Improve Your Water Pressure By Cleaning Your Showerhead The Right Way
Low water pressure in the shower isn’t just annoying, it can ruin the whole start of your day. You might assume it’s a plumbing issue, but sometimes the fix is much simpler and your showerhead just needs a proper clean. Not just a rinse or quick wipe, but a deep clean that clears out the stuff you don’t see. Here’s how to get it done in a way that actually makes a difference.
Don’t Just Scrub It, Soak It
Wiping the outside of your showerhead might make it look cleaner, but the real problems build up inside. Minerals from hard water and leftover product can clog the tiny spray holes. Unscrew the showerhead and let it soak overnight in white vinegar. It’ll help loosen all the gunk inside that you can’t reach. You don’t need fancy tools or special cleaners. Just vinegar, a bowl, and a bit of time can clear out months of buildup without you having to force anything.
Check the Filter Screen
Most people don’t even know their showerhead has a filter screen. It’s usually tucked inside the connection point, where the water pipe meets the head. Over time, it can collect sediment, rust flakes, and other buildup. Use tweezers or a small screwdriver to carefully remove the screen. Rinse it under running water and gently scrub with an old toothbrush if it’s clogged. Or, you can just replace it.
If Vinegar Doesn’t Work
Now, vinegar works wonders for mineral buildup, but it won’t solve everything. If your water pressure doesn’t improve after soaking and cleaning, take a closer look at the rubber nozzles. Some modern showerheads have flexible rubber tips that can get blocked with grime or even mold. These need to be gently rubbed or pinched to loosen debris. If you’re still seeing weak flow, try using a descaler specifically made for calcium and lime. It’s a step up from vinegar, and worth using once in a while when the buildup is too tough for natural cleaners.
Don’t Over-Tighten
Once everything is clean and ready to go back, it’s tempting to twist the showerhead on as tight as possible. But over-tightening can actually crush internal washers or crack plastic parts, which could cause leaks. Instead, hand-tighten it gently, then give a slight final twist with a wrench, just enough to keep it snug but not jammed. Make sure you’re using plumber’s tape on the threads, too.
Make It a Monthly Habit
Most people only clean their showerhead when it’s clearly struggling. But waiting that long means buildup gets worse and harder to remove. A quick soak once a month can help maintain a good water pressure year-round. Even just detaching it and flushing it out with hot water every few weeks can help keep it clear! Like brushing your teeth, regular upkeep beats emergency fixes.
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Cleaning your showerhead is a known chore, but not one that gets done often enough, as it’s something we don’t tend to think about until there’s a problem. Knowing how to flush it out when your water pressure gets weak or, better yet, how to keep on top of it so that never happens, can help keep stress at bay when it does come time to give your showerhead a good clean.
Daniel Mitchell
