Low water pressure is an annoyance difficult to live with, especially when it’s insufficient to remove shampoo from your hair. There are several potential causes of low water pressure. When it only involves the showerhead, the problem is probably due to clogging, and a simple cleaning will set it right. While there are few tasks the average homeowner can provide to a home’s plumbing in Katy; cleaning the showerhead is a job you can take care of without the assistance of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Rosenberg.

Due to federal regulations, showerheads are designed to reduce the flow of water delivering only a specific amount per minute. If you have recently purchased a new showerhead, your low water pressure may be related to the water restrictions of the showerhead as mandated by law.

However, a showerhead that previously performed well can become clogged due to the buildup of hard water minerals. A visual inspection of the head will show visible buildup. The heads are usually easy to screw off and on and don’t require specialized tools. Some aren’t removable for cleaning, and in this blog, we will tell you how to clean those also.

Cleaning a Showerhead

After removing the head, first, test the finish in an inconspicuous area with a little vinegar. Some finishes are marred by vinegar, especially plastic heads with a painted metallic finish.

Once you know it’s safe to use vinegar on the head, place it into a container with white vinegar covering it completely. The amount of time required will vary depending on the amount of buildup. Some require nothing more than an hour to soak, others require overnight sitting in the solution. Once the majority of the buildup has dissolved and fallen off, use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the remaining residue off. Repeat if necessary. You can use a dental pick or straightened paper clip to clean individual holes of the remaining residue. Once clean, rinse the head thoroughly and screw it back on.

For showerheads that can’t be removed, use a leak-proof bag with enough vinegar inside to cover the showerhead, slipping it over the showerhead and securing with a thick rubber band. The cleaning instructions are the same as for a removable head. Rinsing will be more difficult, so turn on the shower to rinse the internal components while using a container to rinse the exterior.

Clogged Pipes

If cleaning the showerhead doesn’t provide results, turn the shower on without the head attached. If water isn’t provided, there is likely a blockage in the waterline. Hard water may have blocked the pipe, or if the pipe material is an outdated galvanized pipe, corrosion may be blocking it. Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Rosenberg for repair of your plumbing in Katy.

However, if the water supply is sufficient, the showerhead may be faulty and should be replaced. Our plumbers can provide the services you need for your plumbing in Katy.

A Warning about Galvanized Pipe

Galvanized pipe is an outdated material that can corrode and will result in water leaks, with potential damage to your home and its foundation. If you have this pipe in your home, it’s recommended to replace it with modern pipe materials as soon as possible. Signs of a potential water leak include low water pressure. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Rosenberg in Katy can provide the repiping you need for your home’s plumbing in Katy.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Rosenberg offers licensed plumbers with the expertise to ensure reliable plumbing services for your home. Recognized nationwide, you can call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Rosenberg with confidence when you need installation, repair or maintenance of plumbing in Katy. We serve Katy, Houston, Sugar Land and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.