If your shower behaves more like a leaky tap, hard water might have gotten the best of your shower head. If you need to take a day off work to complete that shower, finding a solution is a must.
The vast majority of water in Canada is considered hard, (Above 17 ppm.) If your water isn't being treated by your municipality, it is up to you to restore your water to a gentler state. There are many signs of hard water that will have you running for the softener. Damage to plumbing fixtures, appliances, and clogged pipes are all signs that you may be suffering from the effects of hard water. Cleaning just about anything will be more difficult, and your shower head is no exception. With its intricate design, hard water will quickly clog it, leaving you without a good rinse. If bad hair days haven't already alerted you to the existence of hard water in your home, testing your water will.
What's clogging your shower head? Minerals. Minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, brass and manganese. These stains can be unsightly. Over time, build up occurs and thickens, leaving clogged pipes and appliances all over your home. If you can visibly see this build up on your shower head, your daily shower has likely been suffering for a while. This will also be the time you will want start looking for a solution to the problem. There are things you can do to soften your water, but in the meantime getting that shower head unclogged is the priority.
1. Remove your shower head.
Removing your shower head may be a simple task or one that is complicated. If you are going to be removing your shower head often for the purposes of cleaning, it is wise to invest in one that can be easily detached.
2. Chemicals vs. Vinegar
Chemical use should always be a last resort. Place your shower head in a pail or large bowl. Submerge it in white vinegar. You may choose to purchase industrial strength vinegar, but in the end, plain old French fry vinegar will do.
3. Soak
Soak your shower head overnight. Several hours at the least will be required. This soak will loosen the deposits left from hard water.
4. Scrub
Using an old toothbrush, do your best to scrub out the many holes in your shower head. If you have soaked the unit for long enough, this won't be a difficult task.
5. Rinse
Give it a good rinse with water and reinstall. Check that your water pressure has been restored.
If you choose to use chemicals to get the job done, use with caution. Many can be abrasive and do more harm than good. Good ventilation will ensure that fumes don't hamper your efforts.
Although hard water is not hazardous to your health, it can wreak havoc on your pipes, appliances and plumbing fixtures. If you haven't had a good rinse in a while, it's time to unclog that shower head and beat hard water at its own game.
Are you having trouble with hard water? A. Mckenna Plumbing can help. Contact us today!