Particularly during summer and fall months like the ones we’re in now, showers around the home will be getting plenty of use. Showers use as much water as any household appliance, often more, and this also means they require a relatively great deal of maintenance over time.

We’re here to help at Whipple Plumbing. One of the most common areas we see homeowners struggle with when it comes to the shower? The head and nozzle. These areas bear the direct brunt of streaming water, and they undergo quite a bit of stress over time. Here are some tips on how to easily clean shower heads and nozzles to avoid clogs.

Nozzle Cleaning

Step one in this process is removing and cleaning the nozzles. For shower models that come with flexible rubber nozzles, this is a breeze: Simply use a finger or small toothbrush to massage each individual nozzle, removing all mineral buildups that have collected over time. Be sure not to skip this step – doing so can lead to major clogging issues even if you do a great job in other areas.

Shower Head

Now it’s time to soak the head, which is possible for both removable heads and non-removable models. Both will use vinegar for soaking. For removable heads, simply detach them and submerge them into for a few hours before re-attaching and running the water for a few minutes.

Heads that don’t remove will require a couple more steps. First get a plastic bag, and fill this with vinegar. Then wrap the bag tightly around the shower head, securing it with elastic or strong tape. Leave it for a few hours, and then run the shower for a few minutes to clear out any extra vinegar.

Filter Screen

In most cases, you’ll only be able to clean your filter screen if you have removable shower heads. In these cases, you may have to consult a manual to find out exactly where the filter screen is – in most models, it’s in the area of the shower head that connects to the pipe. Once you have the screen removed, run it under water and remove deposits with a soft toothbrush.

To learn more about cleaning showerheads, or to find out about any of our other commercial or residential plumbing services, speak to the pros at Whipple Plumbing today.