Plumbing • RepairRiot

Shower Troubleshooting & Repair Guides

Find the closest shower plumbing symptom and open the guide that matches what is happening before you take things apart or replace parts.

Find The SymptomCheck SafelyFix The Right Problem
Shower plumbing repair scene

Find your shower problem

Start with the symptom you can see. If water is active, shut it off first, then use the guide that matches the first thing that went wrong.

Draining and standing water

Shower not draining

Water stands in the pan or drains too slowly.

Shower drain clogged

Hair, soap, or debris blocks the drain.

Shower water stays in pan

Water remains after the shower is off.

Leaks and water damage

Shower leaking

Water escapes the shower area.

Shower leaks into ceiling below

Water appears below the shower after use.

Shower valve leaking behind wall

Moisture appears near the valve or behind the wall.

Pressure and temperature

Shower low pressure

Flow is weak at the shower head.

Shower no hot water

The shower will not deliver hot water.

Shower temperature fluctuates

Water swings hot and cold during use.

Drips, diverters, and controls

Shower drips when off

Water keeps dripping after shutoff.

Shower diverter not working

Water will not switch properly between tub spout and shower.

Shower handle hard to turn

The handle sticks, grinds, or is hard to adjust.

Noise and smells

Shower whines when running

A whine or whistle happens during use.

Shower water hammer

Pipes bang when the shower turns on or off.

Shower mildew smell

A damp or musty smell remains around the shower.

More Plumbing topics

Kitchen Sink

Kitchen Sink

Bathroom Sink

Bathroom Sink

Toilet

Toilet

Bathtub

Bathtub

Faucet

Faucet

Drain / Sewer

Drain / Sewer

Sump Pump

Sump Pump

Well Pump / Pressure Tank

Well Pump / Pressure Tank

Water Pressure

Water Pressure

Shutoff Valves

Shutoff Valves

Frozen Pipes

Frozen Pipes

Sink Components

Sink Components

Pipes / Fittings

Pipes / Fittings