Close
Overlay
    Home Owners: 2,486,022
    Contractors: -4,524,845

    Home DIY Project: How To Unclog A Blocked Shower Head

    November 28th, 2012

    Over time, water tends to affect home plumbing fixtures such as showerheads. This is mainly because hard water nearly always contains traces of mineral deposits and debris. These impurities usually stain water pipes and fixtures often leaving behind residue and deposits. The gradual buildup of such deposits can lead to blockages, especially on showerheads. Mould and bacteria buildup also causes sedimentation on the showerhead faceplate leading to blockages.

    A blocked or partly blocked showerhead is a nuisance to most people. Picture this, you wish to take a quick shower in the morning, but the water pressure is low or spurting out in different directions. When this happens, you may opt to contact a local plumber to unclog the showerhead, or simply DIY. Obviously, it is cheaper and more convenient to do it yourself so long as you have the necessary tools, materials, and skills set for the job. In terms of equipment, you would need a pipe wrench, adjustable pliers, and a wire brush. For materials, you would require a basin, distilled white vinegar, and denture tablets. If you have everything mentioned above, here is a systematic guide to unclogging showerheads:

    1. Detach the showerhead from its pipe using the pipe wrench and pliers. Before you begin, wrap a rag around the two fixtures to prevent scratching or denting the metal coating. Grasp the delivery pipe with the wrench to prevent it from moving, and clutch the showerhead with the pliers. Turn the pliers anticlockwise with some force until the showerhead begins to rotate.

    2. Pour the distilled white vinegar into the basin and immerse the showerhead inside. You may warm the vinegar before inserting the fixture if the faceplate is very grimy within. Leave it to soak in the basin for about an hour or two.

    3. Remove the showerhead from the basin and dry it with a rag. Scrub its interior surface gently using the wire brush to remove all the sediments lodged inside. Afterwards, rinse it under running water.

    4. Boil some water, pour it on a clean basin, and insert the denture tablets. Once they liquefy, insert the showerhead inside and soak it for another hour or two.

    5. Remove the showerhead from the solution, rinse it, and then scrub it gently using the brush to remove any remaining particles.

    6. Rinse the showerhead under running water, and screw it back to the pipe.

    The quality of water passing through home plumbing fixtures always affects their performance over time. For instance, showerheads are mostly prone to blockages due to mineral impurities and sediments present in water. Unblocking the faceplate netting is necessary when this happens to avoid inconveniences. The above guidelines enumerate how to go about with such repair projects without necessarily having to pay a professional for the service.

    0 Comments
    sorted by
    Comments for this topic is now closed