Common Showerhead Problems and How to Fix Them

You’re ready for a shower after a long day or to kick off your morning routine. You go to the trusty handle, and… it becomes clear something is wrong. 

Facing a problem with your showerhead? Read on to learn more about common showerhead problems and how to fix them to get back to an uninterrupted bathing routine. 

Clogged Showerhead

If you’ve noticed a slower trickle of water from your showerhead that’s worsened over time, it may be clogged. Clogs can be caused by a build-up of minerals inside the fixture, likely calcium or limescale. Your first step is to clean your showerhead. 

How to Clean Your Showerhead

1. Scrub the Nozzles: Give your showerhead a good scrub with warm water to dislodge any noticeable buildup. We’ll combat more stubborn obstructions with the next step. 
2. Soak in Vinegar: Vinegar is a gentle way to remove mineral build-up. Pour the vinegar into a large bowl and soak your showerhead in it for a few hours. If you have a detachable showerhead, place it in a container of vinegar. If your showerhead is attached to your shower, fill a plastic bag with vinegar and secure it around the showerhead with tight rubber bands. 
3. Scrub Again: Once your showerhead has soaked for a few hours, scrub it again with warm water to remove the buildup. The vinegar will have broken down the mineral deposits, but you’ll need to scrub well to remove them fully. You may want to use your regular cleaning solution afterward.  

Faulty Shower Valve

A faulty shower valve may be to blame if you’re struggling with low water pressure or poor water temperature regulation. Your shower lever may get stuck or make loud grinding noises if this is your issue. There are several things that may be the root cause of this problem, so eliminating possibilities one by one is the best way to determine what’s at fault. 

Potential causes of a faulty shower valve include:

• Cracked or corroded rubber rings. When the valve fails, you’ll notice lower water flow. If this issue has cropped up suddenly, this is likely your cause.
• Misaligned mixing valves may affect how much hot or cold water is sent to the showerhead. If you’re experiencing low water pressure or unexpected temperature changes with no mineral build-up, this could be the culprit. You may need to hire a professional plumber to confirm this. 
• A closed or partially closed valve affects your shower’s water pressure and may be the cause of your issues. This will require a professional to fix as well. 
• Consider your showerhead compatibility. If you recently replaced your showerhead and notice a drop in water pressure, it could be that your new product isn’t the right fit for your plumbing. Simply replacing your showerhead with a proper size or make will have your shower running smoothly. 

Water Tank or Supply Line Leaks

The more leaks you have in and around your faucet or showerhead, the more water you waste. Water waste can impact your utility bills over time, so it’s important to address this issue quickly. You could be losing more water to leaks than you use during your daily shower. 

You may also have a leak in the tank. Leaks may not show as cracks on the tank itself, but be present in pools of water nearby or through sudden mold or mildew problems. With these, it’s best to call in professionals. Depending on the severity of the situation, you may need more than a plumber. If mold or mildew is at hand, a mold inspection service may need to step in. 

Anode Rod Goes Bad

Anode rods keep components inside your water heating tanks from corroding. They sit at the top of the tank, attracting oxidizing elements to prevent the tank from rusting. When they go bad, this system fails, meaning the tank could begin to rust. 

What Happens When an Anode Rod Goes Bad?

Your shower will likely have rust-colored water or smell odd. You’ll need to contact a professional familiar with your water heater brand to inspect the tank and make the necessary repairs. A professional should inspect your water heater approximately every four years to catch potential problems before they arise. The sooner you identify the problem, the better.

Time for an Upgrade?

Leaving faulty showerheads alone and not dealing with the problem as soon as possible will only create a worse—and more costly—problem down the line. It’s worth your time and effort to address them as soon as possible. 

If it’s the end of the line for your current shower, upgrading is an excellent decision for you and your peace of mind. With a KOHLER_® LuxStone_® shower, you’ll have a high-performance product that lasts for years to come. That way, you can get back to relaxing, peaceful showers! Get in touch with us today to learn more.