Quick Answer:

A brief drip right after you turn the water back on is usually normal as air and small amounts of water move through the pipes. If the drip stops quickly, you probably need only to watch it. If it keeps leaking or runs as a steady stream, the shutoff, the shower arm connection, or the internal valve/cartridge may need attention. For related issues with sinks, see faucet leaking after turning the water back on. If you just shut your water off, review what to do immediately after you shut off water to your house.

Why This Happens

• Air and trapped water: When supply lines refill after being off, air pockets and small amounts of water can escape through the shower head for a short time.
• Valve seating: The shutoff or shower valve cartridge may not seat perfectly right away, allowing a brief drip until pressure stabilizes.
• Loose connection: A loose shower arm or threaded connection can let drops leak out after the system is repressurized.
• Clogged screens: Mineral deposits on the shower head screen can force water to trickle out irregularly instead of flowing normally.
• Worn cartridge or valve: If the drip never stops, the internal cartridge, valve seat, or seals may be worn and letting water seep continuously.

Step-by-Step What to Do

1. Confirm how long it drips

• Turn the water back on and watch the shower head for a full minute.
• If it drips briefly and then stops, note how long—drops that stop within a minute or two are often harmless.
• If water continues to drip steadily or becomes a stream, move to the next checks.

2. Ensure the valve is fully off

• Make sure the shower control is turned completely to the off position. Some handles don’t hit the seat until fully closed.
• If your home shutoff was used, verify it’s fully returned to its normal position and that any localized valves (like a mixer shutoff) are closed.

3. Check the shower arm connection

• Look at the threaded connection between the shower head and the arm. If the head was removed recently it may be loose.
• Gently tighten the shower head by hand; use a cloth and a small wrench only if needed. Don’t force it.

4. Clean the shower head screen and openings

• Remove the shower head if possible. Inspect for mineral buildup, a small screen, or rubber inlet filter.
• Soak the head in a vinegar solution or scrub the screen with a brush to remove deposits, then reassemble and test.

5. Consider cartridge or valve seepage if it never stops

• If the drip is continuous even after tightening and cleaning, the cartridge or valve seals may be worn.
• Replacing the cartridge or repairing the valve usually fixes steady leaks. If you’re not comfortable disassembling the valve, call a professional.

6. Watch for other signs

• Check for water stains, soft drywall, or mold near the shower wall—these can indicate a behind-the-wall leak.
• If the leak worsens with the main water on or you see water where it shouldn’t be, stop using that fixture and get help.

What Not to Do

• Do not overtighten fittings — this can crack threads or damage fixtures.
• Do not use excessive thread tape — a little goes a long way and too much can prevent a proper seal.
• Do not ignore a steady stream or signs of water behind the wall — that needs prompt attention.

When to Call a Professional

• Continuous leak: If it never stops after cleaning and tightening, a worn cartridge or valve likely needs repair or replacement.
• Hidden damage: If you see moisture in the wall, persistent stains, or mold, call a plumber to locate and fix the source.
• Unfamiliar repairs: If you’re unsure how to disassemble the valve or shutoffs, a professional will avoid costly mistakes.

Safety Notes

• Turn off the water at the appropriate shutoff before disassembling the shower head or valve.
• Use basic tools and protect finishes with cloths to avoid scratches. If a part seems stuck, don’t force it — you can break fittings.
• If you find significant leaking behind the wall, shut off the main water and get a professional to prevent structural or mold damage.

Common Homeowner Questions

• Why did it only drip for a minute? Small air pockets and residual water often escape as pipes refill; pressure evens out and the drip stops.
• Can I fix a steady drip myself? If it’s only the shower head or an easy-to-replace cartridge and you’re comfortable with basic plumbing, yes; otherwise call a plumber.
• Is a slow drip from the shower wasting a lot of water? Over time it adds up—repairing a continuous drip is worth doing to save water and avoid damage.