Are you a fan of 80’s sitcoms? We can’t help but place the hilarious “Perfect Strangers” in our top three shows of all time! Perhaps, it’s the episode entitled “Pipe Dreams” that has really made us fans of the series. In it, the famous cousins, Larry and Balki attempt to change a showerhead in their girlfriends’ apartment. The end result is a destroyed bathroom and a lot of laughs (for the audience, not the characters).
If you need to change your showerhead, hopefully you’ll have a lot easier time than the main characters of “Perfect Strangers”. But how will you know when it’s the right time to make the switch?
Weak water pressure.
Are you finding that the once powerful spray of water emanating from your showerhead has weakened to a sad little trickle? There’s no way to take a thorough shower under such a condition. Over the course of time, mineral deposits and debris can accumulate in your showerhead. This blocks the flow of water, significantly reducing your shower’s efficiency.
In addition, a showerhead that offers weak water pressure can actually be spiking your water bill. That’s because it’ll encourage you to stand under the shower longer, wasting more water in the process. By replacing your showerhead, you’ll be able to enjoy the refreshing blast that you’ve been missing.
Leaks and drips.
Avid readers of the 2 Bro’s Plumbing Blog have been well informed of the damage that water leaks and drips can cause in your household. An inflated water bill is only one issue. Persistent leaks and drips from your showerhead don’t just waste water, they can also cause rust and mineral stains in your shower. Of course, this only complicates your cleaning routine. With a new showerhead, you can avoid potential corrosion and other damage.
A worn out O-ring is a top cause of leaky showerheads. The O-ring sits on the inside of the showerhead, forming a seal to prevent water from escaping. As the O-ring wears down over time, the seal becomes compromised, letting water seep out. A defective valve could also be the culprit. If it becomes loose, the water won’t shut off properly. It will end up leaking through the showerhead.
Mould and mildew.
Mould and mildew thrive in moist environments and can pose health risks. This is especially true for those with allergies or respiratory issues. It’s certainly not uncommon to see icky black mould growing in and around your shower’s tiles. If you spot it, it’s wise to take some vinegar-based cleaner to it. We would recommend the same action if your showerhead is mouldy. Although a bit burdensome, a mould removal strategy can lengthen the life of your showerhead.
You can pour about one cup of distilled white vinegar into a large plastic food storage bag and place it over your showerhead to submerge it in the liquid. Use a zip tie or tape to secure the bag in place and leave it there overnight or for about eight hours. Remove the bag in the morning and turn the hot water on at full pressure. This will help to remove remaining deposits. Since mould and mildew can be difficult to fully remove from the nooks and crannies of an old showerhead, you may wish to opt for a new, easy-to-clean model.
For more expert plumbing advice or help with any plumbing issues in your home, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 905-556-0790. You may also email us at admin@2brosplumbing.ca.
