For something that is “cleaned” from the inside daily, you’d imagine it wouldn’t require a lot of maintenance, but that’s far from the truth.
If you haven’t guessed it yet, I’m talking about showerheads. Now, I’m not saying I had no idea that showers get clogged. But, after the 17th time of poking it with needles to clean it out, I started getting tired of the extensive unclogging process. However, the issue was I had no idea what else to do.
Hi! I’m Stacy, and if you are in a similar situation, this guide is for you. I remember trying multiple cleaners to find the most effective solution, only to realize the best one was already lying in my kitchen cabinet. Not following on? That’s why I am here.
Let’s get to the deets now, shall we?
How To Unclog Shower Heads
Why Do Shower Heads Get Clogged?
One of the first things I looked into was why my showerhead was constantly getting clogged. Only after I could pinpoint the cause would I be able to ascertain if I need to unclog the showerhead or replace it altogether. Here are some of the reasons why your showerhead might be clogging.
1. Hard Water
The most common reason why the shower heads tend to clog is hard water. When water has too much calcium and other metallic elements, it is considered “hard.” Because of this, showerheads are the one place hard water leaves deposits in the form of scale build-ups. Usually, the force and hardness of the water cause the sediments to settle behind the showerhead.
If you are unsure whether the water in the house is hard or not, then the best way is to check the laundry. In most cases, stiff laundry is a strong indicator of hard water. Additionally, if soap is not creating any lather or there are deposits on the utensils and clothes, it could mean the water is hard.
2. Flow Restrictor
Newer showerheads are designed in a way that allows them to preserve energy and water. The only issue is that the restrictor slows down the pressure of the water. Thankfully, the restrictors can be easily removed and barely takes a few minutes.
3. Debris
Other than scale build-ups due to hard water, multiple types of debris can get stuck in the showerhead. These are mainly caused due to the pipes and plumbing system the house has.
Keep an eye out for a change in pressure if you have copper wires, as those tend to corrode over time. Moreover, if clogging because of copper pipes is left untreated, it can lead to more significant issues like leaks, which only professionals can fix.
If the pipes or showerhead have any rubber parts, there is a chance it can break down into smaller pieces and get stuck behind the showerhead.
Unclogging A Shower Head
I have had the opportunity to try this method on both attached and detachable showerheads, and it has worked wonderfully. So, to get this thing started, first, you need to gather a few items required for unclogging. Those items are:
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Plastic bag (large enough to fit the showerhead)
- Rubber band
A. Unclogging An Attached Shower Head
The first step is to mix baking soda and vinegar in a plastic bag in a 1:3 ratio. As mentioned above, the size of the plastic bag is dependent on the size of the showerhead.
You create a well-balanced cleaning solution by adding one part baking soda and three parts vinegar in a bag. It is bound to cut through the deposits in the showerhead.
The next thing you need to do is tie the bag to the showerhead and fix it with a rubber band. If the showerhead is fully submerged in the solution, you’re good to go. However, if it isn’t, turn on the shower slowly so that the water fills the bag and mixes with the solution.
It is vital to secure the bag tightly and remember not to turn the shower on with full force. This is so that the bag does not slip or fall off when mixing water into the solution.
The last thing to do will be to leave it on for some time (one hour - overnight). After the showerhead has soaked in the solution, turn the shower on and let the water clean the solution out from the inside.
B. Unclogging A Detachable Shower Head
The first step, obviously, will be to remove the showerhead from the wall. Ways to detach can depend on the brand you have, but usually, there aren’t too many nuts to loosen to disconnect it fully. Once detached, rinse the showerhead under running water and submerge it in a baking soda and vinegar solution.
Much like the previous method, the detached shower head should also rest in the solution for an hour (preferably longer). Remember, the more it stays in the solution, the easier it will be to get rid of the deposits.
Once submerged long enough, the showerhead should be kept under running water to thoroughly get rid of the solution. Also, wipe the showerhead (attached or detachable) with a towel before testing if it is unclogged.
- Powerful Cleaner - Vinegar has been used for hundreds of years as a cleaner because it works!
- Pleasant Scent - Eucalyptus oils give off a nice scent that neutralizes smelly odors
- Versatile - Safe on most household surfaces including glass, stainless steel, ceramic and more
- One 128-ounce bottle of Happy Belly White Distilled Vinegar
- Grain and water diluted to 5% acidity
- About 253 servings per container
Final Words
With that, we come to the end of my guide on how to unclog showerheads. I hope this has been an informative read.
Before going, here is some advice on how to minimize further clogging. If you know the shower heads in your house tend to get clogged, keep diluted vinegar in a spray bottle.
Cleaning shower heads at regular intervals is a sure-shot way of minimizing clogging. If all else fails, you can get in touch with a trusted plumbing professional to fix the issues once and for all.
On that note, I shall sign off now. I’ll be back with more handy advice soon.
See you next time!