix your dripping shower, but from here, it’s easier to just call your Birmingham residential plumbing experts at All City Plumbers! Our number is 855-266-7682.

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What Makes Showers Suddenly Run Cold and How to Prevent It?

by Hadi Masood • 30 January 2026

Nothing disrupts a morning routine like a shower turning icy midstream, leaving you shivering and frustrated. This common issue stems from imbalances in your home's plumbing and heating systems, often triggered by everyday usage patterns or overlooked maintenance. Understanding the root causes empowers homeowners to diagnose problems swiftly and implement lasting fixes. This guide delves into the mechanics behind sudden temperature drops, explores diagnostic techniques, and outlines prevention strategies to keep your showers consistently warm. Common Causes of Sudden Cold Showers Sudden cold water in showers typically arises from water heater malfunctions or plumbing disruptions. Sediment buildup in tank-style heaters insulates the burner or element, causing inconsistent heating—over time, minerals from hard water accumulate at the bottom, reducing efficiency and leading to temperature fluctuations during peak demand. Similarly, a failing dip tube in the heater fails to direct cold incoming water to the top for proper mixing, so hot water depletes faster than it replenishes. High demand elsewhere in the home exacerbates this; simultaneous use of washing machines, dishwashers, or multiple faucets dilutes hot water supply. Pressure imbalances from clogged aerators or faulty mixing valves can also shift temperatures abruptly. In larger households, undersized heaters struggle with back-to-back usage, mimicking a sudden cold blast. Diagnosing Water Heater Problems Start diagnosis by checking the water heater's thermostat setting—most should hover between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit for safety and performance. Listen for unusual noises like popping or rumbling, hallmarks of sediment; if present, a professional flush resolves it. Test the heating element in electric models with a multimeter for continuity, or inspect the gas burner for a weak blue flame indicating dirty components. Expansion tanks play a crucial role here—they mount on the cold water inlet to absorb thermal expansion pressure, preventing relief valve drips that signal overpressure and potential cold surges. Without one, especially in closed-loop systems, heaters cycle inefficiently, dropping output temperatures. Monitor the pressure relief valve; frequent activation points to expansion issues. For tankless units, error codes on the display often pinpoint flow sensors or igniters as culprits. Identifying Plumbing and Pipe Issues Plumbing beyond the heater often hides the problem. Reverse flow from check valves or backflow preventers can introduce cold water into hot lines, especially if sediment clogs them. Undersized pipes struggle with volume, causing pressure drops that chill the stream. Air locks from recent repairs trap bubbles, disrupting flow until purged by running all hot taps sequentially. Leaky fixtures upstream siphon hot water unnoticed, leading to sudden cools. Inspect for hidden corrosion in galvanized pipes, which narrows passages over time. All City Plumbers emphasize tracing lines with a pipe camera for blockages invisible to the eye, revealing scale or debris that starves the showerhead. The Impact of Water Pressure Fluctuations Pressure swings directly affect shower temperature consistency. Municipal supply variations, like nighttime boosts or peak-hour drops, strain home systems. Faulty pressure regulators fail to stabilize incoming force, overwhelming the heater. Clogged showerheads or aerators restrict hot flow while cold rushes in unchecked. In multi-story homes, gravity amplifies upper-floor issues, where thinner pipes can't maintain velocity. Install a whole-house pressure gauge to baseline readings—ideal is 50-80 PSI. Fluctuations beyond this trigger mixing valve failures, designed to blend water but prone to wear. Step-by-Step Fixes for Cold Showers Addressing the issue begins with simple resets. Flush the water heater by attaching a hose to the drain valve and running it until clear, refilling slowly to avoid air pockets. Clean aerators by soaking in vinegar overnight, then reinstall for restored balance. Insulate exposed pipes with foam sleeves to minimize heat loss in unheated spaces. For persistent problems, replace the dip tube or upgrade to a higher-capacity heater. Adding or servicing expansion tanks restores pressure equilibrium. Test post-fix by timing recovery—hot water should resume within 30 seconds of demand spikes. Preventive Maintenance Strategies Prevention hinges on routine care. Annually flush tank heaters and descale tankless ones to banish sediment. Set programmable schedules to avoid simultaneous high-demand usage, staggering laundry and showers. Install low-flow fixtures that ease heater load without sacrificing pressure. 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By pinpointing causes from heater sediment to pressure imbalances and embracing proactive maintenance, you safeguard reliable performance year-round. Implementing these strategies not only restores blissfully warm showers but also boosts energy efficiency and system longevity for peace of mind.