Shower Won't Turn Off? Here's What to Do Now

You turn the shower handle to the off position, but the water keeps running. You twist harder. Nothing. Now you're standing there, dripping wet, watching water pour down the drain while your mind races through worst-case scenarios about your water bill and potential damage.

A shower that won't turn off is more than an inconvenience; it's an emergency that needs immediate attention. The good news is that you can quickly stop the water flow, even if the handle isn't cooperating. The better news is that the underlying problem is usually fixable.

With over 25 years of experience handling plumbing emergencies across metro Atlanta, our technicians have seen every variation of this problem. Here's exactly what to do when your shower won't shut off, what's likely causing it, and when you need professional help.

Stop the Water First

Before diagnosing anything, you need to stop the water flow. Here's how to do it, starting with the easiest option.

Look for a shower shut-off valve. Some showers have dedicated shut-off valves behind an access panel in the wall adjacent to the shower. Check the wall behind your showerhead, or on the opposite side, in a closet or an adjoining room. If you find one, turn it clockwise to shut off water to just the shower.

Shut off the bathroom water supply. If there's no dedicated shower valve, look under your bathroom sink for shut-off valves. These may also control the shower if they're on the same supply line. Turn both the hot and cold valves clockwise.

Turn off the main water supply. If you can't find local shut-offs or they don't stop the shower, go to your home's main water shut-off valve. In most Atlanta homes, this is located near the water meter at the front of the property, in the basement, crawl space, or garage. Turn the valve clockwise until it stops.

Once the water is off, you can take a breath and assess the situation. The immediate emergency is over; now it's time to figure out what went wrong.

Why Your Shower Won't Turn Off

When a shower faucet won't turn off, the problem is almost always inside the valve assembly behind your wall. Here are the most common culprits.

Worn or Failed Cartridge

Most modern single-handle showers use a cartridge valve to control water flow and temperature. This cartridge is a cylinder containing rubber seals, O-rings, and internal passages that open and close as you turn the handle.

Over time, typically 10 to 15 years with regular use, these internal components wear out. The rubber hardens and cracks. Mineral deposits from Atlanta's water build up inside the passages. Eventually, the cartridge can no longer form a complete seal, and water continues to flow even in the off position.

A failing cartridge often gives warning signs before it fails completely: the handle may feel stiff or loose, the temperature may be harder to adjust, or you might notice a slow drip that gradually worsens.

Stripped or Broken Handle

Sometimes the valve inside is fine, but the handle itself is the problem. The handle connects to the cartridge or valve stem through a series of small teeth or splines. When these become stripped, often from years of use or from forcing a stiff handle, the handle spins freely without actually engaging the valve.

You can usually identify this problem by feel: the handle turns with little or no resistance, or you hear a clicking sound as it rotates. The handle may also wobble or feel loose on the valve stem.

Damaged Valve Stem or Seat

In older two-handle or three-handle shower setups, each handle operates a separate valve stem. The stem has a rubber washer at the end that presses against a brass valve seat to stop water flow. If the washer wears out, hardens, or falls apart, water will continue to flow past it.

The valve seat itself can also become damaged over time. Corrosion, mineral buildup, or wear can create pits and grooves in the seat that prevent the washer from sealing properly. Even a new washer won't fix the problem if the seat is damaged; the seat needs to be resurfaced or replaced.

Stuck Diverter Valve

If you have a tub/shower combination, the diverter valve directs water between the tub spout and the showerhead. When a diverter gets stuck or fails, it can sometimes prevent the main valve from shutting off completely. You might notice water trickling from both the showerhead and tub spout, or the main valve may behave erratically.

Can You Fix It Yourself?

Shower valve problems can look simple from the outside. A loose handle, a drip, or trouble getting the temperature right might seem like a quick fix, but what most homeowners don't see is that the working parts sit inside the wall, and small mistakes can quickly turn into expensive damage.

Different manufacturers use different internal designs, and many older valves require specialty parts that aren't stocked at hardware stores. Even identifying what you have can involve partial disassembly. If something breaks, strips, or refuses to come loose, the repair can escalate from minor to major in minutes.

There's also the risk factor. A failed connection or cracked fitting can send water into the wall cavity, where leaks may go unnoticed until drywall, framing, or ceilings are affected.

For these reasons, shower valve work is usually best handled by someone who deals with them every day. A professional can identify the valve, source the correct components, and complete the repair without creating a bigger problem.

When It's Time to Call a Plumber

Some situations especially benefit from expert diagnosis and repair.

1. If the handle turns but nothing changes, the internal components are likely damaged and need to be carefully taken apart.
2. If the brand or model is unknown, getting the wrong parts can waste time and money.
3. If corrosion is visible, removal becomes more difficult, and the risk of breakage increases.
4. If previous repair attempts haven't solved the issue, the problem may extend deeper into the valve body or piping.
5. If there are signs of moisture around the shower, there could already be leakage behind the wall.
6. And when the bathroom is upstairs, even a small error can affect rooms below.

In any of these cases, bringing in a licensed plumber protects your home and usually shortens the overall repair time.

Preventing Shower Valve Problems

Most shower valve failures happen gradually, giving you opportunities to address small issues before they become emergencies.

• Don't force a stiff handle. If your shower handle becomes difficult to turn, that's a sign that the cartridge or valve stem is wearing out. Forcing it can strip the handle splines or break internal components. Address stiffness early with professional faucet repair before the valve fails completely.
• Fix drips promptly. A dripping showerhead when the valve is off means the seal is already compromised. Small drips typically worsen over time and can eventually lead to a valve that won't close at all.
• Know where your shut-off valves are. Before an emergency happens, locate both your bathroom shut-offs and your main water shut-off. Test them periodically to make sure they work. Valves that sit unused for years can seize up when you need them most.
• Consider the age of your fixtures. If your shower valve is 15 to 20 years old and showing signs of wear, proactive replacement is often smarter than waiting for a failure. Scheduled fixture replacement gives you time to choose the right valve and schedule the work at your convenience, unlike emergency repairs.

What to Expect From Professional Repair

When you call a plumber for a shower that won't turn off, here's what typically happens:

First, the plumber will ensure the water supply is shut off and assess the situation. They'll remove the handle and trim plate to access the valve and identify the manufacturer and model. This inspection usually reveals whether the problem is the cartridge, valve stem, handle, or something else.

For cartridge failures, repair typically involves removing the old cartridge and installing a new one. If the valve seat is damaged, it may need to be resurfaced. In some cases, particularly with older valves or severe corrosion, replacing the entire valve assembly is the better long-term solution.

If there's any concern about water damage behind the wall, the plumber may recommend professional leak detection to check for moisture before closing up the wall. Catching hidden water damage early prevents mold growth and structural problems down the road.

Get Your Shower Working Again

A shower that won't turn off is stressful, but it's a fixable problem. Whether you're dealing with a worn cartridge, a stripped handle, or a valve that's seen better days, the right repair will get your shower back to normal.

Dalmatian Plumbing has been solving plumbing emergencies for Atlanta-area homeowners for more than 25 years. Our technicians carry common cartridges and parts for most major brands, so many repairs can be completed in a single visit. We'll diagnose the problem, explain your options, and get your water under control.

If your shower won't shut off, or if you're noticing the warning signs of a failing valve, give us a call. We'll help you get it fixed before a small problem becomes a big one.