How to Unclog a Showerhead

Household water contains minerals that can build up in plumbing fixtures. This is especially the case for houses that have hard water. Hard water deposits leave water spots and discolorations on metal surfaces and can clog fixtures. Thorough cleaning with white vinegar removes mineral deposits, making fixtures look and work better. The Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) lists vinegar as a safe, nontoxic and effective household cleaner.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rag
• Pipe wrench
• Adjustable pliers
• Plastic tub or large pot
• White vinegar
• Old toothbrush
• Toothpick

1. Unscrew the shower head. Locate the spot where the shower head screws into the pipe. Wrap a rag around the shower head and adjoining piping so the tools do not scratch the metal surfaces. Grasp the pipe with a pipe wrench to prevent the pipe from moving. Grasp the shower head with adjustable pliers and turn the shower head counterclockwise to remove the shower head from the pipe.

2. Fill a plastic tub or large pot with white vinegar.

3. Place the shower head in the vinegar-filled tub or pot. Add more vinegar if it does not fully cover the shower head.

4. Soak the shower head in the vinegar overnight. The acidic vinegar will loosen and dissolve mineral deposits.

5. Clean the shower head after it has soaked overnight. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the shower head clean. Poke a toothpick into the shower head spray holes to unblock mineral deposit clogs

6. Hold the shower head under a faucet of cold running water to remove the vinegar.

7. Screw the shower head back on by following the same steps you used to unscrew the shower head--except turn the shower head clockwise to screw it back on.

8. Turn on the shower to remove any leftover vinegar, debris or mineral deposits before using it.

Tips & Warnings

• If these steps do not unclog the shower head, you may need to replace the old shower head. Low water pressure could also be your problem. Turn up the house water pressure by turning the outside main water supply valve counterclockwise or call a plumber.

References

• MARC - Safe Household Cleaning Products