According to experts
If the water pressure in your shower leaves a lot to be desired, the time may be nigh to clean — or outright replace — your shower head. Plumbing jobs can be intimidating, even to the most confident at-home DIYer. But removing a shower head, either to clean it or to replace it outright, is a simple and straightforward job that most people will be able to successfully take on. And, if the idea of fooling around with plumbing is more than you’re willing to do, that’s A-OK: You can clean a shower head to remove mineral deposits and other buildup while it’s still attached, no tools required!
Essential products and tools for cleaning a shower head:
Vinegar
Sandwich Bags
Rubber Bags
Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
How often to clean a shower head
People should clean their shower head at least once a month to reduce mineral and bacteria buildup, and prevent mold growth. Regular maintenance is especially important in areas with hard water. Over time, particles and minerals build up on the inside of your shower head. This will especially be a problem if your water is hard. Over time, these particles will make the water coming from your shower head coarser and harder on your skin and the walls of your shower.
Signs a shower head needs to be cleaned
While regular maintenance is ideal, cleaning a shower head isn’t part of every household’s cleaning routine and you may find yourself doing so on more of an ad-hoc basis. When you notice a decline in the quality of your shower experience, it could be a sign the shower head needs attention. Some signs that signal your shower head needs cleaning, ere when you notice your shower failing to provide strong, constant water pressure, plus the exterior of the showerhead showing mold or limescale build-up.
How to clean a shower head without removing it
It is recommended that the following method for cleaning a shower head without removing it.
Step 1: Mix a solution of equal parts water and distilled white vinegar in a sandwich bag. The bag should be about halfway full with the vinegar solution.
Step 2: Attach the bag to the showerhead, ensuring the shower head is submerged in the vinegar solution, and secure the top of the bag to the neck of the shower head with a rubber band.
Step 3: Allow the shower head to soak in the vinegar solution for 30 minutes. Remove and discard the bag and cleaning solution, and dry the shower head with a microfiber cloth, using firm pressure to wipe away buildup.
Step 4: Clean buildup on the nozzle with a toothpick, pushpin, paper clip or toothbrush.
While it might sound like an old school method to unclogging and cleaning your shower head, many people still rely on toothpicks and toothbrushes to get into the nitty-gritty that can’t be easily removed with a sponge. This method might require removing your shower head so you can get in between the holes. If there are still issues with water flow after descaling a shower head using this method, the problem may be that the filter needs to be cleaned. Every shower head has a filter screen and cleaning it can dramatically improve the flow of water and efficiency of your fixture as a whole. The filter, which will be connected to the pipe, should be removed, flushed with water to dislodge buildup, and returned to the shower head. You should notice an immediate difference in the water pressure of your shower.
Essential products and tools for installing, removing and/or replacing a shower head
This helpful guide to plumbing tools; while you will not need all of these tools to install a shower head, knowing what they are and what they do is helpful before attempting any type of DIY plumbing projects:
Adjustable Wrench Set
Pipe Wrench Combo Set
Adjustable Wrench & Tongue & Groove Plier
Plumbers Putty
Plumbers Tape
How to install, remove and/or replace a shower head
Fixed head showers are the simplest to work with but offer fewer options for upgrades. In this configuration, the supply water pipe is simply sticking out of the shower wall, covered by a flange for cosmetics. The shower head is attached directly to the pipe. When it comes to ceiling-mount shower heads, like the popular rain-shower-style shower heads, following the same steps for removing and cleaning a fixed-head shower. Be aware that converting a wall mount shower to a ceiling mount shower is a task best left to the professionals. It requires rerouting the supply pipe, so most homeowners only make this upgrade during a complete renovation.
Step 1: Ensure water is turned off at the tap.
Step 2: Unscrew existing head counterclockwise until freed and remove it.
Step 3: Clean soap scum or limescale from threads of the supply pipe.
Step 4: Wrap threads with plumber’s tape to ensure a tight seal.
Step 5: Attach the new shower head by screwing it on clockwise until hand-tight.
Step 6: Turn on water to test.
Step 7: Hand-tighten as necessary to prevent leaks.
How to install handheld shower heads
Handheld shower heads are extremely convenient. Not only do they help you reach all the spots you need to clean, they’re also handy for washing kids, dogs, and the shower itself. It doesn't take any special tools or skills to install.
Step 1: Turn water off at the tap.
Step 2: Remove the old shower head by unscrewing counterclockwise.
Step 3: Clean supply pipe threads of dirt, soap scum or limescale.
Step 4: Wrap threads on the supply pipe with plumber’s tape.
Step 5: Screw new handheld shower mount onto the water supply pipe and hand-tighten.
Step 6: Connect the shower head hose to the mount and to the shower head if not already connected.
Step 7: Place handheld shower head into the cradle on the mount.
Step 8: Turn on water and check for leaks.
Step 9: Hand-tighten as necessary to stop leakage.
Adapted from: CNN
Commentaires