Shower Head Dripping - How Do I Fix This

Twisty on 23/09/2025 - 08:26
Last edited 23/09/2025 - 12:55 by 1 other user

Hey everyone hope all is well, have a wall mounted shower head that is dripping due to the cold tap needed a washer replacement.

I have taken the hot tap off and replaced that one, but the problem is the cold tap won’t come off. The little plastic thingy that screws into the tap head to keep it on won’t budge. I’ve used the little two tooth tool thing that it comes with but the grooves where it goes have gone bigger and there is no way this tool is going to unscrew it.

I’ve spoken to a pro who said they will need to cut it off in order to fix it which means I’ll need to buy new taps and my Mrs wasn’t very welcoming to this.

Does anyone know a trick to fix my issue or is there a shut off valve thing I can put between the wall outlet and shower head to stop the drip just for the time being?

Thanks!

Home & Garden Tapware

Comments

    • MS Paint on 23/09/2025 - 09:56
      +1

      So no backyard plumbing advice either from ozbargain. Gotcha. FFS.

      • Stealtho on 23/09/2025 - 10:21
        -8

        yeah Ins Companys love backyard plumbing lol

  • randomusername2017 on 23/09/2025 - 09:15
    +1

    The little plastic thingy

    Twist it…

    • Twisty on 23/09/2025 - 09:21

      It’s a plastic screw thing that screws into the tap head from behind using a tool but it’s now stuck and no longer moves meaning the tap head can’t come off which then means I can’t get access to the tap to remove it from wall

    • CascadeHush on 24/09/2025 - 07:13
      +1

      Bop it…

  • Bruceflix on 23/09/2025 - 09:19
    +4

    Username checks out

  • CodeXD on 23/09/2025 - 09:22
    +1

    Got a pic? Rubber band in between might work?

    • JimB on 23/09/2025 - 11:50
      +4

      Even a badly drawn MS Paint picture would describe the problem better than 'The little plastic thingy that screws into the tap head to keep it on won’t budge. I’ve used the little two tooth tool thing that it comes with but the grooves where it goes have gone bigger and there is not way this tool is going to unscrew it.'

      • MS Paint on 23/09/2025 - 12:14
        +10

        badly drawn MS Paint picture

        Your wish is my command

        • JimB on 23/09/2025 - 12:15
          +1

          Thanks.

          Easy fix now.

        • andresampras on 23/09/2025 - 14:35

          pls add 2x teeth, grooves and a little plastic thingy

          oh nvm you've already added the thingy

  • terlalu on 23/09/2025 - 09:26
    +2

    The little plastic thingy…. ??? The thing that says H or C ?

    Or do you need a strap wrench? something like this. https://www.bunnings.com.au/haron-100mm-strap-wrench_p490011…

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 23/09/2025 - 09:47

      that strap wrench actually works pretty well i must say

      • DashCam AKA Rolts on 23/09/2025 - 17:06
        +1

        Good for plumbing fixtures as well.

        • Chazzozz on 24/09/2025 - 14:28

          I don't think he meant a 'strap-on' wrench…
          /s

  • Dollar General on 23/09/2025 - 09:36
    +7

    Post a pic for better responses otherwise we can only make jokes about getting head in the shower

  • Twisty on 23/09/2025 - 09:39

    https://plumbingsales.com.au/caroma-sp4000-thermal-barrier-t…

    It’s the middle white screw in photo

    This screws in behind the shower tap handle using the top metal tool in the photo. Unfortunately tho it’s stuck and the grooves where the tool fits in are no longer that shape causing the tool to slip out when trying to remove it

    • MS Paint on 23/09/2025 - 09:45
      +4

      it’s stuck and the grooves where the tool fits in are no longer that shape causing the tool to slip out when trying to remove it

      We are still taking about the tap aren't we?

    • studentl0an on 23/09/2025 - 09:48
      +4

      If the groves have been stripped so the tool can no longer anchor in them you can use a tool with wider teeth to fit into the groves, or possibly some locking pliers if you can bite the outer edge and try to loosen it. If those don't work you can also remake the groves using something like a dremel with cutting wheel to cut the groves so the tool will fit, but I'd save that for last attempt as can damage the fitting itself.

      It can also help to use a bit of solvent like wd40 to penetrate into the threads to make removal easier incase they are seized.

      Another out of the box suggestion is to use a center punch tool to shock turn the fitting. I've had to do that method after stripping the head of a bolt and luckily it worked enough after a while to then grab what was left of the bolt with pliers and get it out that way: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Tx7yILT-Fc

      • Jimothy Wongingtons on 23/09/2025 - 10:10

        if its already stripped maybe a decently chunky flathead with a hammer might work too?

        • studentl0an on 23/09/2025 - 10:18
          +2

          The center punch is very hard and designed to bite into the material. Flathead might work in a pinch but it's soft and more likely to slip out and injure. Flathead will also not work with a stripped bolt at all as you need to offset the shock to as far away from the center as possible to have the most torque applied.

          Center punch tools are really cheap and small. It's definitely worth having one in the tool chest.

    • brendanm on 23/09/2025 - 13:42
      +1

      A flat head screwdriver in either groove, then another screwdriver between those two to turn them. Otherwise just use a screwdriver and hammer to split the plastic nut and replace it afterward.

  • MS Paint on 23/09/2025 - 09:49
    +1

    Do you have a pick set like this?

    If so use the 90° pick tool to get behind the tap handle, dig the pointy end into the white plastic washer and rotate off slowly.

    • Twisty on 23/09/2025 - 09:57

      I do have one of those actually might give it a shot

      • MS Paint on 23/09/2025 - 09:58

        It will work. It just won't be as quick as using the correct tool.

        • Twisty on 23/09/2025 - 10:30

          I don’t have a the set tho just one which looks like a Dentist tool hahaha

          The hook type one

  • Twisty on 23/09/2025 - 10:01

    Found this -

    https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/t5/Bathroom-and-Laundry…

    This is almost what my tap looks like and as you can see on the angle photo it screws in from behind it making it very hard to remove if the grooves for the tool have worn away

    • Dollar General on 23/09/2025 - 10:31
      +1

      Time to upgrade anyway

      • Twisty on 23/09/2025 - 10:39

        Mine are a lot newer looking

        Just the design is similar

        • Succulent on 24/09/2025 - 08:25
          +3

          I dont get it, why dont you just post the picture of yours so we can see the real problem and help assess the best way?

  • 7ekn00 on 23/09/2025 - 10:37

    Use long nose pliers or be gentle with a hammer and chisel/screw driver …

    • Twisty on 23/09/2025 - 10:40

      The screw that I need to remove is flush with the behind of the tap head so pliers unfortunately are not going to work for me

      I’m going to have to try dig it away

      • 7ekn00 on 23/09/2025 - 10:41

        You stick the pliers in open and twist, you don't try to "pinch" with them …

        So they mimic your existing tool, just wider prongs for stripped gaps ;)

        • MS Paint on 23/09/2025 - 10:48
          +1

          You are not correctly visualising the task at hand.

          Curved/bent nose pliers might work if op is lucky.

        • Twisty on 23/09/2025 - 11:11

          I don’t have any atm might have to try it if other ways don’t work

  • Shame on 23/09/2025 - 10:55
    +1

    Use a drill to destroy the plastic parts and pick the pieces out with tweezers. Buy new plastic parts to replace the ones you destroyed.

    • Twisty on 23/09/2025 - 11:12

      It isn’t very easy to get behind it, not much room at all

  • Banks on 23/09/2025 - 11:15
    +1

    Usually I just bang a screwdriver head into the direction where it is supposed to come out and it will come loose.

    e.g. Hammer and screwdriver together.

    Have you tried doing that in the same direction in which the other tap head came off?

    Edit:
    —- Nope, I just saw the picture above, it's different hmm. Let me think about it and try to remember how that one comes off from one of my old rentals.

    • Twisty on 23/09/2025 - 11:28

      Thanks

  • MS Paint on 23/09/2025 - 11:33
    +2

    Go to 2:28 in this video to see what OP is up against.

    • Shame on 23/09/2025 - 12:18
      +1

      That tap has been designed to be disposable.

  • JimB on 23/09/2025 - 12:19
    +2

    Me, if I had that dripping tap and couldn't get the handle off, I wouldn't waste my time trying to get it off.

    Just angle grind the handle off and replace with a 1/2 turn ceramic disc wall tops such as https://www.mondella.com.au/products/basin-tapware/0683995-r…

    10 year warranty.

    I've used 3 of these in 2 rental properties in the past 10 years. If tenants can't damage it, then it's sturdy IMO.

    • Twisty on 23/09/2025 - 12:27

      Yer my Mrs isn’t keen on that idea at all sorry

      Nice taps tho

  • jv on 23/09/2025 - 12:33
    -1

    Shower Head Dripping

    probably needs a washer replacement.

    • Twisty on 23/09/2025 - 12:37

      Yep just trying to get to it is the main issue

      • jv on 23/09/2025 - 12:38
        -1

        Twist it off…

        • Twisty on 23/09/2025 - 12:55

          Might be best to read my posts above for my issue

          • andresampras on 23/09/2025 - 14:38
            +1

            @Twisty: The man is asking you to twist it off, best comply….

  • pegaxs on 23/09/2025 - 13:05
    +3

    Don't (fropanity) around with tap washers.. just buy a 1/4 turn ceramic tap spindle and be done with it.

    My wife had a habit of cranking the house taps down so tight that tap washers were lasting about 3 to 6 months. Changed all the taps in the house with 1/4 turn and have not replaced a tap washers in 10 years.

    • 7ekn00 on 23/09/2025 - 13:11
      +3

      Same, but half turns! Even kid proof :P

      • JimB on 23/09/2025 - 14:18
        +2

        Yup 1/2 turn is much more safer for kids and the elder.

    • RogerLoger on 23/09/2025 - 13:20
      -3

      That would be my thought, but ceramic disc valves are not a direct replacement for washer valves. AFAIK major surgery is required, including tiles off. @Twisty is stuck with regular washers. If drifting the stuck component out with hammer and centre punch, etc fails, it MAY be possible to removed the entire assembly with a strap wrench and replace it with a new tap (preferably NOT a cr@p brand). While it is out, use a reseating tool to ensure the new washer gets a good seal.

      Changing a washer is NOT a total fix. If not replacing the tap, strip it right down and replace all sealing rings. Assemble with plumbing silicone grease (or Vaseline) and it should work like new again.

      • MS Paint on 23/09/2025 - 13:47
        +4

        AFAIK major surgery is required, including tiles off

        Then think again.

      • JimB on 23/09/2025 - 14:17
        +1

        Of course you can replace just the spindle if the tap handle is standard.

      • pegaxs on 23/09/2025 - 17:00
        +1

        but ceramic disc valves are not a direct replacement for washer valves.

        Then you are wrong. These are a direct replacement. Unscrew old spindle, screw in new spindle, refit handles and enjoy.

        AFAIK major surgery is required

        Then you are wrong. It is the same process as changing a washer. If you can change a washer, you can replace a spindle.

        @Twisty is stuck with regular washers

        Incorrect. If they have standard tap spindles in their house, they can replace them with ceramic 1/4 or 1/2 turn spindles.

        If drifting the stuck component out with hammer

        JFC… Not everything needs a hammer. It's a tap spindle, not the front crank pulley bolt on a Detroit Diesel 16V149…

        Assemble with plumbing silicone grease (or Vaseline)

        Again, wrong. You do NOT use "Vaso" on rubber components. The petroleum product in "Vaso" eats rubber… Did you not learn anything in "sex ed."??

    • jv on 23/09/2025 - 13:50
      +2

      My wife had a habit of cranking the house taps down so tight

      Just get a new wife…

      Problem solved…

      • pegaxs on 23/09/2025 - 16:38
        +2

        I tried, jv, but you said I wasnt you type

        • jv on 23/09/2025 - 16:56
          +1

          True, you do come across as a bit fowl.

          • pegaxs on 23/09/2025 - 21:17
            +1

            @jv: Hard to duck that accusation…

    • JIMB0 on 23/09/2025 - 18:12

      With only a 1/4 turn, what's the water hammer like on those? My wife turns the mixer taps off too quick, but at least they have a valve under the sink so you can throttle it. These being a direct replacement for an existing tap wouldn't have that option.

      • pegaxs on 23/09/2025 - 21:25
        +1

        No water hammer because of how the ceramic discs work. They sheer the water closed, more like a ball valve than a traditional tap washer setup. I had massive water hammer in my house till I fitted these and they are magic.

        I will confess though, most of mine are the 1/2 turn types after I went around and checked them. Only the laundry has 1/4 turns on the washing machine outlets.

        • deadpoet on 24/09/2025 - 12:45

          My parents had their traditional taps replaced with half-turn ceramic ones and the water hammer went away for them as well. Can confirm they are great.

  • BewareOfThe Dog on 23/09/2025 - 13:49

    We actually had the same issue a few months ago.

    A plumber previously had put a heap of silicon on there, as the newer Tap head was smaller. I was able to get one off with Multi-grips, but not the Cold. This was the dripping, so we ended up having to call a plumber, who fixed it. He also tried selling us a replacement set for $100, but we politly declined.

    I would suggest looking at some taps at Bunnings, and maybe replacing. If you can get that conical part off, you should have enough room to get a spanner in, and have access to the washer. Obviously, make sure that you have turned the water off at the mains.

    • Twisty on 23/09/2025 - 14:56

      I’ve just tried for the past 45min to get the tap head off by trying methods mention above on the plastic screw thingy. Didn’t work unfortunately

      I can move the tap housing away from the wall but only a bit as for obvious reasons (tap handle won’t come off) which exposes the part of the tap I need to turn to remove. Unfortunately once again it’s on a angle and with the spanner I tried to use on it, it doesn’t get enough of a grip to make move at all before it slips off

      • MS Paint on 23/09/2025 - 15:09

        Then a plumbers skinny wide mouth wrench might be worth purchasing to get better access and grip

        The thin jaws and wide mouth make this wrench ideal for plumbing fittings and slim nuts.

        • Twisty on 23/09/2025 - 15:13

          Yer looks good the only issue is that most of the tap part that I need to grip onto is inside the wall so I would need to go from an angle which I don’t have much to work with

  • AustriaBargain on 23/09/2025 - 13:51

    There's loads of YouTube videos explaining how. I'd call a plumber though, it would be a quick job so if they have a 30 minute minimum you could think of any other taps you want redone to get it all done within 30 minutes and materials.

  • RogerLoger on 23/09/2025 - 15:28

    Catching up for a second read. Centre punch and hammer will move most things (I've removed security screws fitted very tightly into swollen timber - you need to be patient). Another alternative may be bent circlip pliers, levered hard onto the job with a long screwdriver, but that's not something I ever tried.

    https://www.bunnings.com.au/trojan-175mm-circlip-internal-be…

  • dragong87 on 23/09/2025 - 17:14

    Easiest option is do it without removing the handle. You can unscrew the flange enough to get plumbers/,multigrip pliers behind and unscrew.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 23/09/2025 - 18:23
    +1

    blowtorch and angle grinder. Guaranteed to work.

  • joka on 23/09/2025 - 19:08
    +2

    I think you should just sell your house and buy another one.

  • Specialist Diaz on 23/09/2025 - 21:31

    is there a shut off valve thing I can put between the wall outlet and shower head to stop the drip just for the time being?

    You’re not meant to but you can put a quarter-turn ball valve between wall and shower head. I stayed at a plumber’s house and he had this!

    • Twisty on 24/09/2025 - 07:28

      Where do you get one?

  • Nice one baby on 23/09/2025 - 22:26
    +1

    If you havnt fixed this yet, can you heat up the metal removal tool and burn new holes in the plastic bit you need to remove?

    • Twisty on 24/09/2025 - 07:30

      Nah still not fixed
      Not a very easy job

      Never thought of this. Not too sure how the plastic will melt but it’s not a bad idea

  • kiitos on 24/09/2025 - 07:57

    Could you pack out the gap in the slots with something so the teeth in the spanner can get more grip?

    • Twisty on 24/09/2025 - 09:17

      Nope sorry

  • 82norm on 24/09/2025 - 08:28

    I’ve got the same issue and waiting for my replacement taps to arrive. The tap head spanner won’t bite into the 2 grooves enough to unscrew, I’ve resided I’ll need to use an angle grinder. Not sure what your taps are, but these are CAROMA Ellegance . Pretty cheap taps and poor design, new ones aren’t much better after reading reviews.

    That said, I bought them again as the cones that cover the spindle have tarnished (cheap metal, chrome) and only because I can get them at below cost.

    Does this YouTube video apply to your situation.

    https://youtu.be/gpcgLmHUVAU?si=HxOJAEkXlr9R_NGO

    • Twisty on 24/09/2025 - 09:19

      I have the same taps but unfortunately mine are shower ones so when I move the housing away from wall the actual tap part that I need to unscrew is inside the wall

      Is there anything else apart a angle grinder to remove it?

  • suchan on 24/09/2025 - 10:07

    how many Ozbargainers does it take to replace a shower head? Answer …… way too many

  • 82norm on 24/09/2025 - 10:08
    +1

    Same, mine are shower ones too. Real bastard of a design. I’ve literally tried everything, except calling a plumber (I’m a tight a$$) and I know they’ll say the only option is to cut the spindle off, pull the cone out, then get a shifter to undo the spindle to replace washer. If u don’t have an angle grinder, hacksaw should suffice. I can’t see any other way.

    • Twisty on 24/09/2025 - 11:29

      Just spoke to a another pro who said it has to be cut off

      All I got is bolt cutters hahahah

      Still thinking of a shut off valve between wall outlet and shower head for the time being before I got all out and get it done. But finding this might be hardb

  • dojomojo on 24/09/2025 - 12:05
    +1

    I had the exact same problem with the same type of fixture. The strap wrench didn't work because it could not grip to anything. What ended up working was tapping it with a hammer to loosen it and then twisting by hand.

    • Twisty on 24/09/2025 - 12:11

      Tapping the tap handle of the little plastic thing?

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