How to Loosen a Stuck Plumbing Shower Head
Mineral deposits consisting of calcium and lime can build up in a shower head and reduce its efficiency by restricting the flow of water. Removing the shower head to clean or replace it usually requires only a few minutes of your time. However, you may discover that the deposits have crept into the threads of the shower head fitting and caused the shower head to become stuck. You can break the deposits and free the shower head with a few tools and materials. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Plastic bag
- White vinegar
- String
- Paper towels
- Rags
- Pipe wrench
- Lockjaw pliers
Please enter your 10 digit phone number only.
A link to this article has been sent to the phone number provided.
Instructions
-
-
1
Fill a durable plastic bag with white vinegar.
-
2
Tie the vinegar-filled bag securely to the shower neck pipe with string. Make sure the shower head connection to the neck pipe is submerged in the vinegar. Leave the bag overnight to give the vinegar time to work.
-
-
3
Remove the vinegar bag, and wipe the pipe connection dry with paper towels.
-
4
Wrap a rag around the neck pipe and another around the shower head connection fitting to protect their finishes.
-
5
Place a pipe wrench over the neck pipe, close to the shower head fitting.
-
6
Grip the shower head fitting with lockjaw pliers, and turn the shower head fitting counterclockwise to remove it.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Commercial lime-dissolving products can be used as a substitute for white vinegar.
Consider wrapping the threads of the neck pipe with pipe thread tape prior to replacing the shower head. The next time the shower head needs to be removed, the tape will provide the edge you need.
Avoid using penetrating oil in shower stalls. The oil can create other problems, such as pollution, if it passes through the drain system.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
