Shower Not Running Water

On this page

Quick answer

Turn off the water supply, check for a clogged showerhead or cartridge, and ensure the valve is fully open. Replace worn parts if needed.

Check Water Supply Valve
Do: Locate the shut-off valve near the shower and ensure it's fully open.
Observe: Valve is open but water still doesn't flow.
Means: Issue is likely downstream from the valve.
Next: Proceed to next step.
Inspect Showerhead
Do: Remove the showerhead and check for mineral buildup or clogs.
Observe: Debris or mineral deposits are present.
Means: Clogged showerhead is blocking water flow.
Next: Clean or replace the showerhead.
Test Handle and Valve
Do: Turn the shower handle to different positions to see if water flows.
Observe: Water flows intermittently or only in certain positions.
Means: Faulty cartridge or valve is causing the issue.
Next: Replace the shower cartridge.
Check for Leaks or Blockages
Do: Inspect the pipes and connections for leaks or blockages.
Observe: Visible leaks or blockages are found.
Means: Pipe damage or blockage is preventing water flow.
Next: Repair or replace damaged pipes.
Test Water Pressure
Do: Check the water pressure at another faucet in the same area.
Observe: Low pressure is also present elsewhere.
Means: Main water supply or pressure regulator may be the issue.
Next: Contact a professional plumber.
Replace Worn Parts
Do: Install a new shower cartridge or valve if worn or damaged.
Observe: Water flows normally after replacement.
Means: Faulty part was the root cause.
Next: Finish and test the shower.

Cause	Likelihood	Difficulty	Part often needed
Clogged Showerhead Mineral deposits or debris block water flow.	Common	Easy	Showerhead or cleaning kit
Faulty Shower Cartridge Worn or damaged cartridge prevents proper water flow.	Common	Medium	Shower cartridge
Closed Water Supply Valve Valve is partially or fully closed, restricting water flow.	Sometimes	Easy	None
Low Water Pressure Main supply or pressure regulator issue affects flow.	Sometimes	Hard	Pressure regulator
Blocked Pipes Debris or sediment buildup inside pipes restricts flow.	Rare	Hard	Pipe cleaning or replacement
Damaged Valve or Handle Physical damage or wear stops water from flowing.	Sometimes	Medium	Shower valve assembly

Common parts needed to fix a shower not running water include:

Take the old part to the hardware store to ensure a proper match.

Why is my shower not getting any water?

Possible causes include a closed shut-off valve, clogged showerhead, or a faulty cartridge. Check these first before replacing parts.

How do I know if my shower cartridge is bad?

Signs include low water pressure, inconsistent water temperature, or water that only flows in certain handle positions.

Can I fix a clogged showerhead without replacing it?

Yes, soak the showerhead in vinegar to dissolve mineral deposits or use a cleaning brush to remove debris.

What tools do I need to replace a shower cartridge?

You'll need an adjustable wrench, plumber's tape, and a replacement cartridge specific to your shower valve.

Why is my shower pressure low even after cleaning the showerhead?

Low pressure could indicate a larger issue, such as a clogged pipe or main water supply problem, which may require a professional plumber.