How to Turn Off Water in Shower the Right Way (5 Steps)

You just finished a long day, you’re ready for a hot shower, but something’s wrong—the water won’t stop or it won’t start at all. Maybe it’s dripping or flooding. Sound familiar? Knowing how to turn off water in shower can save your bathroom, your money, and your peace of mind. In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to shut off shower water safely and easily, whether you’re dealing with a normal shutoff or an emergency leak. It’s simple, and you don’t need to be a plumber to do it.

Find the Shower Handle or Knob and Turn it Off Fully

When your shower is on, the first thing to check is the main handle or knob that controls the water. This is usually found on the wall just below the showerhead. Some showers have one single handle that you push or pull to turn the water on or off. Others have two knobs—one for hot and one for cold.

To turn off the water, turn the knob or handle all the way in the opposite direction of the water flow. For most single-handle showers, this means turning the handle to the “off” position by pushing it in or turning it clockwise. If your shower has two knobs, turn both knobs all the way to the right (clockwise) to stop the water.

Sometimes, the handle feels loose, or you keep turning it, but the water doesn’t stop. This could mean the internal valve is broken. But for most people, simply turning off the handle tightly will stop the water.

If you’re unsure how the knobs work, try turning them slowly and see how the water changes. When the water pressure lowers or stops, you’re turning it the right way. Always avoid turning it too hard to prevent breaking the handle.

Here’s something people don’t often think about: mineral buildup can make knobs harder to turn over time. If the knob is stuck, try using a rubber grip or even a towel to get a better grip without hurting your hand.

Sometimes children or guests don’t turn the handle all the way off, and water keeps dripping. Always double-check after use. If the water still runs after turning off the knobs, you may need to move to the next method.

• Look for one or two knobs below the showerhead
• Turn them clockwise to stop the water
• Use a towel for grip if they’re tight
• If water doesn’t stop, move to checking the valve

Locate and Turn Off the Shower’s Water Valve

If turning the shower handle didn’t stop the water, then it’s time to find the water valve that controls the shower supply. Many homes have a separate valve just for the shower or bathtub.

This valve is not always visible. It might be inside the wall behind the shower or in a small access panel nearby. If you’re lucky, your bathroom has a panel behind the shower wall that opens to expose the valve. It can look like a small lever or round knob.

To turn off this valve, turn it clockwise until it stops. That closes the flow of water to your shower. If you’re unsure which valve it is, test it by turning it and seeing if the shower stops running.

In newer homes, there might be a shutoff panel in a closet, basement, or behind a removable cover near the tub. Sometimes you have to check the opposite side of the wall where the shower is. For example, if the shower is in the bathroom, look in the closet or hallway behind that wall.

In older homes, there may not be a separate valve just for the shower. If you can’t find a valve nearby, you may need to shut off the main water supply, which we’ll talk about next.

Also, be cautious when opening walls or panels. Make sure to wear gloves and avoid forcing anything open. A flashlight will help a lot in dark spaces.

• Look for a small panel behind or near the shower
• Open it and look for a lever or knob
• Turn the valve clockwise to stop water
• Use a flashlight for dark areas
• If no valve is found, shut off the main water supply

Shut Off the Main Water Supply to the House

If water is still coming out and you can’t find a separate valve for the shower, your next best option is to turn off the main water supply for the whole house. This might sound scary, but it’s not hard to do.

First, find where your main water shutoff is. It’s often found where the water enters your home. Common places include the basement, crawl space, utility room, or outside near the water meter. The shutoff can be a round wheel-like valve or a lever.

If it’s a round valve, turn it clockwise (to the right) until it stops. If it’s a lever, turn it so that it’s perpendicular to the pipe. This shuts off all the water going into your home.

Once the main valve is turned off, go back to your shower and check if the water has stopped. If it has, you’ve confirmed the water was still being fed from the main line.

This is a helpful option if you’re dealing with a major leak or broken shower valve and need time to call a plumber. It will also stop water from flooding your floors or walls.

Be aware that turning off the main water will stop water to everything—sinks, toilets, washing machine, etc. So only do this if needed, and remember to tell others in the home.

• Look for the main shutoff near the basement, garage, or outside
• Use a wrench or your hands to turn it off
• Turn clockwise for round valves, turn lever perpendicular
• Return to the shower to check the flow stopped
• Call a plumber if you need help fixing the problem

Check for a Shower Cartridge or Valve Issue

Even after turning off the main water, you might be wondering what caused the issue in the first place. One common reason a shower won’t turn off is a bad shower cartridge or internal valve problem.

A shower cartridge is a small part inside the handle that controls how water flows when you turn the knob. Over time, this part can wear out, get stuck, or break. When this happens, even if you turn the handle, water keeps flowing.

To fix this, you’ll need to remove the shower handle. You can do this using a screwdriver. Behind the handle, you’ll find a long metal or plastic part—that’s the cartridge. If you have a new one, you can replace it by pulling the old one out and pushing the new one in.

Be sure the main water supply is turned off before doing this. If not, you could have water shooting out of the wall!

Replacing the cartridge might sound like a big job, but it’s something even beginners can do with simple tools and a little patience. Most cartridges are held in with clips or screws. You may want to take the old one to a hardware store to match it.

If your shower uses a two-knob system, each knob may have its own valve or washer inside. In that case, check both sides if only one side is leaking.

• If water doesn’t stop, it might be the cartridge
• Remove the handle to find the cartridge
• Replace it with the same model
• Turn off the water before removing anything
• Take old part to the store if unsure

Use a Temporary Cap or Plug if Needed

If you can’t fix the shower right away but need to stop water from coming out, using a temporary cap or plug can be a good short-term solution.

Once you’ve shut off the main water or the valve, unscrew the showerhead or remove the spout. Then, place a rubber cap or plug over the pipe where water usually comes out. These can be found at hardware stores. You can also use plumber’s tape or a rag to seal it tightly for now.

This won’t fix the real problem but can stop drips or minor leaks while you wait for parts or a plumber.

Be sure the pipe is dry before applying any cap. Clean the area and wrap it in tape or cover it with a tight-fitting cap. This helps prevent leaks and gives you time to prepare for a proper fix.

Some people also wrap a towel or cloth around the pipe and tie it with a zip tie or tape. This isn’t ideal, but it’s better than letting water drip onto your floors.

• Use a cap or plug over the pipe to stop water
• Remove the showerhead or faucet first
• Dry the area and seal tightly
• Good for short-term solution
• Buy caps from hardware store or use rubber plug

Call a Plumber if Water Still Won’t Stop

If you’ve tried everything—turned the handle, valve, and even shut off the main water—but water keeps coming or you can’t fix it, it’s time to call a plumber.

Some problems are deep in the plumbing system. This includes broken internal pipes, damaged valves, or very old fixtures. A licensed plumber has the tools and experience to check and fix the problem without damaging your walls or pipes further.

Calling a plumber might seem expensive, but it can actually save you money if water damage happens or you buy the wrong parts. Most plumbers will come with the right tools and can fix the issue in under an hour if it’s simple.

Make sure to tell the plumber exactly what you tried already. This helps them understand the issue faster. Also, ask for a quote before work starts so there are no surprises.

While you wait, keep towels around to catch leaks and keep pets or kids away from the area.

• Call a professional if water still flows
• A plumber can check pipes inside the wall
• Better to fix early than risk water damage
• Ask for price estimate before work
• Keep the area dry while you wait

Final Thoughts

Turning off water in a shower may seem stressful at first, but it’s not as hard as it seems. Whether it’s turning a handle, shutting a valve, or capping a pipe, you can handle it step by step. The key is to stay calm and act quickly. If the problem is bigger than you thought, don’t feel bad about calling a plumber. Fixing small leaks early stops big problems later. Now that you know what to do, you’ll feel more confident the next time something goes wrong.

Task	What to Do	Tools Needed	Result
Turn off shower handle	Twist knob(s) clockwise	None	Stops water if working
Shut off nearby valve	Open panel, turn valve clockwise	Flashlight	Stops water to shower only
Shut off main water supply	Find main valve, turn off	Wrench (optional)	Stops all water in house
Replace shower cartridge	Remove handle, insert new cartridge	Screwdriver	Fixes internal leak
Use temporary cap or plug	Cap the open pipe or spout	Rubber cap, plumber tape	Stops leaks temporarily
Call a plumber	Schedule repair if nothing works	Phone	Full repair done professionally

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it okay to turn off the main water supply if I can’t find the shower valve?

Yes, it is okay to turn off the main water supply if you can’t find a separate valve for the shower. It’s often the safest choice, especially if water is leaking or running continuously. The main shutoff will stop all water entering the house, giving you time to find the cause of the problem or call for help. Just be aware that turning it off will stop water to everything, including sinks and toilets, so use it only when needed. It’s a smart emergency move anyone can make.

Can turning the shower handle too hard break it?

Yes, turning the shower handle too hard can cause damage. If you force it beyond its limit, the handle might crack or strip the valve inside, making it worse. Always turn knobs gently but firmly. If it feels stuck, try using a rubber grip or towel for better control rather than using brute strength. If the knob doesn’t respond after a full turn, the problem might be inside the valve or cartridge. In that case, forcing it won’t help and might make repairs harder later.

Do I need tools to shut off the shower water?

Not always. In most cases, you don’t need tools to turn off the shower water. For example, turning the shower handle or a valve is usually done by hand. However, if you need to shut off the main water supply or remove parts like the handle or cartridge, simple tools like a wrench or screwdriver may be needed. Having a flashlight also helps when looking for valves in dark places. So while you may not need tools at first, they can be useful for deeper problems.

Is it safe to open the wall panel to find the valve?

Yes, it’s generally safe to open a wall panel if you’re careful. Many homes have an access panel made just for this reason—to let you reach the shower valve. Use a flashlight and gloves if needed, and avoid forcing anything open. If you see wires or wet drywall, stop and call a professional. Most of the time, it’s just a small panel with a valve inside. It’s okay to open it, look, and turn the valve off if you find it.

Can I replace a shower cartridge myself?

Yes, many people can replace a shower cartridge on their own. If you have basic tools like a screwdriver and a little patience, it’s possible. First, shut off the water completely. Then remove the handle and take out the old cartridge. Take the old one to a hardware store to get the right match. Follow the new cartridge’s instructions to install it. It’s a good DIY job that saves money and helps you learn more about your home plumbing system.

Do I need to shut off all water to fix a dripping shower?

Usually, yes. To fix a dripping shower, you’ll need to shut off the water supply, either at a valve near the shower or the main supply for your home. This prevents water from flowing while you check or replace parts. If you don’t shut it off first, you risk water spraying out when you open the handle or remove the cartridge. Always make sure the water is off and test it by turning the shower on after shutoff—nothing should come out.

Is it normal for water to keep dripping after turning off the handle?

No, it’s not normal if water keeps dripping long after you’ve turned off the handle. A few drops right after turning it off can be okay, but continuous dripping means something’s wrong—likely with the internal valve or cartridge. Over time, parts wear down or get clogged with minerals. Fixing it early can prevent bigger issues like high water bills or mold. If you can’t fix it yourself, call a plumber before it gets worse.

Can I temporarily stop a shower leak without fixing it?

Yes, you can temporarily stop a shower leak by using a cap, plug, or sealing tape on the pipe. First, shut off the water. Then cover the pipe where the leak comes from. This is not a long-term fix, but it can help control leaks until you get the right parts or schedule a plumber. Always dry the area first and make sure the cap or tape fits tightly. Keep an eye on it in case the leak returns.