You can fix this
Likely cause: a loose adjusting ring, or worn cam and packing
On a single-lever ball-type tub and shower valve, water from under the handle usually means the adjusting ring needs tightening, or the cam and packing need replacing.
Why this happens
Delta's guidance for a single-lever tub and shower leaking under the handle is to tighten the adjusting ring first. If that does not stop it, the cam and packing on top of the ball are worn and need replacing. These seal around the ball where it moves, so a leak shows up at the handle rather than the spout.
How to fix it
- Shut off the water to the shower and remove the handle.
- Tighten the adjusting ring a little, reinstall the handle, turn the water on and test.
- If it still leaks, shut the water off again, remove the cap, and replace the cam and packing per Delta's guide.
- Reassemble and test at full hot and full cold.
If this does not fix it, tell the plumber
- It is a single-lever tub and shower, leaking from under the handle.
- Whether tightening the adjusting ring helped.
- The valve brand and age.
Build the full list: what to tell the plumber.
Start this troubleshooter over
References (every fact above comes from one of these pages)
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