How to Clean Your Shower Head – San Diego Plumbers

When It’s Time to Clean Your Shower Head

If you’ve noticed discoloration on your shower head (chalky white, green, or brown) and it runs with very little power, then it probably means you’ve got a lot of calcium or limescale build-up which means its time to clean your shower head. While this offers no risk to your health, it does mean that you’re not going to get the greatest performance out of your shower that you could be enjoying. So if this is what is happening to you, here’s what you can do about it without necessarily having to call your local plumber.

There are three things you’re going to need:

• A plastic ziplock-type bag (large enough to fully cover your shower head)
• A heavy-duty elastic band or tie-wrap
• Distilled white vinegar (not rice vinegar, balsamic, or cider)

The process to clean your showerhead

Once you have all of these items, you simply half-fill the zip lock bag with your white vinegar (don’t dilute it). Place the half-filled back over the shower head (or if your shower head can be taken off the wall mount, you can then immerse the shower head into the bag), and then secure it using the elastic band or tie wrap.

You then leave this in place for between 12 and 24 hours (depending on how much limescale is in place) to soak. It’s important to make sure that the entire shower head is immersed in the vinegar. The vinegar will then power through any limescale during that time period.

OK, so now ‘at least 12 hours have passed, and now you can carefully remove the bag from the shower head and can empty the vinegar down the shower drain (If you want to kill two birds with one stone and clean your drain in the process, dump some baking soda down the drain before pouring out the vinegar and your drain will get cleaned as well).

Next, run hot water through the shower for a few minutes and let the vinegar rinse off (the vinegar smell will go away once everything has dried). Within minutes your shower will work wonderfully and you’ll be able to start enjoying your showering experience once more.

Learn How to Clean Your Faucet Aerators Too

Cleaning your faucet aerators is important to maintain a steady water flow and prevent the buildup of mineral deposits that can affect the taste and smell of your water. Here are the steps to clean your faucet aerators:

Turn off the water supply to the faucet.

1. Remove the aerator by twisting it counterclockwise with pliers or by unscrewing it by hand.
2. Disassemble the aerator by separating the various components, such as the screen, washer, and gasket.
3. Soak the aerator components in a bowl of warm water and vinegar for about an hour. The vinegar will help to dissolve any mineral buildup.
4. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a small brush to scrub the components, paying particular attention to the screen.
5. Rinse the components thoroughly under running water to remove any remaining debris or vinegar solution.
6. Reassemble the aerator and screw it back onto the faucet by twisting it clockwise.
7. Turn on the water supply and test the faucet to ensure that the water flows smoothly.

By following these steps, you can keep your faucet aerators clean and functioning properly just like your showerhead.

If you find that your shower pressure (and water pressure throughout the house) isn’t what it should be, please give us a call at (858) 536-4161 and we’d be happy to send a licensed plumber to your home to test the water pressure and correct the problem as required.

Serving San Diego and San Diego County for over 30 years with quality work and great service. We also service these cities – Poway, Ramona, Santee, La Jolla, University City, Tierrasanta, Rancho Penasquitos, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho Santa Fe, Encinitas, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Leucadia, Sorrento Valley, Miramar, Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch, Vista, Carlsbad, Fairbanks Ranch, 4S Ranch, and Sabre Springs.