Removing Hard Water Buildup in Your Shower Head

Is your shower head not sending out the amazing jets of water that it once did? Next time you take a shower look closely at your shower head. If there is hard water build up all around the shower holes, all of those calcite deposits are preventing you from having the water pressure you need for an amazing shower. If you want to return your morning shower to the experience you expect it isn’t a difficult task. In fact, you can have your shower ready to go by morning.

The Tools

First grab the tools you will need; a pipe wrench or vice grips, a plastic container that is about the size of your shower head, a toothbrush, vinegar and plumbing tape.  You do not need to use harsh chemicals on your shower head. Ordinary, over-the-counter vinegar will do everything you need.

Cleaning Your Shower Head

1. Using your pipe wrench or vice grips grab the base of your shower head where it connects to the water delivery pipe. You want to grip and push counter clockwise to remove the head. If you have a metal shower head and you do not want to scratch up the surface, you can wrap the base in an old rag and then use your wrench.
2. Once the showerhead has been removed, put it in the plastic container and fill it up with vinegar until the showerhead is completely covered. If the hard water deposits are minimal, let it soak for 30 minutes. If the deposits are severe, let it soak overnight. The acetic acid in vinegar will remove the calcite deposits.
3. When your showerhead is done with its vinegar bath, grab the toothbrush and scrub. The hard water deposits will come off instantly. Make certain you pay special attention to the water exit holes on your showerhead. When the scrub is complete, you can dry your showerhead.
4. Take some plumbing tape and wrap it tightly around the threads of the water delivery pipe. Plumbing tape creates a water barrier and prevents leaks. Once the tape is in place, reattach your showerhead going clockwise. Now you are ready to use your shower.

A Permanent Solution

If you are tired of battling hard water deposits, there is a permanent solution. You can call Team Electric Plumbing & Air and have a water softener installed. A water softener removes the calcite before it can get to your pipes. You will notice that your showerhead stays clean. Any appliances in your home that use water, like your dish washer and water heater, will last longer.

Imagine all those hard water deposits that you removed from your showerhead, no imagine them inside of your appliances and you immediately know why they will last longer when you have a water softener installed. With Team Electric Plumbing & Air, you know that your new water softener will be installed the right way the first time. We have a large selection of water softeners and will help you pick out one that will be perfect for your home. When you want the best in a New Jersey plumber, you need to call Team Electric Plumbing & Air.