A dripping outdoor shower head is one of those small annoyances that can waste a surprising amount of water over time. The good news is that in most cases the culprit is a worn washer, O-ring, or a blocked nozzle — all things a confident DIYer can sort out without calling a plumber. Here's how to go about it safely and correctly.
Understanding What Causes the Drip
Before you grab a spanner, it helps to know where the drip is coming from:
- From the shower head nozzles – mineral deposits or a worn internal washer are usually to blame.
- From the connection between the shower head and the arm – the thread seal tape (PTFE tape) may have failed, or the O-ring is worn.
- From the base of the wall arm – this could indicate a problem further back in the wall, which may require a licensed plumber.
NZ's water supply often contains minerals that build up inside shower heads over time, especially in areas with harder water. This can cause blockages that mimic a drip or result in uneven spray.
Tools and Materials You'll Need
Step-by-Step: Fixing a Dripping Outdoor Shower Head
Step 1 – Turn Off the Water Supply
Always turn off the water supply before starting. For an outdoor shower, there's usually an isolating tap nearby. If not, you may need to turn off the water at the toby (main stopcock), typically located near your boundary or water meter. Never work on plumbing with the water still running.
Step 2 – Remove the Shower Head
Unscrew the shower head from the wall arm by turning it anticlockwise. Use a cloth between the spanner jaws and the fitting to avoid scratching the finish. Have a towel or bucket handy — residual water will drain out.
Step 3 – Inspect and Replace the Washer or O-ring
Once removed, look inside the shower head connection point for a rubber washer or O-ring. These are the most common cause of drips. If it looks flattened, cracked, or distorted, replace it. Standard sizes are widely available at hardware stores — bring the old one in to match it up.
Step 4 – Descale the Shower Head
Soak the shower head in a bowl of white vinegar for 30–60 minutes to dissolve mineral build-up. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the nozzle holes clean. This is especially worthwhile for outdoor shower heads exposed to the elements year-round.
Step 5 – Reseal the Thread
Before reattaching the shower head, wrap the thread on the wall arm with PTFE tape (also called thread seal tape). Wind it clockwise around the thread two to three times. This creates a watertight seal and prevents future leaks at the joint.
Step 6 – Reattach and Test
Screw the shower head back on firmly by hand, then give it a gentle quarter-turn with the spanner — don't overtighten or you risk cracking the fitting. Turn the water supply back on slowly and check for drips. Run the shower briefly and inspect all joints.
Outdoor Shower Considerations in NZ
Outdoor showers in New Zealand are exposed to UV, salt air (in coastal areas), and temperature swings — all of which accelerate wear on rubber seals and plastic components. It's worth checking your shower head and fittings at least once a year. If your outdoor shower drains to the ground rather than into a proper drainage system, be aware that MBIE Building Performance guidelines and your local council may have requirements around wastewater disposal — check with your council if you're unsure.
If your outdoor shower is part of a rental property, check with your property manager or council regarding any applicable rental property requirements.
When to Call a Professional
Some plumbing work in New Zealand is restricted work under the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers Act 2006, meaning it must be carried out by a licensed tradesperson registered with the Plumbers Gasfitters & Drainlayers Board (PGDB). Replacing a shower head or washer is generally considered maintenance and is fine for a homeowner to do themselves. However, you should call a licensed plumber if:
- The drip is coming from inside the wall or from the wall arm base
- You need to modify or extend any pipework
- There is visible corrosion or damage to the supply pipes
- The isolating valve itself is leaking or seized
- You're unsure about any step of the process
A qualified local plumber can diagnose the problem quickly and ensure the work meets the NZ Building Code (particularly clause G12 – Water Supplies). You can find licensed plumbers in your area on tradedirectory.co.nz.
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