How to Clean Your Showerhead – 3 Tips

Showerhead – When Should You Clean It?

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 it’s 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.

Tip One: Keep Your Showerhead Clean

 If you have hard water, you’ll notice that pressure is reduced over time, and in some cases, the jets might even stop working properly. Unscrewing the showerhead, rinsing it to remove any loose deposits, and then soaking it in a mineral-dissolving solution like CLR clears up hard water deposits and keeps your shower working right.

If you are on water that has a tendency to allow microbial growth, you can soak your showerhead in bleach periodically to keep algae and mold at bay.

Either way, be sure to rinse the shower head in clear water once it’s clean, and let it run for a minute after cleaning and before anyone takes a shower.

Tip Two: Stop Leaks

Occasionally, showerheads develop leaks where they meet the arm that extends out from the wall. In some cases, they need to be tightened, and in other cases, the washer that sits between the two needs to be replaced. You can buy a new washer at a home improvement store; if you need pliers to unscrew anything, be sure to wrap them in tape first to prevent damage.

Tip Three: Fixing a Sticky Pivot

Over time, shower heads can start to stick in a fixed position, causing users to exert excessive force to move them back and forth. Fix the problem by disassembling the showerhead, coating the pivot with petroleum jelly, and swiveling it back and forth a few times before reassembling it.

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.

If you have any more issues with your shower or any plumbing problem in general, contact Black Mountain Plumbing, Inc., and see how we can help with any residential or commercial plumbing issue.

Serving San Diego and San Diego County for over 30 years with quality work and great service. We also service these cities – El Cajon, La Mesa, Lakeside, Poway, Ramona, Santee, Pacific Beach, 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, Carlsbad, Fairbanks Ranch, 4S Ranch, and Sabre Springs.