Hard water is not uncommon in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Minerals, mostly calcium and magnesium, within the water form solid deposits or scale on faucets and shower heads. The hard water scale clinging to the holes on a shower head eventually reduces water flow. Knowing how to clean a shower head makes it possible to restore strong water flow. You can usually see the scaly buildup. It should be the first thing to check when you wonder why pressure has diminished in the shower. If you see minerals clogging the nozzles, then a few minutes of scrubbing should solve the problem.
Tools You’ll Need 
- All-purpose bathroom cleaner
- Nylon bristle scrub brush or an old toothbrush
- Rubber gloves
- Channel-lock pliers
Why Are There Minerals In My Water?
Many water sources, both municipal and private wells, will contain minerals. Groundwater comes into contact with bedrock and picks up mineral elements. As a result, most water will contain some minerals. Usually, this is not a huge issue, but mineral deposits will gradually reach the point where you can see them. Eventually, the hard water scale could impact plumbing by impeding water flow.
How to Clean a Shower Head Step by Step
- Unscrew the shower head in a clockwise rotation from the shower arm.
- If necessary, use the channel-lock pliers to grip the top of the shower head. Place a cloth between the shower head and the pliers to protect the surface from scratching.
- Place the shower head in a sink.
- Put on your gloves.
- Spray all-purpose cleaner liberally all over the shower head nozzle.
- Let it soak for a couple of minutes.
- Start scrubbing the nozzles.
- Rinse the shower head to see if minerals have been removed. Spray with cleaner and scrub again if necessary.
- Twist the back portion of the shower head off the front part.
- Take out the screen filter.
- Scrub the filter while running under water.
- Return the screen filter to the shower head and put the shower head back together.
- Twist the shower head back onto the shower arm.
- Run the shower to confirm that water pressure is better.
- Repeat this cleaning process whenever you notice the hard water deposits impeding water flow
Oliver Fixes Plumbing Problems
If scrubbing mineral buildup did not improve water flow in your shower, then you have a more extensive problem. Hard water scale could be starting to block flow in your pipes. You might have a leak or failing well affecting your water pressure. A licensed plumber from Oliver can diagnose your plumbing problem and fix it. Contact us today with any of your plumbing concerns and ask for a plumbing estimate.
