Does the water from your shower head no longer fully flows as it used to? If so, you are not alone. Worse is, it is not just a problem for you, it is a problem for everyone who shares the same bathroom. A shower head, in essence, is always spewing water out at your discretion, every single day. When your shower head starts to clog, it can be a frustrating and even dangerous problem. The water flow will slow down, or the water pressure will drop. This can make you feel like you are not getting enough water, which is something you do not want to feel. There is no denying that the shower head is an essential part of our daily lives, but it can be a pain if you have to clean it too often to avoid clogging the water flow.
Read also: 9 Common Plumbing Problems Homeowners Needs to Watch Out For
4 Possible reasons why your shower head is clogged:
1. The house you live in has hard water
Water is filled with calcium and other mineral deposits, which may and eventually clog showerheads over time. This does not appear to be hazardous in and of itself but, it simply restricts the flow. The major cause of a clogged shower head is usually the buildup of salts, calcium, as well as other mineral deposits brought about by hard water. These tend to be frequently referred to as hard water stains on the surfaces of your shower walls and flooring. When these minerals accumulate, they might harden and form a blockage in the shower head nozzles, eventually clogging them.
2. A flow restrictor is installed in your shower head
A few shower heads are equipped with a flow restrictor which helps preserve energy as well as water. These modest plastic disks conserve water while reducing water pressure. Past flow restrictors are likely to be readily taken out, while newer types are maybe unable to be. Make sure to do your research prior to purchasing a certain type of showerhead.
3. There is the presence of mold and mildew
Mold and mildew are likewise contributing factors to clogged shower heads. Mold and mildew microbes subsist on organic compounds, soap residue, as well as minerals from hard water stains. Mold might be tough to get rid of from your shower head since it has spread throughout the whole shower pipe.
4. There has been an accumulation of soap residue
A clogged shower head, for whatever explanation, is typically challenging to clear by employing conventional cleaning methods such as cleaning with water along with soap. With regard to its tiny nozzles, it can be really difficult to effectively clean the shower head and avoid clogging the water flow using typical cleaners.
4 Easy steps to clean and unclog your shower head
Luckily, there are four simple steps you can take on how to clean your shower head and avoid clogging the water flow. It is important to take into account that taking the shower head apart makes cleaning it simpler. Other elements of the shower head, such as the hose, should also be cleaned. Before scrubbing the shower head, the rule is recommended to use rubber gloves, particularly given that you are going to be working with substances that may be irritating to your skin.
STEP 1: Disassemble the shower head
Before anything else, try removing the shower head manually. Rotate the top portion of the shower head counterclockwise to do this. Because the head is made to spin, you cannot turn it. If you are unable to disassemble the shower head by hand, wrap it in an old towel and carefully rotate it off using a tool such as a wrench.
STEP 2: Soak the shower head in a cleaning solution
If you wish to keep the shower head connected to the pipe flowing out of the wall, get a plastic bag that is small enough to fit onto the nozzles of your showerhead. You must have a rubber band sufficient in strength for holding the bag attached to the showerhead for a couple of hours throughout the night. On the other hand, if you successfully disassembled the head from the shower pipe, you can soak the shower head in a container full of the cleaning solution. You can use either of these two cleaning solutions:
Baking soda and white vinegar solution.
Baking soda and distilled white vinegar work well together to dissolve minerals, soap scum, and mold in the nozzles. Moreover, baking soda can help deodorize the shower head and remove any smells of mold. Making use of the baking soda and white vinegar solution, thoroughly clean your showerhead. In the plastic bag, combine one part baking soda for every three parts vinegar to completely cover the bag and saturate the showerhead. Set the solution-filled bag on the showerhead, making sure all of the nozzles of your showerhead are completely immersed in the mixture. You may opt to leave this overnight.
Calcium, Lime, and Rust Remover Solution (CLR Solution).
A mixture of Calcium, Lime, and Rust Remover (CLR) can be used for washing and fixing a shower head. Equally, it is also less time-consuming than using vinegar and baking soda. Simply mix one part CLR solution in one part warm water in a plastic bag. Then, simply submerge your shower head for approximately two minutes in the CLR solution.
STEP 3: Remove the shower head from the mixture and start scrubbing
Take out the showerhead from your plastic bag and scrub the freed filth off with a brush that has soft bristles. With regard to difficult blockages, resoak the showerhead with a similar cleaning solution you used.
STEP 4: Cleanse with water and reassemble the showerhead
Reassemble the shower head and turn on the warmest temperature setting for a few minutes. Let the water flow for a couple of minutes to wash away any leftover scum. The warm temperature helps to effectively clean the shower head and avoid clogging the water flow.
But still, you may be wondering, “So, how do I stop my shower head from clogging?”
The answer is simple, to protect your shower head from clogging you should keep your shower area clean all the time! The accumulation of debris and filth is frequently a result of infrequent cleanup. When you upkeep your bathroom, do not forget to clean your shower head so you can avoid clogging the water flow.
Read also: Should you add showers to your guest bathrooms?
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Written by MC Sanchez
