Drip only upstairs shower

Quick Answer:

If only the upstairs shower drips after you shut it off, it can be either a worn valve/cartridge in that fixture or a pressure/branching issue in the upstairs supply. Start by comparing it to a downstairs shower and try isolating the upstairs fixture with its local shutoff (if present). If the drip stops when you close the upstairs stop, the problem is local to that shower valve; if it continues, the issue may be in the branch plumbing and a plumber is appropriate.

Why This Happens

• Valve or cartridge wear: Over time the internal seals, washers, or cartridges in a single shower can wear and leak, so only that shower drips.
• Local branch pressure: House plumbing is split into branches. Pressure differences or a partially closed branch valve can let one branch behave differently than another.
• Thermal or flow triggers: Some leaks show only after hot-water use or when pressure or temperature change — see Drip only after hot water use for related scenarios.
• Recent work or changes: If the problem began after a renovation, a new fitting, trim, or altering the supply line can introduce a leak or pressure imbalance; check notes on Dripping started after remodel.

Step-by-Step What to Do

1. Observe and compare

• Shut the upstairs shower off as you normally do and watch the drip closely for a few minutes.
• Immediately go to a downstairs shower and shut it off the same way. Note whether that one drips or not and how fast.
• Comparing behavior helps tell you if the problem is isolated to one fixture (upstairs only) or is housewide.

2. Try to isolate the upstairs fixture

• Locate a local stop valve for the upstairs shower — it may be behind an access panel, under a nearby sink, or on a branch line. If present, close it and watch the shower for a minute.
• If the dripping stops when the local stop is closed, the leak is almost certainly inside the shower valve or trim assembly.
• If the dripping continues with the local stop closed, the problem may be upstream on that branch and needs a plumber.

3. Note details for diagnosis

• Record whether the drip is hot, cold, or both; whether it starts immediately after use or after some time; and if the rate is steady or variable.
• These details help a technician identify a worn cartridge, a bad seat, thermal expansion, or a pressure-related issue.

4. Decide on a next step

• If isolation proves the shower valve is the problem, you can either plan a cartridge/valve replacement or hire a plumber depending on your comfort and the fixture type.
• If you cannot isolate the drip or suspect a branch-level problem, call a professional rather than attempt more invasive work.

What Not to Do

• Don’t assume upstairs-only dripping is normal — local wear or branch pressure can cause a single fixture to behave differently and it should be checked.
• Don’t keep chasing the problem without isolating the fixture; if you can’t isolate the leak, a plumber is appropriate rather than making repeated random changes.
• Don’t force or hammer valves, and don’t disassemble plumbing beyond your skill level; that can make repairs more expensive or cause water damage.

When to Call a Professional

• If you can’t find or operate a local shutoff to isolate the fixture.
• If the drip continues after the local stop is closed (probable branch or supply issue).
• If you’re not comfortable removing the trim or replacing the cartridge, or if the fixture uses an uncommon valve that needs special parts.

Safety Notes

• Turn off the water supply at the local stop or main before doing any disassembly. If unsure where to shut water off, call a plumber.
• Release any hot-water in the lines by opening a faucet before working on a hot-side cartridge to avoid scalding.
• Use basic hand tools only; avoid power tools in tight plumbing spaces. If a valve is seized, don’t apply excessive force — ask a professional.

Common Homeowner Questions

• Why does only one shower drip when others don’t?
  Because that shower’s valve or cartridge may be worn or that branch of piping has different pressure behavior.
• Will turning the upstairs stop off fix it permanently?
  Turning the local stop off isolates the leak and confirms it’s local, but it doesn’t repair the worn valve — replacement is usually needed for a permanent fix.
• Can I replace the cartridge myself?
  You can if you’re comfortable with basic plumbing and the correct replacement part is available; otherwise hire a plumber to avoid mistakes.

For more related articles, see the Dripping Showerhead After Shutoff hub.