Why My Shower Refuses To Turn Off Completely

Having a shower that won't turn off can be incredibly frustrating. The constant flow of water is not only annoying, but leads to higher utility bills and risks water damage if left unaddressed. As a homeowner, getting to the bottom of why your shower persists in running even when turned to the off position is key.

Faulty Shower Cartridge or Faucet

The most common reason a shower refuses to turn off is a problem with the shower cartridge or faucet. This part controls the on/off function and adjusts the temperature. Over time, the internal components wear down, preventing the valve from fully closing.

Symptoms include the shower dripping persistently, sudden changes in water temperature, and difficulty getting the faucet to shut off completely. Removing the shower handle and cartridge reveals corrosion, cracks, or damage meaning replacement is needed.

Repair Options

If you have a faulty cartridge or faucet, there are a few repair options to consider:

• Replace the cartridge - The easiest solution is to swap in an identical replacement or universal fit cartridge. This typically takes 30-60 minutes and just requires turning off water supply, removing the shower handle, prying out the damaged cartridge, inserting the new one properly, reattaching handle, and testing for leaks.
• Upgrade the cartridge system - For a more heavy-duty and longer-lasting fix, upgrade to a new style cartridge like a ceramic disk or ball valve cartridge. These withstand wear and tear better over many years of use.
• Install a brand new shower faucet - If budget allows, a professional plumber can remove your old shower assembly entirely and outfit with a new fixture. This ensures high quality construction and performance.

Worn Out Rubber Washers

If you have an older shower, worn out rubber washers are likely allowing water to pass through to the shower head when the faucet is supposedly turned off. These components act as seals within the valve body preventing leaks.

Signs of failing washers include water dripping immediately once the shower is turned off. You may also notice the shower doesn't maintain consistent temperature. Visually inspecting reveals cracked, misshapen, or deteriorated washers in need of replacing.

Replacing Old Rubber Valve Seat Washers

Replacing worn out rubber washers is an easy DIY fix taking around 30 minutes. Here are the basic steps:

1. Turn off main water supply line and open shower handle to release any residual pressure
2. Remove decor handle and unscrew bonnet to access valve interior parts
3. Note orientation of washers, then remove old cracked washers
4. Install new replacement washers ensuring proper thicknesses and seating
5. Reassemble valve and test shower for smooth function

Be sure to select replacement washers with the correct dimensions to properly seal within your existing valve body. Bring the old washers to the hardware store to match up.

Sediment Buildup Inside Valve

Mineral deposits from hard water accumulating within the shower valve over many years of use can also impede proper shut off. Limescale, calcium, and rust essentially glue the valve open.

Hints of a sediment blocked valve include lowered water flow and the shower staying stuck in the on position. Using harsh cleaners further contributes to cementing the valve internals.

Techniques to Clear Heavy Mineral Buildup

If off-the-shelf cleaners prove ineffective against stubborn sediment congesting your shower valve, consider these heavy duty removal tactics:

• Vinegar or CLR soak - Pour either white vinegar or CLR cleaner into the valve body itself after disassembly. Allow to sit for 1-2 hours to penetrate and dissolve built-up scale.
• Pipe brush scrub - Use a long flexible plastic pipe brush to manually scrape and scrub interior valve passages once cleaner soak loosens deposits. This whisks away grime the solution broke down.
• Scale remover soak - Products like Lime-A-Way applied as a concentrated soak break apart even robust sediment accumulation overnight when other methods fail.

Slow drips even after attempting to clear scale signify replacement time for the entire shower valve. Seek professional installation of a new anti-scald shower valve preventing dangerous spikes in hot water.

Additional Causes of a Stuck "On" Shower

While most stubborn showers that won't shut off stem from the valve itself, inspect these other common trouble areas:

Clogged Shower Head

A clogged shower head with blocked holes or nozzles traps water within the piping leading upward. Scale slowly builds up in the perforated head. Carefully poke holes to clear or replace the shower head ensuring tight connection.

Failed Diverter Valve

The small knob diverting water flow between the tub faucet and shower head failing causes blending between points. Water then spews from both outlets indicating diverter replacement time.

Inadequate Water Pressure

Finally, insufficient water pressure either on the building side from machinery issues or because of showerhead clogs prevents proper functioning. Call your utility provider for pressure checks and consider installing a booster pump system if service side checks out.

We highly recommend contracting a professional plumber at the first sign of shower malfunction. Drips lead to pooling water and moisture damage fairly quickly. Valve and piping diagnoses often require advanced skills and custom part fabrication. Prevent flooding disasters by calling for backup.

Maintenance Tips to Prevent Shower Problems

Carrying out simple periodic maintenance helps avoid many shower shutdown issues altogether. Here are handy homeowner habits:

• Every 6 months wipe down the showerhead and physically clear any blocked nozzle holes.
• Annually check water pressure at the shower arm ensuring 40-80 PSI.
• Use a gentle cleaner like dish soap and water to wipe grime but prevent scratching fixtures.
• Inspect visible pipes and connections for drips or corrosion buildup.
• Flush lines by running hot then cold water for 5 minutes twice a year.

Catching problems early keeps showers running right for years of daily use. Going too long between inspections risks sediment accumulation and part fatigue.

While DIY repairs resolve many stuck "on" showers, consider expert help for:

• Difficulty accessing, removing, or properly reinstalling cartridge
• Replacement parts proving tricky to source
• Sediment deposits resistant to cleaning solutions
• Visibly damaged underlying supply tubes or piping
• Persistent leaks even after repairs
• Unsure about proper valve reassembly sequence

Utilize knowledgeable plumbers to evaluate failures, supply needed replacement valves and washers, re-solder complex connections, and confirm normal operation. This provides reassurance the repair was done properly. Prevent a frustrating recurring shower situation by hiring assistance upfront.

In summary, showers that defy shutting off fully imply an internal valve or washer failure. Tackling maintenance like periodic cleaning keeps parts functioning smoothly for years. When reluctant to handle complex disassembly and diagnostics, bring in an expert. Ultimately catching and fixing shower problems promptly not only resolves annoying drips but protects your home from extensive water damage fallout.