A drip from around the on/off dial itself, rather than from a shower outlet, almost always means the seal inside the on/off valve behind that dial has worn out. It's a valve fault, not a knob fault, even though the water appears to come from the dial.
Applies to: shower cabins
INTRO HERE
Compatible with many shower cabin brands including
Quick diagnosis
If your shower cabin is showing these symptoms:
- Water seeping out from around the base of the on/off (middle) dial
- A damp patch on the wall or column below the on/off dial
- Dripping that happens only when the water is on, not when it's off
- The on/off dial feels loose, gritty or harder to turn than it used to
- Water tracking down inside the column from around the dial
Likely causes, most likely first
- Worn valve seal. The on/off valve behind the dial has an internal seal that hardens and wears with use; once it goes, water finds its way out around the spindle rather than through the outlet.
- Limescale inside the valve. In hard water areas, scale builds up on the moving parts of the valve and stops it seating cleanly, which can force water past the seal.
Likely cause
Dripping around the on/off dial is a valve problem wearing the dial's clothes. Water pressure sits behind the dial whenever the supply is on, and once the seal inside the valve wears, hardens or gets fouled with limescale, that pressure finds the path of least resistance … out around the spindle and dial rather than through the shower outlet it's meant to.
Check this first
- Check the knob is fitted square and the grub screw is tight before assuming the valve has failed.
- Dry the area around the knob, run the shower for a minute, then check whether the drip is coming from the knob join or from further back where the valve meets the wall.
- Note whether the drip happens with the water on, off, or both … it narrows down whether it’s the valve seal or just a loose fixing.
Which part fits your cabin
| Brand | Model / range | Part | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vidalux | SS (Steam), Essence and Essence Classic ranges | 18mm On/Off Valve or 24mm On/Off Valve | Checked against Vidalux’s own product records |
| Vidalux | SS (Steam), Essence and Essence Classic ranges | Threaded Barrel Housing for On/Off Valve | Checked against Vidalux’s own product records |
This list is a floor, not the full range … check which part has actually failed, the valve or its housing, before ordering regardless of model.
How to identify your part
Replacement on/off valves come in two sizes, 18mm and 24mm, sold as separate parts rather than a measurement you can check without opening the valve up. If you’re not sure which one your cabin uses, the safest route is to remove the valve and check the fitting, or send a photo of the exposed valve before ordering. A separate threaded barrel housing (28.8mm diameter, 37.6mm height) that holds the on/off valve is also available, for cases where the housing itself has failed rather than the valve inside it.
Parts that fix this problem
The following replacement parts usually fix this issue.
Not sure which replacement part you need? Send us a photo and we will help identify the correct replacement.
How to fix it
- Isolate the power to the unit before you start … you’ll be working with your hands behind a live, plumbed-in appliance
- Isolate the hot and cold water supply to the shower
- Remove the on/off dial … most pull straight off, some need the grub screw loosened first with a small Allen key
- Pull the unit away from the wall to reach the valve behind it
- Replace the on/off valve, or the barrel housing if that’s what has failed, following the fitting instructions for your model
- Refit the dial, reconnect the water and power, and check for drips with the valve both on and off
Also described as
- Steam shower
- Steam shower cabin
- Hydro massage shower
When to call a professional
If isolating the water supply or the power to the unit isn't straightforward, or the valve is seized and won't come free, call a plumber or electrician rather than forcing it.
