Sunrise Specialty » How to Unclog Shower Head? (Step-by-Step Tutorial)

How to Unclog Shower Head? (Step-by-Step Tutorial)

Do you have a clogged up shower head? And are you looking for the best way to unclog shower head to keep the water pressure strong and steady? If this is the case, we got you covered in this article to provide great insight on how to clean a clog shower head.

The clogged shower head is as a result to mineral deposit which buildup in the water, covering the holes of the showerhead. Admittedly, showering with a clogged rain shower head can be annoying due to the slow flow of water. For this reason, we’ve have put together great tips to unclog a shower head to make water flow out to its potential.

Easy Steps to Unclog a Shower Head

Step 1: Remove the Showerhead

Step 1 Remove the Showerhead

Cleaning your clogged shower head start with the removal of the showerhead from the pipe attached to the wall. You might find this challenging to do, but you don’t have to worry, we’ll give you easy ways to go about it. Admittedly, removing the showerhead makes the task easier to carry out.

For a thorough cleaning of the showerhead, this requires taking out every single nozzle. Obviously, this task proves to be easy when you clean it on your arm than directly on the shower pipe.

Luckily, there are easy ways you can remove a showerhead. For modern showerheads, these are mostly screwed onto the pipe directly while some are connected with a nut. For the screwed types, you don’t need any tools to take out the head. You can easily remove it by simply turning the showerhead anticlockwise.

For others connected with a nut, you will need to use an adjustable wrench. To take out this showerhead, you have to hold it with one hand while you use the adjustable wrench to remove the nut. If there is decorative finish on the showerhead, you should wrap a rag around the nut before taking it out to prevent scratches.

Step 2: Soak the Shower Head in Cleaning Solution or Vinegar

Step 2 Soak the Shower Head in Cleaning Solution or Vinegar

If you’re able to remove the showerhead is time to soak it into the cleaning solution to loosen the clogs. Get a container large enough to contain the showerhead when submerged into it.

But if you find it hard to remove the showerhead, you can place a plastic bag filled with a solution around it. Then zip tie method the bag or use a rubber band to secure it up there.

However, you should know the cleaning solution before you take the above steps. For heavy-duty option or showerhead clogged by calcium, lime, or rust, a stronger cleaning solution will be great.

If you want a gentler choice to unclog the common household showerhead, you should use the vinegar. This solution can loosen mineral deposits effectively and does not contain strong acids and fumes.

Pour the preferred cleaning solution into the container and submerge the disconnected head. Leave it for an hour or overnight for deeper cleaning. The more time you wait, the more it dissolves the buildup and the cleaner it will get.

Step 3: Scrub

Step 3 Scrub

To clean the shower head properly, you will need a small old toothbrush and toothpick. Start by dipping the toothbrush into the cleaning solution and then use it to scrub every nozzle thoroughly.

Step 4: Rinse and Clean the Shower Head

Rinse and Clean the Shower Head

After scrubbing, rinse the showerhead with water inside out to remove any deposits and solution.

Check the nozzles closely for any deposit, and if you see any, use a toothpick to remove it.

This process might look stressful, but all it takes is a little deposit to prevent water from flowing out to its potential.

Step 5: Time to Reconnect the Showerhead

Time to Reconnect the Showerhead

Once you have scrubbed, and rinsed the showerhead, it’s time to reconnect it to the pipe.

Turn the shower and allow it to run for a few minutes.

Check out for any leakage, if you notice any, turn off the shower, and apply a little plumber’s tape to the pipe thread to prevent leaks.

Now reconnect the head to the pipe. You can climb on a shower chair to make things easier.

Additional Tips

Removing the showerhead could be the best time to replace it. If yours is old, worn-out, or rusty, you have to replace it with a fresh one to give your shower a new look. If you decide to make a small investment for a little upgrade in the shower, now is the best time.

Easy Ways to Minimize Clogs on Shower Head

Admittedly, using the solution to a clogged showerhead provided above will make yours clean and run smoothly. But you should consider the reason and the effect of a clogged shower head to minimize this problem.

Clogged up showerhead is mostly caused by mineral deposits from hard water. This hard water contains minerals such as calcium and manganese, which makes water difficult to lather when showering. Also, not only does it clogs, but it also leaves a spot on your dishes after washing.

Minerals buildup proves to be the main reason your appliance doesn’t flow out to its potential after a short period.

If you don’t know the kind of water you have, you can get a test kit from any hardware store to check. These test kits aren’t that pricey, and you will find it easy to use.

After checking and you find out you have hard water, contact an expert plumber. In most cases, the plumber will apply a softening system which helps to remove excess minerals from the water. Doing this will help prolong the life of the appliance and will make cleaning a lot easier.

Wrap Up

Hopefully, with the easy steps on how to unclog a shower head provided, you will find it easy to make yours run smoothly. Mineral deposits are the leading cause of clogged up showerhead, and you can quickly unclog your shower with these great steps on a weekly or monthly basis.

  • Remove the showerhead
  • Soak the showerhead in a cleaning solution or vinegar, and then bring it out and wash thoroughly.
  • Reattach the showerhead to its original position.

Have you ever clean your shower? How many times do you clean your shower a month? Or do you find this article useful to you? We’ll love to know, so leave your comments below.